Used 2002 Buick Rendezvous SUV Consumer Reviews
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LUCKY (I GUESS)
It has been a pleasurable 3 years; I bought this car at a buy here pay here lot with 99000 miles on it, and it has been great. NO PROBLEMS, jus the usual breaks, oil change, and tires (which could get expensive). If I were to say something negative I would probably tell you that it is a gas consumer. Car has no problems, but as some of the reviews here I guess I'm a lucky one. GREAT CAR!!!!
Nice family car
I bought my 2002 Buick RDZ CXL near 80K miles for $5,500. So far the only significant maintenance that I have had to perform is replacing an expensive sensor in the rear dif. that enabled AWD ($650). Ouch! But no problems otherwise. Nice luxury features for the money. Will probably be switching air ride shocks for stock shocks because the air pump is going, but its just routine care. Not crazy about the lack of power, but it makes me drive slower (my wife is happier). Handled very well in the winter. Surprised that I don't need my truck every time I go to Lowes. Service Records did show that previous owner had trouble with intake. Not my dream car, but a nice cheap drive so far.
- CX 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,495575 mi away
- CX 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,022941 mi away
- CX 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,7771,667 mi away
2002 Buick Rendezvous get additional waranty!!!!
I have owned my Buick Rendezvous for almost 5 years. The additional warranty has paid for the car and then some in repairs. First day off the truck had 1000. tranny repair. Dealership I got it from paid due to warranty requirements of 400 miles or 4 mos of ownership prior to claims. I have had bad wheels, drive shaft repairs, differential problems, broken mirror, gas tank levels repairs, air conditioner condenser and compressor replacements, multiple sensor replacements, and now it is going in and out of AWD by itself and the ABS light comes on. I have never driven 10000 miles without a major repair. It had 35000 miles on it when I bought it and only has 78000 now. I am sure glad I have never sold the Honda Prelude it was supposed to replace because at 137000 miles, it still drives like new and apparently will be taking me to Montana in June because the Buick is back in the dealership for repairs once again. I totaled this car and was uninjured. It may have been the worst lemon of a car but it saved my life in the end. Of course, I bought a Nissan and a Mazda when I replaced this car.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Mistake
Bought used but shouldn't have, Luckily I got the extended warranty because 2 months later the transmission went out (While crossing the Bay Bridge into San Francisco- what an adventure!) Took a month to fix. No trouble for a while but then the something computer module which controls nearly everything went and it overheated. Spent tons of money to replace heads and the dealer (Covert Buick in Austin TX) and apparently they did not fix correctly. It's back in the shop after having it back for only 2 weeks. I should have just bought another car. The car is comfortable and I like driving it but it is the second worst car I've ever owned (The first worst was a Renault LeCar) Don't buy it!
Very happy with this car.
We bought this car new in Dec 2001. We have done regular maintanence. The car now have over 195,000 miles and is still great to drive. There were a few early repairs done under warrenty, but we have had few problems with the car. Just the unual, tires, brakes, shocks, regular oil changes, etc. I love driving the car. It is very comfortable. Even though the car in nearly 10 years old, many people thing is is still fairly new. They are always surprised to find out it is a 2002. So far the car has been very reliable. I was hoping to see more positive reviews of the car. I can only think that those cars that have been a problem were not properly maintained. We are very happy with ours.
Our 2002 CXL
After years of driving Buick Regals we decided to try a 2002 RDV.Being used to the power of the 3800 and SC3800 engines we are disapointed with the under powered 185 hp 3400 V-6.The 3800 Buick should have been used. Its nice looking from the front but from the rear it isnt so great. The worst problem is that in the past month we have had lots of electrical problems and will soon be on our 3rd BCM.Its soon to be out of warranty and if we keep it we will be purchasing a GM extended warranty as we dont trust its reliability.
Still going
I have owned my 2002 Rendezvous for 6 years now. I bought the car for $6,500. in 2007 and up till a year ago hardly had an issue. Last year I did do some engine work and this year replaced the transmission. The transmission was due to a solenoid. This is a common flaw in these transmissions. Other than that hardly any repairs. I did also replace the wheel bearings this year. Hoping to get another few years out of it.
Buick bombed on the Rendezvous
The worst vehicle I have ever owned. In 11 months the trasmision,air conditioning, fuel pump, body control module and the oxygen sensor has all needed work. With the total bills costing well over 5,000 dollars. All I can think is 3 more years until it's paid for. Don't buy one of these vehicles unless you're buying mine (it's almost new again).
Have owned 3 years with very few problems
I bought my Rendezvous used in 5/2004 for $17K and have had only one problem. The left front bearing went and was repaired under warranty. It has been a very reliable car, and is superb in the snow. I currently have 66,000 miles on it and no problems. I recommend buying a used one with an extended warranty. The gas mileage is very good for a truck this size. I get about 19/20 mpg average. None of the truck chasis SUV's can come close to the comfort and handling of this SUV. It's not perfect, but it's a steal if bought used. Go ahead and compare it to the Pilot, even MDX, it's that good.
Buick Rendezvous 2002 model
Needs better gas mileage. When they make the tailgate door automatic, I will purchase another Rendezvous. Still waiting for that to happen. They haven't changed anything about this SUV since its inception.
2002 - stay away
Various problems throughout the life. Initial purchase - rear hatch wouldn't relock, needed replacement, dealer broke the rear hatch when fixing it. 2005 - engine won't restart within 10 minutes of stopping engine - dealer has been unable to fix it after 3 tries, no help from GM. 2006 - Rear hatch problem again - the door unlocks all by itself. Dealer has replaced the body control module after replacing the lock against my advice. 2006 - The fuel guage doesn't accurately show the level.
Our best vehicle yet
This is my wife's SUV and our first one. My wife's feelings are this is the best driving vehicle we have owned yet. There have been many during our 40 years together. I like how it handles, as well as its appearance. It also comes in handy when we need the space to haul something. My wife calls it her shuttle because she drives myself and my oldest son to our VA doctors appointments. It is a lot better as for getting in and out of compared to a car. I guess you could say we are completely satisfied with our Rendezvous.
Must have bought the right one!
Purchased from a processional 1 owner couple @93k Fully loaded with tow package which was never used until me. I haul my lawn mower and a ton of pellets in Maine hills and windy roads. Only repairs where new brake pads and rotors. and rear self adjusting shocks which cost me $600 installed at a gm dealer. Much nicer then my Jeep grand Cherokee and Chevy Blazer and way nicer then any explorer ever made! gas mileage isn't bad about 18-22 cd player 6 disc didn't work when I purchased it. Time for a new odyssey though hope it sells fast it should the condition is nice and it has all the whistles. i am going to miss the heads up and heated seats!
With Remote Start
We purchased this vehicle 2nd hand for $8500 with Remote Starter. All in all this has been a good car for us and on many occasions had the need to use the 7 available seats (which doesn't leave a lot of cargo room). When the two back seats are hidden there is plenty of cargo room and when all seats are tucked a lot of cargo room but only two people for the front seats can ride. Only gets approx. 14 miles per gal. for a 6 cylinder. My gas gage has been broken since we purchased this vehicle but I am able to use the set (gas used) to determine when to fill up. The AWD light has been intermittent and/or on most of the time since we have owned this and always no one can figure out why... drives better when on (ha ha), breaks will sometimes grind when coming to a stop when the light is off, but no one see's this when testing... uggh! Repairs mostly normal wear and tear as with any vehicle oil, brakes, filters, battery and now alternator (we think). Early on we did have to have the head gasket repaired that was over $2000. Can be a bit expensive on even the smallest of repairs. Hate having to go to dealer to fix as they are always the most expensive! The alternator repair could cost over $450 unless I can find someone else to repair at a lower cost...uggh thank god for having a second car for the moment!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The Norm
My wife loves driving this vehicle. However, like all the others its 500- 1000 dollaring us to death. We have had the a/c problem. $700 and change. We have the driver side wind noise. $150 and change, now a sensor on the front wheel that causes a AWD off and no antilock brakes caution light to come on. Thats $500 and change. We also have a motor sound that runs in the beginning of a ride. I would call it a ride leveler pump but the dealer can't hear this noise. There are just a lot of problems it seems with this vehicle. Thank GOD she hasn't had the no start problem yet. But this one is no different than the others and I am sure its about to happen.
Great Car (SUV)
This vehicle is overall an exceptional SUV. It handles well and is fun to drive. I find that at times the car is a little under-powered so I expect that the weight to horsepower is a bit off. I do however accept this minor issue in favor of better gas mileage. A larger engine would simply eat more fuel. My wife loves the elevated view of the road ahead and uses this car daily. Underhood maintenance is a bit difficult. The air cleaner replacement is a real pain. Generally this is a great car.
Don't buy!
My daughter bought this car and it has been nothing but problems - first the antilock brake sytem went and could'nt be fixed - even by 3 different mechanics. Air conditioning went. Many service problems then last week it over heated and she pulled off the highway to let it cool down - It had to be towed and the head gaskets need to be replaced - Greenwood Chevy (Youngstown, Ohio) dealer says $1800 to replace - The car is money pit and is only worth about $2300. I would never buy another GM product again! ( Nor will she) If I ever buy American again it will be a Ford; but we're leaning towards Honda!
dont make this mistake
bought used. WORSE car EVER! first transmission went out, cost close to 2 grand to fix, then over heated due to a leak in the coolant system, blew an intake gasket costing another wad of money, then the AC went out, AWD and antilock break system went out, replaced thermostat three times, and now has a blown head gasket! been in the shop more than it has been driven. Still paying payment :(
Just Love My Rendezvous
I have had this vehicle for 5 weeks and I'm 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.
MOST UNRELIABLE CAR EVER
In the past year I had the versatrak AWD rear differential kick the buck ($8000 repair) then 2 months ago the transmission blew ($3000) then the torque tube, a part of the drive shaft acted up ($1500). Before all this all the head gasket leaked ($1500) and the wheel bearings have all been replaced ($300 each). So basically this car has sucked out all our savings. GM has way over priced all its parts especially the rear differential - $6000 for part alone. I didnt think any car could be this bad but GM has proven otherwise. I will never buy any GM product ever again. They deserve the mess they've gotten themselves into, because of all the overpriced lemons they've sold.
Snow Mobile
It is a reliable, surefooted AWD in snow, slush and rain, but only when coupled with premium aftermarket tires. A comfortable ride. It seems from research as well as my own experience that common problems include A/C condenser failure, engine antifreeze gasket leaks, and some have experienced transmission problems.
Finally Buick makes a vehicle worth it's
Excellent SUV it fits everywhere, it very fuel efficient, and the rear door opens up so you can really stuff the hell out of the back. love taking it out for long weekend gateways. I look forward to keeping the SUV for 8 years so I still a year and a half to go. So I think I will upgrade to the Enclave. Since I am really impressed with Buick.
Why hasn't Buick Enhanced and continued?
All around good vehicle - reliability, comfort, great little amenities, great fuel mileage for type and size of vehicle. Don't understand why Buick did not continue and enhance this vehicle.
Rendezvous Junk
When we bought it we were so excited, then the repair bills started, rear aluminium bracket, 800 dollars, then brakes, then rotors, then engine manifold and head gaskets. Spent over $4000 in repairs in one year. GM put out over 3 million 3.4 engines with defective gaskets knowingly and did not recall, very unethical company. They also knew about defective wheel bearings, this has hurt their sales in Canada big time. They are not an ethical company anymore and most of us GM folks have switched brands. Had a 4x4 as well and drove GM for years. Have to switch brands.
5 Month Review
Have had vehicle for 5 months and 6000 miles. Have not had even a hint of a problem. Vehicle has really exceeded my original expectations. Just returned from a 2000 mile trip and averaged 23 MPG. Like the oversized mirrors and large glass area. Great visability. Vehicle handels very well and has great brakes. I feel very safe in this SUV. Vehicle is good looking, has a great ride, is very comfortable and fun to drive. I like it more every day. Although engine HP is low performance is very satisfactory. This is a very practical SUV and a great value for the money.
Just Love It
I had a 1992 GEO Tracker for 10 years so when I finally decided to get a new car, I decided on a Buick after looking at all of the other models. I never have planned to take this vehicle off road so the comfortable ride was very important to me. For the price I paid, I couldn't asked for a better car
I love my Rendezvous!
This is my favorite auto I've ever owned including the Lexus. My Rendezvous is the most comfortable, well designed, and reliable car I've had. I also love the design. I now have about 150,000 miles on it, and am thinking about trading it in for a new one but I love this one so much I'm hesitant. I won't buy anything else. I've never owned a bad Buick, but this Rendezvous is really over the top in excellence. You have already achieved perfection with the engine and design, now just add a little bling. I would be happy to test one out for you!
Customers like it
By far the leader in midsized SUV comfort, ride and style, in the year 2001. Pontiac Aztec was weak. The Rendezvous is miles ahead of that vehicle. BR has 95 cu. ft. of cargo space. Comfort and quiet ride. Great sight lines. Nice rear views. Practical in every way. 3 rows comfortable seating for seven full sized adults. No one had that in 2001-02. All kinds of imitators in the 5 years since this stylish truck hit the market. Lexus. Benz. Nissan. BMW. You name it, they all followed after they saw the 100's of thousands of Buicks sold. Probably an underappreciated vehicle.
Love My Rendezvous
My requirements were an AWD vehicle for that would handle well in the severe ice and snow which we have combined with lots of cargo room and driver and passenger comfort. I did extensive comparison shopping among all manufacturers and chose the Rendezvous despite the fact that the model had just been introduced and had no product quality history. Immediately took it on a trip of over 1,000 miles and knew that I had bought the right car. Most autos don't have nearly enough height or leg room for me when driving, and the seat adjustments are inadequate - this was ideal. Expect my next car will be a new model of the Rendezvous.
Have a Rendezvous!
This was my 1st new car & I can say nothing bad about this beauty! It's comfort is impeccable, its class is luxurious, I love this car. I have had it now for 4 yrs., and I would buy this car again! I have had so many comments about how beautiful it is, from day one. I have had wonderful service from it, and I have taken very good care of mine. I keep up with all service on it. That's the key. It takes me everywhere safely! Love it!
So-So
I bought this car because my wife liked the looks of it. I should have researched it more. In the span of 80,000 miles we have had to replace front wheel bearings 3 times. Very weak on engine power. Make sure you have plenty of room to pass. On the positive side, we bought it with 123,000 on it and just recently turned 200,000 with same engine and transmission. Warning, don't get a model with the self-leveling shocks. Can only get through GM at a cost of $250 per shock not including labor. Real joke. Would not buy Rendezvous
Please Don't Purchase
We bought this car in March for room. We traded in a Toyota Camry for it. The day after we drove it home, the air conditoning went out , and took 3 days to fix. Then on Memorial Day weekend , it went dead on me in another town, and we had to find a ride home. That was another couple of weeks without the ca,r and the dealership couldn't find out what was wrong with it. 2 weeks later, it left me on the side of the road again with a 2 month old. By the time of my 3rd payment, I hadn't actually had the car 3 weeks. No one could find out what was wrong, and the dealership wouldn't take it back. Still having problems. A bad experience.
Nice SUV
I really liked this car, it drove amazingly smooth and was fun to drive. I also liked the exterior design. Then it blew a head gasket:/. I don't have it anymore but I miss it. Although, I really hated the tacky Buick symbols all over the inner parts of the seats.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Great for twins!
We have been very impressed with the price point and the quality of this car. It was well thought out and very user friendly. We have the captain chairs for the second row and highly recommend that configuration for baby seats.
Never thought I'd drive a Buick!
Suffice it to say that I research every car decision I make. I was looking at little SUVs like the RAV4 and CRV, but wanted a 3rd seat. We didn't want to go the mini-van route, and most SUVs seem too big and truck-like. What to do? I saw a CNN-online article mid-April that mentioned the Rendezvous and I decided to check it out. I was completely won over by the perfect size, abundance of comfort features, nice styling, cargo/passenger flexibility and overall value. It (in my opinion) manages to be refined, cool, fun and useful all at the same time. I've always hated automatics, but got used to this in a hurry and think it has plenty of power.
better than expected
the car is fun to drive , has short turn circle generates lots of stares.so far everything works great
King of the crossover
Great looking, excellent handling, max for the money
All around good vehicle
I love my Rendezvous. We were looking for the interior of a minivan with the exterior of an SUV, so we love our Rendezvous. It has captain chairs for the second row allowing you to easily access the third row. The captains chairs are a must have if you have car seats. I am 6'0 and can actually fit in every seat in the Rendezvous. Also the AWD is really nice in the Wisconsin winter. You do have to keep up on the maintenance and repair them more than Honda's and Toyota's. If you want luxury, the interior design of a minivan, AWD, and the look of an SUV the Rendezvous CXL AWD is one of your only options, and it's a pretty decent one.
Rendezvous scores!
Rdv is pretty cheap for its class.It can beat a mercedez.The name mercedez is only famous not the cars.I think rdv is top of its class.
happy riding
The buick rides like a sedan rather than an suv. Its a comfortable luxury ride all the way. The build is solid. The fuel economy is average or a little better for a suv. The hatchback is a little heavy. I feel its the best suv for the bucks by far.
A Very Classy and Stylish Buick SUV
Very nice SUV for Buick's first try in this market segment. Has nice looks and standsout from the crowd. Very pleasing interior with many nice touches. Fit and finish inside and out is good. Rides extreemly nice and is extreemly nimble for an AWD vehicle. Has great gas milage for its market segment. With a wife and two young daughters I needed the room and safty features this vehicle provides. Overall a classy alternative to a Minivan.
WOW
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!
An SUV with the "Buick Ride and Comfort"
Minor production problems (ex. Air Bag Light "flickering" while driving, defective Fog Light Bulb on delivery, paint "blob" on roof, missing tire changing "jack extension", vibrating second row passenger "captain" seats) were address over the first few months of ownership. Smooth "car like" ride of this vehicle is outstanding. Note: Has optional passenger lumbar seat (in Japanese cars this is not available) which is greatly appreciated in long rides for front seat passenger.
Buick's Got a Winner
Had the vehicle for 3 months ... not one single problem. Fit and finish are excellent. High level of luxury. Nice touches throughout. No regrets.
watch out
Had this car for 2 wks then it overheated, dealer thought it was a sensor wrong.2 wks later it did it again. If you go on forums this is a common problem for GM vehicles. there was even a class act against them from the Dexcool antifreeze. It eats away the intake mainifold gasket People looking to purchase these vehicles need to know about it. Min $800 to fix and hope that when your car overheated you didn't warp the head. Luckily The Sharpest Rides repaired it at there (part only)cost even though there was no more warranty.
Finishing Touches
Rides and Handles extremely well, very pretty to look at too.
User name says it all..."FORMER BMW" guy
Our lease on a 1999 BMW 540iA is ending soon, and with a new baby, we decided to look at SUVs. We selected the Rendezvous after test driving other SUVs. Compared to a BMW X5, priced in the $60K range, the Rendezvous is the value of the year. The car has a unique look which seems to look better all the time.
Does it all
I've got two small kids,a wife, and a dog. So far, Rondezvous handles it all with ease. On trips to the mountains, the AWD worked great. Step-in height is good, and the Rondezvous' spaces are easy to access. Ride quality is very good. No complaints thus far. We are pleased beyond our expectations.
better than Highlander
The Highlander doesn't offer a power passenger seat, something which was very important to this over 50 year old couple. Add the memory feature of driver's seat and mirrors, plus plenty of comfort and great Turnpike ride, and I place the Highlander second. The ONLY shortcoming is the lack of power. But, I am enjoying better and better highway fuel mileage as a trade off. The RDV delivers near 26 mpg at highway speeds. I don't mind a lack of brute power in an SUV... In the end, I was down to a three year old RX300 with 40K miles, or a brand new, nicely equipped Rendezvous. The choice was obvious...
An Outstanding Car
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.