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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  As good as I expected - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By tom0421 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This medium-sized SUV has turned out to be better than I expected. It is more of a car ride than the Expedition that I previously owned. It has plenty of power and handles extremely well around town and on the highway. The seats are firm and comfortable. While I thought the back up warning system was useless, because of the tailgate, Ive found it very useful.

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  Unexpected Surprise - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By REW - April 21 - 11:30 pm

  I was scepticle about buying an American vehicle after owning Hondas and Acuras for many years. My first choice was the Acura MDX, however it was out of my price range. I bought the Buick Rendevous after test driving it twice. I found the exceleration just fine. The interior appointments are luxurious and the eight speaker CD player has great sound. This vehicle is larger and more compfortable than other SUVs.

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  Not Buick Luxury - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By dickerd - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought a new Rendezvous in February, am already looking to get rid of it. Buick quality does not stand behind this vehicle. Many little annoying things are wrong - slow clock, squeaky seats, speakers blow all the time. Cant believe this thing made it through the wind tunnel in the design phase - its the noisiest car Ive ever owned. Severe fluttering wind noise around the windows, dealer unable to locate or correct. Loud around the windshield due to design. Outside noise sounds like its inside the car! This car is not worth the amount theyre asking for it. If youre looking for luxury, look elsewhere.

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  Rendezvous Requires Repairs - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By skbenedict - March 28 - 10:00 am

  First week of ownership, we had to take the car in for a malfunctioning climate control. By mid to late April, the car spent 1 1/2 weeks in the shop for a faulty electrical system (Body Control Module). The part had to be ordered twice as the first one had a glitch in it. The parts for this car are few and far between and not easily attainable. Im also disappointed in the mileage. Buick advertises 18/24 and we havent seen it go above 18 on the highway. Isnt there a law against false advertisement?

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  We love this car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Seashell Lady - March 25 - 10:00 am

  We have 26,000 miles on this car and are very happy with it.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Grandma258 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I am leasing my second Rendevouz. I like the ride, features, and style. The right colors are also important. Some do nothing for it. I have never leased the same vehicle more than once.

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  Urban SUV - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Druche - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This Buick SUV rates with high points. Going up to ski country was a breeze during blizzard conditions, the AWD working seemlessly. (ABS worked quite well too when I practicing my panic stops with no one around.) The heads up display always kept me aware of the speed for the conditions. Very comfortable for long trips. Being 6 tall, the 3rd row seat had plenty of room for me. Gas mileage was a little lower than expected for city driving (~ 13 MPG) but highway was fine (~ 24 MPG). The engine could use a bit more power (only 185 HP). 0% financing was a great incentive and helped with a deal with value.

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  SUVs for GRANDMAs OFFER GREAT FUN! - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By nancylandas - February 28 - 10:00 am

  After researching for the perfect car for five or six years and finding that Buick Rendezvous always came out in the top six, I test drove one, but found two problems: 1. It bothered my left leg while I drove 2. The price was higher than I wanted to pay. The dealership, FX Caprara was wonderful and I designed my own car, but then we could not agree on price. While visiting Texas I drove several and found the perfect price and purchased my Rendezvour, which I love. Gas mileage has improved, but I had hoped for the maximum suggested which maybe Iwill still achieve.

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  My Rendezvous - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By genome - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The seat belts are too tight, brakes and parts are too expensive,slippery on snowy roads,engine will not hold car from falling backwards on hill at a traffic light(even slight incline). Middle seat has insufficient cup holders.

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  Better than Grand Cherokee - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By Todd Hoover - February 16 - 2:00 am

  After two trouble-free years, my CXL is as quiet as when I got it, more comfortable and smoother ride than the Grand Cherokee it replaced. I highly recommend "crossovers" as they get better mileage, ride better and handle more like a car.