2003 Buick Rendezvous

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 with new entertainment options, XM Satellite Radio and a DVD system. Rendezvous customers also will enjoy increased ease of use with 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 with 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.




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.



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 with or without a third-row bench, or two captain's chairs with 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, with the release of a lever, to provide even more space in Rendezvous' large cargo area. Rendezvous leads its competitors in available cargo space with 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 with 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 ride
Versatrak, 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 with 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