2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS AND RENDEZVOUS ULTRA ADVANCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN LUXURY AND PERFORMANCE

As Buick Motor Division celebrates 100 years of premium vehicle production, Buick welcomes Rendezvous Ultra to its 2004 product line. Joining Rendezvous CX and Rendezvous CXL, Rendezvous Ultra is an outstanding illustration of a versatile 21st Century driving machine designed to meet the increased demands of today's diverse market.

Building on the growing success of its versatile, next-generation design, all 2004 Rendezvous models handily achieve the disciplines of a premium touring vehicle, agile urban commuter and rugged rural workhorse in a stylish, well-appointed quality package.

Rendezvous Ultra

The big news for 2004 is Rendezvous Ultra. At first glance, the monochromatic exterior, color-keyed grille and jewel-like chrome trim give Buick Rendezvous Ultra its own unique identity. Inside, Ultra is elegant and refined with wood accents, wood trimmed steering wheel, and chrome touches on the gauges and dials. Leather and neutral-colored premium suede fabric seat inserts create a sophisticated, yet comfortable atmosphere. The refined interior reflects Buick's continuous commitment to quality, and supports the division's premium strategy as it continues to offer upscale products.

Ultra's new V-6 VVT powerplant

When it comes to performance, the 2004 Rendezvous Ultra features a new, all-aluminum 3.6L VVT (variable valve timing) global V-6 engine coupled to GM's proven Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronic four-speed overdrive automatic transmission.

Representing a new generation of flexible GM powerplants designed for use in premium and high performance applications, the 3.6L V-6 VVT generates 245 horsepower (183 kw), a significant jump from the base 185-hp (138-kw) powerplant.

The direct-mounted, all-aluminum, dual overhead camshaft 3.6L V-6 engine's 32-bit microprocessor supports electronic throttle control and continuously variable cam phasing. The 3.6L V-6 design employs four-valves-per-cylinder, roller-finger cam followers, durable forged-steel crankshaft, piston-cooling oil jets, coolant-loss protection software, coil-on-plug ignition and GM's Oil Life System that tell drivers when an oil change is required.

Tested on the world's most challenging race circuit - Germany's famed 12.8-mile (20.6-m), 177-corner Nürburgring - the 3.6L V-6 VVT was painstakingly engineered and fine-tuned to meet exacting specifications. 'The result is an amazing powerplant that is surprisingly smooth and quiet, especially for the impressive amount of power it delivers across a wide range of driving conditions,' said Tim Cyrus, chief engineer, V-6 VVT engines.

The 3.6L V-6 VVT engine's fully variable intake and exhaust valve timing - a first for any GM engine - achieves outstanding flexibility, delivering 90 percent of the engine's peak torque available across a remarkably broad 1600 rpm to 5800 rpm operating range. The engine's VVT design allows for more complete combustion, contributing to improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Rendezvous Ultra's estimated fuel economy numbers are 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.

Rendezvous Ultra ride

Along with its advanced powertrain, features such as GM's innovative Versatrak 'on-demand' all-wheel-drive system, independent front and rear suspension, and rear gas-pressure monotube shocks all contribute to Buick Rendezvous Ultra's precision cornering characteristics and highly adaptive ability to deliver a smooth, quiet ride in any number of environments.

The automatic level-control system, included in the trailer package, is also available as an option. An on-board compressor regulates air-bladder-assisted rear shock absorbers to maintain a level vehicle when heavy loads are carried or a trailer is attached. An auxiliary pressure outlet, rubber air hose and pressure gauge are provided in the rear for the convenient inflation of a tire, sports gear or beach toys. The available towing package is rated to pull loads of up to 3,500 pounds.

Rendezvous Ultra interior

Rendezvous Ultra's quiet, relaxed interior environment features a list of comfort and convenience accoutrements that reflect Buick's commitment to upscale luxury and quality:

• Second-row captain's chairs

• Third-row seating

• Head-up instrumentation display

• High-fidelity XM Satellite Radio with 100 coast-to-coast digital channels

Available GPS Satellite Navigation Option with detailed on-screen map information

Available DVD entertainment system with 7-inch (178-mm) fold-down, ceiling integrated monitor

Standard OnStar system

Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist warns driver of obstacles behind the rear bumper

Electronic release for one-handed liftgate operation

With its unique blend of SUV, premium sedan and minivan attributes, Rendezvous Ultra is an attractive alternative for busy families. Customers enjoy the added visibility of raised seating, the sure-footedness of all-wheel drive and the cargo-carrying capability of an SUV in addition to its great ride, good fuel economy and easy step-in height. Former minivan owners welcome Rendezvous Ultra's six-passenger seating. Former premium sedan owners are impressed with Rendezvous Ultra's luxury comfort and styling, as well as its added flexibility for passengers and cargo.

The versatility of Rendezvous Ultra is reflected in its various seating combinations for as many as six passengers. There are two sumptuous bucket seats in the front. The second row comes with two captain's chairs. The third row bench, which can be folded flush, provides comfortable seating for two adult passengers. Rendezvous leads its competitors in available cargo space with 108.9 cubic feet (3,084L) when the second row is removed and the third row is folded.

Safety features

Customers will welcome the 2004 Rendezvous Ultra's numerous safety appointments such as standard front and optional side air bags with advanced inflation characteristics for front-seat passengers, safety-cage construction, available four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes and optional OnStar communications.

New features for Rendezvous CX and CXL

Rendezvous for 2004 introduces new exterior colors and interior colors and features. Dark Steel Blue Metallic is new for exteriors and Light Neutral replaces oak inside.Chrome trim accents, color-keyed door switches and leather seats in new monotone finish further refine the interior. GPS navigation radio is also available for the first time in 2004..

Rendezvous CX and CXL

Rendezvous CX and CXL models are available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with a 3400 3.4L V-6 engine that produces 185 horsepower (138 kw). Fuel economy estimates are 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive version and 18/24 for the all-wheel-drive version. For 2004, the V-6 VVT is available for the Rendezvous CXL.

An innovative short-and-long-arm independent rear suspension is key to Rendezvous' impressive ride and handling. The rear suspension utilizes cast aluminum knuckle assemblies, cross members, and upper and lower control arms for minimal unsprung weight. Curved coil springs are packaged neatly between each lower control arm and the rear-suspension cross member. As a result, Rendezvous' superior road-holding and ride characteristics are more like a premium sedan than an SUV or minivan.

by 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 Jessican Donaldson