2002 Buick Rendezvous Review
Fuel Economy
18 - 20 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A much improved version of the Aztek, but with an old-tech, low-power V6 and still relatively awkward proportions, it's a tough sell over an MDX.
Pros
Available third-row seat that folds flush with the load floor, independent rear suspension, optional rear parking assist.
Cons
Down on power compared to the competition, minimal off-road capability.
What's New for 2002
Who woulda thought -- a Buick SUV? More accurately, the Rendezvous is one of a new breed of crossover vehicles that combines the look and utility of an SUV with the comfort of a touring car. The Rendezvous is based on the Pontiac Aztek, itself based on GM's minivan family consisting of the Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana and Oldsmobile Silhouette.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Mechanical Nightmare
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Do not buy this Buick RDV. Now at 114,000 miles but everything breaks, first the AC, other repairs, then window motors, head gaskets rebuilt, now AWD disable light on, dealer said new hub and sensors needed for $600. Has cost me close to $8000 since 2004. Now excessive rust on front of Hood, visibly accelerating. Service Mgr said I should write to Buick, as repairs have been excessive. Buick rep said too bad, its not under warrenty. Never again will I buy GM.
Favorite Features
Stereo and CD system. Visibility.
Suggested Improvements
Build a mechanically reliable car like a Toyota. This car cost more in repairs than my last four cars combined.
Too costly to repair!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Buick Rendezvous CX Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought my Buick used with 17,000 miles on it. I have had all the bearings replaced. And the air conditioner condenser replaced twice in two years. The brakes do not last and other stuff I can't remember. The glove compartment hinge broke and they wanted the whole glove box replaced. The windshield fluid freezes up when it gets below zero even though I used special winter fluid. Now the service engine light is on and it won't pass the EPA check, so I have to trade it or buy a new sensor at $400 +. My next car will be a Toyota, Honda or some other reliable car that my friends rave about. I can no longer afford to "buy American" Are you listening, GM?
Favorite Features
Comfortable on long drives, and folding and removable seats are excellent for hauling stuff.
Suggested Improvements
GM should stand behind their product. Constant repairs are the reason I will never buy a GM product again no matter how may great deal offers they send me.
Keeps me broke
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This car is the fanciest I have ever owned. Plus the costliest. I like the ride and comfort, leather, heated seats and all the bells and whistles but when things go wrong, it's expensive. In the almost three years I've owned this car, I've put a crankshaft sensor, O2 sensor, 6 tires, brakes all around, 2 wheel bearings, and now I need the AC fixed - condensor, two rear "knuckles", and the motor for the AWD. A recall on the wheel bearings was a joke. The mileage perimeter was 65,000. miles and I purchased it with 64,000. so six months later, the recall was toast. Now I hope it lasts til I can pay it down enough to get another car. I was offered $2500 trade and I still owe $9700 on it
Favorite Features
Heated leather seats, back up feature, third seat and cargo room. Comfortable to drive.
Suggested Improvements
Any mechanical parts and many dangerous stuff to go wrong. What else that others have posted will go wrong with mine? Do I have to rebuild the whole car? Expensive to maintain and very low resale value. No wonder they quit making them.
AC problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought this Rendezvous used when it was 2 yrs old. A/C didn't work and dealership hid that fact. Had electrical problems and had to pay to have them fixed. Then stereo blew and couldn't use CD player at all! Low price as a used minivan but many problems!
Favorite Features
Heated front seats
Suggested Improvements
Electrical system!
An Outstanding Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This car is the best car I have ever owned and I am 71 years old. We purchased the car new at the beginning of 2002. It has been a pleasure to drive. The lowest our gas mileage has been is 15 mpg and that was in stop and go freeway driving in San Diego. We ususally get 17 to 18 mpg around town and 23 to 26 mpgs on trips.It's comfort and dependability are unequaled. My only complaint is that Buick stopped making them.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
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