2002 Buick Rendezvous Review

The new Buick Rendezvous is officially a mid-size sport-utility truck, but is among the growing number of ÔÔcrossoverÕÕ vehicles that combine the image of a sport-ute with minivan practicality. Buick last offered a truck in 1923, when a truck was a truckÑand nothing more. The 2002 Rendezvous is based on General Motors front-drive minivans such as the Oldsmobile Silhouette. For instance, it has the same proven 3.4-liter, 185-horsepower V-6, which works with a responsive four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is swift when this new Buick is lightly loaded, but the engine sounds strained during hard acceleration.

More than its 204-cubic-inch displacement would be welcome for carrying heavy loads or driving in hilly country with a moderate load. However, the Rendezvous is a good long-distance cruiser partly because the engine loafs at highway speeds. The mid-size Rendezvous generally does a good job because it's based on General Motors car like, front-drive minivans, which are above-average. It's also related to the Pontiac Aztek crossover vehicle, but has a longer wheelbase and body to allow third-row seating, which has become very desirable for sport-utilities.
The practical Aztek has controversial styling, but the Rendezvous isn't likely to generate styling comments one way or the other. It has Buick's traditional toothy grille but doesn't look as smooth as Buick cars. However, low door sills allow fairly easy entry. And the cargo opening is low and wide.

Traction control is optional with the front-drive setup, and a Versatrak all-wheel-drive system is available. Versatrak uses front-drive under normal conditions and automatically adds torque to the rear wheels on slippery roads. The system doesn't have low-range gearing for rugged off-road use because the Rendezvous is primarily an on-road vehicle. Only regular-grade gasoline is needed. Fuel economy is an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 on highways with front-drive and 18 and 24 with Versatrak. Not bad for a fairly roomy vehicle that weighs more than two tons. The front-drive CX model has a $24,924 base price, while the CX with Versatrak costs $27,452. The top-line CXL comes standard with Versatrack and is $27,452.

I tested the CXL, which had a hefty $34,187 bottom line price because of the $750 third-row seat and several other options; they included a Luxury Package that cost an eye-opening $5,015. However, even the base Rendezvous is well-equipped. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes and side air bags up front. Too bad a tire-inflation monitor costs extra. Also optional is a handy rear obstacle detection feature. There's hardly any cargo room with the two-passenger third-row bench seat in its normal position.

But that seat easily folds flush into the rear floor area to allow a huge cargo area, thanks to the sophisticated independent rear suspension. Second row seats can be removed for more cargo space. An independent rear suspension is unusual for most trucks and helps allow the Rendezvous to have decent handling and nearly the ride of a Buick luxury sedan. However, the soft suspension occasionally causes the Rendezvous to become bouncy. The rather heavy power steering lacks road feel, but is quick enough. The brake pedal has a good feel, and stopping distances are acceptable.

The huge hatch has hydraulic struts that help allow it to be opened and closed fairly easily. The hood also raises on struts to reveal an engine compartment with easily reached fluid-filler areas and braces that help give the Rendezvous a solid feel. The quiet interior has front bucket seats and offers seating for up to seven occupants with second- and third-row bench seats. A pair of second-row bucket seats are available. A driver faces a huge windshield, and occupants sit high. ThereÕs plenty of room up front.

But second-row seats must be shoved fully back to allow decent leg room for tall folks, and doing that robs tall third-row occupants of comfortable knee room. The quiet interior has very comfortable front seats, but overly stylish black-on-silver gauges with small markings are hard to read accurately. Radio and climate system controls are large and within easy reach. Front cup holders look capable of handling very large beverage containers. A front console with a lid can swallow a full-size laptop computer and has a special area for a purse. Back windows don't lower all the way, but huge outside mirrors help provide a driver with excellent rear visibility. Buick generally has done a pretty good job with the Rendezvous. It's no Lexus RX 300. But then, it doesn't cost as much.

2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS

Prices
$24,924-$27,452
Likes
Fairly roomy. Smooth car like ride. Good handling. Generally decent engine.
Dislikes
Average appearance. Scant cargo room with third seat in place. Overly stylish gauges.