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RENDEZVOUS: MORE VERSATILITY IN A UNIQUE PACKAGE
For 2003, Buick adds more versatility to the highly successful Rendezvous by offering all-wheel drive, third-row seating and captain's chairs across a broader spectrum of its lineup. Rendezvous' impressive array of convenience and security features, including optional OnStar, head-up display and rear park assist, is being expanded wîth new entertainment options, XM Satellite Radio and a DVD system. Rendezvous customers also will enjoy increased ease of use wîth the addition of an electronic lift gate release to the cargo area.Rendezvous' unique blend of the best features from SÚVs, premium sedans and minivans is providing an attractive alternative for busy families. Customers enjoy the raised seating, available all-wheel drive and cargo-carrying capability of an SÚV but wîth a great ride, outstanding fuel economy and easy step-in height. Former minivan owners can carry seven people in a stylish, versatile vehicle, and former premium sedan owners enjoy the touches of luxury they are used to but get more flexibility for passengers and cargo.
'Rendezvous' reception in the marketplace has been outstanding, clearly exceeding our expectations,' said Chris Mazglad, Buick truck marketing director. 'It is attracting customers from the SÚV, premium-sedan and minivan §egmènts seeking the advantages of this stylish three-in-one vehicle.'
In-vehicle entertainment The 2003 Rendezvous also offers XM Satellite Radio as an option on all models. XM radio features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, including 71 music channels (more than 30 of them commercial-free) from hip-hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues and 29 channels of sports, talk, children's and entertainment programming. XM also brings to the car, for the first time on radio, a diverse selection of 24-hour news sources previously available only in the home. And XM's next-generation sound quality technology provides superior sound remarkably close to compact disc.
To accompany XM Satellite Radio, owners can benefit from a DVD entertainment system, allowing passengers to enjoy the same digital image quality and versatility featured in state-of-the-art home entertainment systems. The optional system includes a fold-down 7-inch monitor integrated into the ceiling, providing great picture quality for rear-seat passengers.
For easier access to the cargo area, a new electronic lift gate release, available mid-year, provides a touch panel where consumers can unlock and lift the gate wîth one hand.
Únrivaled versatility Rendezvous' various seating combinations - handling up to seven passengers - provide versatility unmatched by its rivals. The two front seats are buckets. Three choices are offered - a three-across split bench wîth or without a third-row bench, or two captain's chairs wîth the third-row bench. Second-row seats ensure the comfort of third-row passengers. The available third row has comfortable seating for two adult passengers and can be folded flush, wîth the release of a lever, to provide even more space in Rendezvous' large cargo area. Rendezvous leads its competitors in available cargo space wîth 108.9 cubic feet when the second row is removed and the third row is folded.
Safety and high-tech features
Rendezvous has numerous safety features, such as available front and side air bags wîth advanced inflation features for front-seat passengers, safety-cage construction, available four-wheel disc antilock brakes and optional OnStar.
Another advanced Rendezvous option is Rear Park Assist, which uses four ultrasonic sensors to warn the driver of obstacles in the blind spot immediately behind the rear bumper. The sensors alert the driver by a chime and warning lights if the vehicle nears an obstacle while backing at low speeds.
Sure-footed, superior rideVersatrak, GM's innovative 'on-demand' all-wheel-drive system, is available across the product line. This system uses front drive under normal road conditions and adds torque to the rear wheels on slippery surfaces. An automatic level-control system, included in the trailer package, is offered as an option on all Rendezvous models. A rubber bladder fitted around each rear shock absorber is inflated by a compact on-board air compressor to maintain a level vehicle attitude when heavy loads are carried or a trailer is attached. An auxiliary pressure outlet, rubber hose and pressure gauge are provided in the rear for the convenient inflation of a low tire, sports gear or beach toys.
An innovative short-and-long-arm independent rear suspension is integral to all Rendezvous models. Each rear wheel is attached to a cast aluminum rear crossmember by means of cast aluminum upper and lower control arms. Knuckle assemblies are also cast aluminum to minimize total and unsprung weight. Curved coil springs package neatly between each lower control arm and the rear-suspension crossmember. The independent rear suspension provides superior road-holding and ride characteristics, more like a premium sedan than an SÚV or minivan. All Rendezvous models are also fitted wîth monotube gas-pressure rear shock absorbers for consistent damping characteristics over rough roads. As a result, there is no compromise between ride and handling and no loss in cornering adhesion. An available package permits towing up to 3500 pounds.
Rendezvous' powerful 3400 3.4L V6 engine, attached to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, generates 185 hp at 5200 rpm and 210 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The 3.4L engine's estimated fuel economy numbers are 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the front-drive version and 18/24 for the all-wheel drive.Source - Buick
Buick's initial attempt into the SUV market, the Rendezvous was debuted in 2002. More like a crossover SUV, the Rendezvous merges elements from Buick's luxury sedan with the same amount of storage capacity as a minivan, but retaining the sportiness of an SUV. Much more family-oriented and luxurious, the Rendezvous provided a ton of storage compartments, power outlets, plenty of standard convenient features, and a low step-in height, all at a much lower price than most of its competitors.
The Buick Rendezvous was originally offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive in base and luxury trims along with two V6 engine options that were rated at either 196-hp or 242-hp. In 2007 both the all-wheel drive and the stronger engine were dropped. Appealing to parent drivers the Rendezvous handled more like a car, but it didn't skimp on the passenger and storage options. A third row bench was optional, but the Rendezvous was standard with two rows of seats for five. Seats in the vehicle can be removed or folded down to increase the cargo capacity. In comparison to an otherwise standard SUV shape the Rendezvous featured a sloping rear roof line added a distinctive styling.
Though Buick brand wasn't exactly known for being a trendsetter, the sales of the Rendezvous helped reinvigorate the company with its blend of SUV height and versatility along with the luxury comfort and ride quality of a sturdy sedan. The Rendezvous helped spawn the mid-size truck-based Rainier the previous year. At its debut for the 2002 model year, the Rendezvous was promoted as a cross between an SUV, a luxury sedan and a minivan. Buick unfortunately never came close to perfecting the combination in the Rendezvous. The problem was that the car didn't come close to offering the level of interior design and ‘driving excitement' that the luxury car buyers were typically looking for.
Though it came in five, six and seven passenger seating configurations, the Rendezvous was considered too small to appeal to minivan buyers. A less costly alternative to true SUVs, an optional all-wheel-drive system was provided for drivers looking for a snow vehicle, but despite this, the Rendezvous wasn't particularly ‘rugged'.
Typically offered in two basic trim levels, the CX and CXL the Rendezvous was also offered in a high-line Ultra model in 2004 and 2005. Considered by Buick to be a premium crossover, even the base CX trim came with some notable standard features that included keyless entry, air-conditioning, CD player and power accessories. The CX came with a five-passenger seating arrangement.
Depending on the model year, buyers could choose a third-row seat on the CXL as a standard or optional feature. The trim level also got you leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, power front seats, alloy wheels and wood-tone cabin trim.. The Ultra model featured a more powerful engine along with second-row captains chairs, a head-up display and satellite radio. Once the Ultra was discontinued these items were moved to the CXL's options list.
Unfortunately when it came to higher-end amenities, Buick fell short from its competitors. Main safety features like front-seat airbags and ABS were moved to the options list after the 2002 model year and features like side curtain airbags and stability control were never available. Beginning in 2004 Buick did offer a DVD-based navigation system and rear DVD entertainment system beginning in 2003 as optional. Though it wasn't quite up to par with import-brand standards, the interior design and materials on the Rendezvous were better than most GM offerings at the time. The vehicle was one of the roomier crossover SUVs available on the market with lots of passenger room in the front and rear. The cargo room was quite substantial though the packaging of the third-tow seat made for an uneven load floor.
The Rendezvous featured three different engines, all mated with a four-speed automatic transmission. The only engine choice 2002 and 2003 models was a 3.4-liter V6 with 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. In 2004 and 2005 buyers could choose this engine or on the Ultra model a more sophisticated 3.6-liter DOHC V6 which was good for 245 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. Buick replaced the previous 3.4-lite engine with a more efficient 3.5-liter V6 rated at 201 hp and 21 lb-ft of torque. It wasn't considered to be a very refined engine for this class, but the acceleration (which some had dubbed ‘sluggish') was improved. For 2006 the 3.6-liter V6 remained optional but was discontinued at the end of the model year.
All 2002 Rendezvous models offered all-wheel drive, but it was strangle discontinued completely for 2007, which made the Rendezvous the only crossover SUV not to offer any kind of all-weather capability.
Instead of updating the Rendezvous, Buick chose to halt production halfway through the 2007 model year. The Rendezvous was an affordable, practical choice for a family vehicle, primarily on the used car market, as long as consumers were aware of the vehicle's faults. Consumer reviews of the Rendezvous were mostly favorable due to the combination of interior space, fuel economy, overall value and ride comfort. Though sales helped reinvigorate the company, Buick replaced its total SUV lineup, including the Rendezvous, with the 2008 Enclave.By Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe Buick Rendezvous was originally offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive in base and luxury trims along with two V6 engine options that were rated at either 196-hp or 242-hp. In 2007 both the all-wheel drive and the stronger engine were dropped. Appealing to parent drivers the Rendezvous handled more like a car, but it didn't skimp on the passenger and storage options. A third row bench was optional, but the Rendezvous was standard with two rows of seats for five. Seats in the vehicle can be removed or folded down to increase the cargo capacity. In comparison to an otherwise standard SUV shape the Rendezvous featured a sloping rear roof line added a distinctive styling.
Though Buick brand wasn't exactly known for being a trendsetter, the sales of the Rendezvous helped reinvigorate the company with its blend of SUV height and versatility along with the luxury comfort and ride quality of a sturdy sedan. The Rendezvous helped spawn the mid-size truck-based Rainier the previous year. At its debut for the 2002 model year, the Rendezvous was promoted as a cross between an SUV, a luxury sedan and a minivan. Buick unfortunately never came close to perfecting the combination in the Rendezvous. The problem was that the car didn't come close to offering the level of interior design and ‘driving excitement' that the luxury car buyers were typically looking for.
Though it came in five, six and seven passenger seating configurations, the Rendezvous was considered too small to appeal to minivan buyers. A less costly alternative to true SUVs, an optional all-wheel-drive system was provided for drivers looking for a snow vehicle, but despite this, the Rendezvous wasn't particularly ‘rugged'.
Typically offered in two basic trim levels, the CX and CXL the Rendezvous was also offered in a high-line Ultra model in 2004 and 2005. Considered by Buick to be a premium crossover, even the base CX trim came with some notable standard features that included keyless entry, air-conditioning, CD player and power accessories. The CX came with a five-passenger seating arrangement.
Depending on the model year, buyers could choose a third-row seat on the CXL as a standard or optional feature. The trim level also got you leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, power front seats, alloy wheels and wood-tone cabin trim.. The Ultra model featured a more powerful engine along with second-row captains chairs, a head-up display and satellite radio. Once the Ultra was discontinued these items were moved to the CXL's options list.
Unfortunately when it came to higher-end amenities, Buick fell short from its competitors. Main safety features like front-seat airbags and ABS were moved to the options list after the 2002 model year and features like side curtain airbags and stability control were never available. Beginning in 2004 Buick did offer a DVD-based navigation system and rear DVD entertainment system beginning in 2003 as optional. Though it wasn't quite up to par with import-brand standards, the interior design and materials on the Rendezvous were better than most GM offerings at the time. The vehicle was one of the roomier crossover SUVs available on the market with lots of passenger room in the front and rear. The cargo room was quite substantial though the packaging of the third-tow seat made for an uneven load floor.
The Rendezvous featured three different engines, all mated with a four-speed automatic transmission. The only engine choice 2002 and 2003 models was a 3.4-liter V6 with 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. In 2004 and 2005 buyers could choose this engine or on the Ultra model a more sophisticated 3.6-liter DOHC V6 which was good for 245 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. Buick replaced the previous 3.4-lite engine with a more efficient 3.5-liter V6 rated at 201 hp and 21 lb-ft of torque. It wasn't considered to be a very refined engine for this class, but the acceleration (which some had dubbed ‘sluggish') was improved. For 2006 the 3.6-liter V6 remained optional but was discontinued at the end of the model year.
All 2002 Rendezvous models offered all-wheel drive, but it was strangle discontinued completely for 2007, which made the Rendezvous the only crossover SUV not to offer any kind of all-weather capability.
Instead of updating the Rendezvous, Buick chose to halt production halfway through the 2007 model year. The Rendezvous was an affordable, practical choice for a family vehicle, primarily on the used car market, as long as consumers were aware of the vehicle's faults. Consumer reviews of the Rendezvous were mostly favorable due to the combination of interior space, fuel economy, overall value and ride comfort. Though sales helped reinvigorate the company, Buick replaced its total SUV lineup, including the Rendezvous, with the 2008 Enclave.By Jessica Donaldson
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 2003
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| 2002 Rendezvous | 2004 Rendezvous |
