Overview & Reviews

At its debut for the 2002 model year, the Buick Rendezvous midsize crossover SUV was touted as a cross between a luxury sedan, an SUV and a minivan. But in reality, the Rendezvous didn't offer the level of interior design and driving excitement that luxury car buyers expected. And although Buick's crossover could seat up to seven and had the requisite fold-flat third-row seat, it was too small to appeal to minivan buyers, and it didn't have much of a styling advantage over them anyway.

An optional all-wheel-drive system made the Rendezvous a less costly alternative to true SUVs for buyers needing a snow vehicle, but otherwise this Buick wasn't particularly rugged. Over the years, the Rendezvous fell behind the rest of the crossover SUV crowd, which exploded into a very competitive market dominated by the leading import brands.

Rather than update the Rendezvous, Buick decided to halt production midway through the 2007 model year. For used car consumers who can accept the Rendezvous' faults, it could still prove to be an affordable, practical choice for a family vehicle. But we think the vast majority of shoppers would be better served by other, more refined crossovers, including Buick's own Enclave.

Most Recent Buick Rendezvous
Sold from 2002 through the first half of 2007, the Buick Rendezvous was typically offered in two basic trim levels, CX and CXL. There was also a high-line Rendezvous Ultra model in 2004 and '05. Since Buick considered the Rendezvous a premium crossover, even the base CX trim came with a decent list of standard features, including keyless entry, power accessories, air-conditioning and a CD player. The Rendezvous CX came with a five-passenger seating arrangement.

You could pick up a third-row seat on the CXL as a standard or optional feature, depending on the model year. This was also your ticket to leather upholstery, power front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, wood-tone cabin trim and alloy wheels. In addition to a more powerful engine, the Ultra model came with second-row captain's chairs (dropping seating capacity to six), satellite radio and a head-up display. These items were moved to the CXL's options list when the Ultra was discontinued.

But Buick stopped short of its competitors when it came to high-end amenities. Key safety features like ABS and front-seat side airbags were moved to the options list after the '02 model year, and items like stability control and side curtain airbags were never available. Buick did at least offer a DVD-based navigation system (starting in 2004) and a rear DVD entertainment system (starting in 2003) as options.

Although the Rendezvous' interior design and materials were better than most General Motors fare of the time, it wasn't quite up to import-brand standards. It was, however, one of the roomier crossover SUVs on the market, with plenty of passenger room in the front and back. It wasn't quite a minivan substitute, though, as the third row was best left to the kids. Cargo room was generous, too (with a maximum capacity of 109 cubic feet), though Buick's packaging of the third-row seat made for an uneven load floor.

Three different engines were offered on the Buick Rendezvous, and all were paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. For 2002 and '03, the only choice was a 3.4-liter V6 with 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration was sluggish, but fuel economy was above average for this class. In 2004 and '05, you could get either this engine or, on the Ultra model, a more sophisticated 3.6-liter DOHC V6 good for 245 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. For 2006, Buick replaced the old 3.4-liter with a more vigorous 3.5-liter V6 rated at 201 hp and 216 lb-ft of torque. It still wasn't a very refined engine for this class, but acceleration was improved. The 3.6-liter V6 remained optional for '06, but was discontinued at the end of the model year.

All-wheel drive (AWD) was standard on all 2002 Rendezvous models, but lower-cost front-wheel-drive versions were added the following year. Oddly, AWD was discontinued altogether for 2007, making the Buick Rendezvous the only crossover SUV not to offer any kind of all-weather capability.

In road tests we found the Rendezvous similar to most other Buicks in its driving characteristics, which is to say it focused on comfort at the expense of road feel. The vehicle's handling was sloppy, with considerable body roll around most corners. Neither the 3.4-liter nor the 3.5-liter engine was particularly competitive when it came to response or refinement, and the four-speed automatic's wide gear ratios didn't take full advantage of the power reserves. Although Rendezvous models equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 still had this old-tech transmission, they felt much stronger during passing and merging maneuvers. The 3.6-liter's power delivery was smoother and quieter as well.

Consumer reviews of the Buick Rendezvous have generally been favorable, as owners are pleased with its combination of interior space, ride comfort, fuel economy and overall value. Resale value has never been a strong point for the Rendezvous, so if you're in need of an affordable family vehicle, it might be worth a look on the used car market. We'd advise you to zero in on 2004-'06 models equipped with the 3.6-liter V6.

User Reviews:

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  Just Love My Rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By AzSunShine - December 29 - 3:16 am

  I have had this vehicle for 5 weeks and Im absolutely in love with. I read the reviews about the small engine and I feel the engine is more than adequate for my use. The ride is so smooth and it is very roomy inside. You have to open the entire rear door, which could use improving. As far as gas mileage goes I currenly am getting 16 mpg which is pretty good for the type of vehicle. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in a suv/van/car combo.

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  2003 Rendezvous - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By ntgumd - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV with 3rd seat/7 pass capacity, adequate power, good fuel economy and a host of gadgets/interior and exterior features that are available only in pricier vehicles

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  Best New Car Ive ever bought. - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By rwall5194 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  For the money, this is the best value on the market. The ride is unbelievable and I like the style and features. I previously owned a Ford Explorer and there is absolutely NO comparison. This Rendezvous sits on a van chassis and provides the most comfortable ride! Ive owned Lincolns, Cadillacs, and other so-called luxury cars and this is far and away the best-riding and most comfortable of all of them! We are really pleased with this purchase

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  Bored - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By KornBoy - November 4 - 2:00 am

  so far its been good it doesne really have any get up and go but that always can be fixed

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  Ill Keep My Vous for a Long Time - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Brentana - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive been looking at the Rendezvous since it came on the market and decided to buy at the beginning of the model year. Ive customized my SUV with full wood interior trim which covers a less than lovely center console. This car had everything I was looking for in an SUV, but particularly comfortable ride. Im beyond my sports car days, but think this SUV has a sporty appearance.

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  Love the RDV - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By hwks1 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Was looking for an SUV but wanted to keep van seating,configuration. The RDV is bigger than the Explorer,Pilot. RDV offers Captains charis second row,not Explorer,Pilot. RDV has back-up sensor which is fabulous, didnt know I needed until I tried it! Same goes for the speed control volume on the RDV stereo, cant get that on Pilot,Explorer. And speaking of tereos.. the RDV ROCKS! There is much to do about RDV performance, Drive it and judge for yourself. If you want pinned in your seat acceleration skip the RDV. If you want a comfortable vehicle that accelerates smartly and delivers excellent (for this type vehicle) fuel economy then take a look at RDV.

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  Rendezvous Review by Bill - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Willy 1 AZ - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is just the right size, has the right performance (with the 4 speed auto trans, gearing is just right most of the time for the engine hp) with nice luxury features. Gas milage is as advertised.

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  buick r - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By butchh - September 28 - 10:00 am

  we love it and it cheap to operate as well major fun to drive easy to park and move around in traffic

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  Best Kept Secret - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Pat Coles - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Going from a Park Avenue to this was not a disappointment. Roomy and comfortable, love the Navagation System; On-Star; Satellite Radio is great. Fuel mileage is one of its major problems; the other being a heavy rear hatch to open and close. Why not make it auto like everyone elses? Larger engine = more power and probably better fuel mileage. I consistantly use the "heads-up" display and raely look at the dash. But please, I can barely read the clock it is so small. Why not incorportate it with the "heads-up"?

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  Great SUV - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Leonid - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have just bought my Rendezvous Ultra and, so far, I have enjoyed driving this vehicle. The engine is very quite, the acceleration is great, and the ride is very smooth. The seats are very comfortable, and there are plenty of toys, like Navigation System, OnStar, memory seats,etc. to play with. I think that Buick has done a great job on Rendezvous. This is a second Rendezvouz in our family. The first one(CX trim) was bought by my son in September 2003, and he liked it. No complaints so far...