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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  WOW - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By john john - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV love everthing about it. Tons of room for everone, gives you the feeling of a fun bus ride. Rides like a car, handles like a car. You feel secure in this SUV. Well worth the money. Not a accura or lexus but not 5 to 10 thousand more either. Would tell everone to get one just for the fun of it!

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  Good car - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Don Eisenbraun - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The dials on the dash board are hard to read in bright sun light. But this is the only thing my wife & I have found to be disatisfied with on this vehicle. My wife uses the car for town traffic. I use the car for the once a week trips to Columbus.

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  2006 Buick Rendezvous AWD - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bob - September 22 - 9:28 pm

  Have had this car for 3 and half years now. Problems, AWD failed in the winter (short in the wiring) failed rear hatch touchpad, leaking transfer case and unreliable fuel gauge. Had to replace table bushings, tie rods, knuckle bushings and both front and rear brakes before reaching 40k. Thank God for the 48 month warranty. I am 54 and do not drive hard or abuse my vehicles. I own a 03 buick century that the wife drives and only had to change the front brakes once in 6 years. Rendezvous quality control stinks and I now understand why they do not make them anymore. When my lease expires in May, it is gone!!

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  Big Mistake - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By MP - September 21 - 7:37 am

  Purchased this vehicle with 35,000 miles on it. It was ok for the first year and then one thing after another started to go on this car. It seems to be in the shop every other month and each time costs range from $300 up to over $1000!!!! I am getting rid of this car and most likely wont buy another Buick any time soon!

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  love this suv - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By tbrown001 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  i have had this suv for 1 1/2 yrs.i love it and so does my family

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  Getting rid of soon...not soon enough - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By lkg112 - September 13 - 8:59 am

  When we bought ours in 2005, it had 41,000 miles on it. We now have just under 88,000 and its going to go when we get it out of the shop, AGAIN. We average around every 3-4 months in the shop for around a week at a time. Lots of issues, including new bearings, VersaTrak suspension went out, wiper motor didnt work after a month into the purchase. Several big ticket items. We purchased an extended warranty--4 years/100,000 miles through GM. We have gotten our moneys worth out of the warranty. Unfortunately, 4 years expired in July and now we have to have the rear differential replaced to the tune of $1500 out of our pocket. Ouch. Bye bye Buick. Not buying another GM product. P.O.S.

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  A TRUE AMERICAN VEHICLE - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By American - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Buick because it is an American made automobile and I want to contribute to my fellow Americans, help our economy and keep the money on our soil. As an extra bonus, I also bought a better automobile. It has a bigger engine than the others, better looking, was less expensive, much roomier, has a better ride, is safer, is more luxurious and has better gas milage than most other vehicles in its class. I have had it for several days, only paid 20K plus, have already received many complements, am really enjoying the vehicle and am very happy with my decision to buy another GM product.

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  2nd Rendezvous - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Robin Koykka - September 7 - 2:57 pm

  We really enjoyed our 2002 Rendezvous, owned an HHR and Escape since, and we find ourselves in a Rendezvous again. We love the versatility, the quiet, and the third row. We test drove the new Enclave, but found it hard to justify the price when this CXL has everything including heads up display (HUD). We have done a six week (16,000 km) road trip with the Rendezvous, and it was great. It handled all the terrain with ease. We did the complete Route 66, then West coast, Vancouver, the Rockies, Montana, Yellow Stone, the Black Hills, and headed back East to Midland Ontario all without a hitch. I recommend the Rendezvous CXL to anyone looking for a comfortable, and versatile people hauler.

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  GREAT vehicle - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By powwowron - August 28 - 5:10 pm

  I have over 176K miles on this vehicle and have only done routine maintenance on it until last month when it was rolling over 175K miles and it overheated and I had to have the head replaced, $4K. Other than that it has been a GREAT vehicle and if they still made them I would buy another.

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  You Get What You Pay For - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Greg - August 28 - 12:20 am

  I bought the Rendezvous for a traveling sales job in Canada. There is very cold weather and some rough roads but mostly City and Highway. The Highway drive is very smooth. The interior seating space is excellent. The price was good but I have encountered several annoying mechanical issues. I drove 100000 miles and have repaired (or should repair) the following rear axle seals, rear bearings, brakes (twice), Power steering noise, hatch handle, 1 power window, 3 sensors which killed ABS and turned on eng fault other issues severe buildup of snow and ice in wheelwells, floating gas gauge, worst factory stereo ever. They coulda had a winner but they cheaped out in the build.