The Buick Rendezvous is a midsize SUV that was produced between 2002 and 2007.
Its appeal lies in its versatile interior, comfortable ride, and suitability for families seeking a blend of utility and affordability.
In this article, we’ll be taking a thorough look at all of the best and worst model years of the Rendezvous.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Buick Rendezvous Are:
The best Buick Rendezvous model years are 2007 and 2006. The worst model years of this model are 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Buick Rendezvous?
2007 Buick Rendezvous
The 2007 Buick Rendezvous, in its final year, offers a blend of SUV utility and luxury car comfort.
This model, available in CX and CXL trims, saw the removal of the AWD option and the more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine, focusing on the standard 3.5-liter V6 with 201 horsepower.
Its fuel economy stands out in its class, achieving up to 19 MPG for combined city and highway driving, according to the EPA.
The interior is pleasant and timeless as it combines wood-tone and metallic accents.
Space is ample in the first two rows, but the third row is best for children.
Safety features include standard anti-lock brakes on the CX, with optional traction control and front side airbags.
Ride quality is comfortable, but the vehicle may experience body roll during more aggressive driving.
It also offers a decent towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, catering to moderate utility needs.
- Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.0 / 5.0
- J.D. Power: 80 / 100
2007 Rendezvous, Edmunds Review:
“I am an owner of a BMW M5 and an Audi S4. But I needed a vehicle with genuine luggage capacity for a vacation. I rented a Rendezvous CXL. I really liked it. My wife really liked it. Even our college-bound son admitted he liked it.The Rendezvous offered very comfortable seats and a comfortable ride, quiet and reasonable horsepower…”
2006 Buick Rendezvous
The 2006 Buick Rendezvous, coming in a single trim (CX), is equipped with a powerful 201-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine.
This model year stands out for its usable third-row seats, offering a comfortable ride and abundant interior storage, ideal for family outings or weekend adventures.
Notably, the Rendezvous benefits from the QuietTuning initiative, enhancing the overall driving comfort with reduced noise levels.
Standard features include OnStar, an alarm system, and rear parking assist, elevating the safety and convenience aspects of the vehicle.
The Rendezvous offers a respectable cargo capacity, making it a practical choice for those requiring ample space.
While it may not excel in off-road capabilities, its urban and highway driving experience is well-tailored to everyday needs.
- Edmunds: 4.6 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.0 / 5.0
- J.D. Power: NA
2006 Rendezvous, Edmunds Review:
“I have been told that Buick makes a great vehicle. This Rendezvous lives up to Buick’s reputation. I couldn’t be more pleased with this Rendezvous. Gas mileage is average for a crossover. With Onstar and XM radio plus all the other features, I find myself smiling…”
Consumer Scores For Best Buick Rendezvous Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | J.D. Power Consumer Rating |
| 2007 Buick Rendezvous | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 | 80 / 100 |
| 2006 Buick Rendezvous | 4.6 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 | NA |
Related: 10 Most Common Buick Encore Problems (Explained)
What Are The Worst Years For The Buick Rendezvous?
2002 Buick Rendezvous
The 2002 Rendezvous is the most problematic model year ever produced.
It is quite common for the first model years to be extremely problematic so this comes as no surprise.
The 2002 Buick Rendezvous is frequently reported for issues with its manifold, header, muffler, and tail pipe, accounting for numerous complaints.
A common problem encountered is the failure of the intake manifold gasket, leading to overheating and coolant leaks.
Owners have experienced these issues across various mileage points, often resulting in costly repairs and engine rebuilds.
Additionally, some have reported vehicle fires due to brake fluid leaking onto the exhaust manifold.
“While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle started to overheat and the temperature gauge started to flash. The vehicle was taken to an unknown independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the intake manifold gaskets were damaged and it would be best to rebuild the engine…” – CarProblemZoo.com
In addition to manifold issues, the model also suffers from significant electrical system problems.
Owners frequently report failures in the vehicle’s electrical components, including lights turning off while driving, malfunctioning gauges, and erratic behavior of door locks and other electronics.
These malfunctions not only cause inconvenience but also pose serious safety risks, especially when driving at night or in adverse conditions.
Despite numerous reports, these persistent electrical issues often remain unresolved, leading to ongoing concerns for owners.
“My security light came on and the headlights, radio, door locks, began to click off & on repeatedly. I pulled over and turned the car off, and it went away for a while then returned. It has since done it periodically and is now stuck in the security locked mode.” – CarProblemZoo.com
- The 2002 Rendezvous had a total of 143 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 518 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Other common problems:
- Leaking intake manifold
- Air conditioning stopped working
- Overheating
2003 Buick Rendezvous
The 2003 Rendezvous has been frequently reported for problems related to the fuel system tank assembly.
A significant number of owners have experienced issues with fuel leakage, particularly around the fuel tank inlet check valve.
This defect often leads to a strong smell of gasoline and visible fuel dripping from the tank, posing potential safety hazards.
Instances of fuel leaks were reported both when the vehicle was in motion and stationary.
Despite the severity of these issues, many vehicles were not covered under the related NHTSA campaign (07v349000), leaving owners facing expensive repairs for a known defect.
This problem has been a cause for concern among Rendezvous owners, due to both the risk of fire and the substantial cost of replacing the fuel tank.
“Car shuts down. Fuel gauge goes to empty. Loses power in the steering. Have to pump gas into the tank slow. Takes forever.” – CarProblemZoo.com
For the 2003 Buick Rendezvous, another significant issue reported by owners revolves around the engine cooling system.
This problem manifests in various forms, impacting the vehicle’s overall reliability and safety:
- A recurring issue is the premature failure of the intake manifold gasket. This defect leads to engine oil mixing with the coolant system and, conversely, coolant seeping into the engine. These leaks can result in serious engine damage, often necessitating costly repairs or even full engine replacements.
- Several owners reported experiencing a loss of coolant without visible leaks, accompanied by overheating engines. This is often only discovered during routine inspections or after experiencing heating issues during colder months.
- The problem with the cooling system is not only widespread but also appears at relatively low mileage for many vehicles, indicating a potential flaw in the design or manufacturing process of this model year.
These cooling system issues contribute to a pattern of reliability concerns for this car, leading to frustration and financial burden for the owners.
“Mechanic stated that the intake manifold gasket had failed. This caused engine oil to flood the coolant system and coolant to flood the engine. Engine needed to be replaced, costing $3600. Mechanic stated this is a well-known-problem with this make/model/year…” – CarProblemZoo.com
- The 2003 Rendezvous had a total of 92 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 315 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Other common problems:
- Leaking head gasket
- Power windows stopped working
- Transmission failure
Related: 8 Best & Worst Buick Century Years (With Facts & Stats)
2004 Buick Rendezvous
The 2004 Rendezvous is marked by notable electrical system issues, with numerous reports highlighting various problems:
- Ignition Troubles
- Dashboard Malfunctions
- Stalling Issues
- Overall Electrical System Instability
Despite these recurring issues, many owners have found it difficult to receive a conclusive diagnosis or lasting solution, leading to frustration and increased safety concerns.
“ … The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle stalled as the battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.” – CarProblemZoo.com
“Dash gauges, warning lights, & alarms, bells flash on & off and the vehicle suddenly runs rough. Dash codes of all sorts blink on & off. New battery and new alternator installed, problem still exists…” – CarProblemZoo.com
- The 2004 Rendezvous had a total of 27 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 246 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Other common problems:
- Gauges do not work
- Leaking head gasket
- ECM computer issues
2005 Buick Rendezvous
The 2005 Buick Rendezvous has been frequently reported for problems related to engine and engine cooling, affecting its reliability and safety for drivers, as listed below:
- Overheating and Cooling System Failures
- Stalling and Power Loss
- Fuel System and Gas Smell
- Electrical System Concerns
Given these issues, this model presents various challenges to its owners, ranging from regular maintenance troubles to critical safety concerns.
“The contact owns a 2005 Buick Rendezvous. While driving 35 – 65 mph, the engine suddenly shut off and all of the instrument panel lights illuminated. The failure occurred three times. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle. After the first failure, the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they reprogrammed the computer. Four days later, the failure recurred…” – CarProblemZoo.com
- The 2002 Rendezvous had a total of 53 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 181 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Other common problems:
- Growling noises
- Overheating
- Engine issues
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Buick Rendezvous | 20 | 60 | 0 |
| 2006 Buick Rendezvous | 38 | 106 | 1 |
| 2005 Buick Rendezvous | 53 | 181 | 2 |
| 2004 Buick Rendezvous | 27 | 246 | 5 |
| 2003 Buick Rendezvous | 92 | 315 | 7 |
| 2002 Buick Rendezvous | 143 | 518 | 3 |
What Problems Do Buick Rendezvous Have?
- Leaking intake manifold gasket
- Leaking head gasket
- Air conditioning stopped working
- Overheating
- Power windows stopped working
- Transmission failure
- Growling noises
- Engine issues
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Buick Rendezvous?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Kia Telluride | 8.8 | $35,990 – $53,185 | City: 18 – 20 /Highway: 24 – 26 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 8.6 | $36,400 – $53,600 | City: 19 /Highway: 24 – 26 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 8.3 | $34,520 – $54,200 | City: 17 – 18 /Highway: 25 – 27q |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 8.3 | $28,450 – $44,000 | City: 21 – 25 /Highway: 25 – 28 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 8.3 | $43,035 – $65,710 | City: 14 – 19 /Highway: 22 – 26 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 8.3 | $38,750 – $48,460 | City: 20 /Highway: 26 |
| Mazda CX-90 | 8.3 | $39,595 – $59,950 | City: 23 – 24 /Highway: 28 |
| Buick Enclave | 8.2 | $43,900 – $59,500 | City: 17 – 18 /Highway: 25 – 26 |
| Honda Passport | 8.2 | $41,100 – $46,560 | City: 19 /Highway: 24 |
| Kia Sorento | 8.1 | $29,990 – $43,590 | City: 22 – 24 /Highway: 25 – 29 |
| Volkswagen Atlas | 8.0 | $37,725 – $52,455 | City: 18 – 20 /Highway: 24 – 27 |
| Ford Edge | 7.9 | $38,365 – $47,205 | City: 19 – 21 /Highway: 25 – 28 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: How Long Do Buick Encore Last? (Solved & Explained)
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15140391/2002-buick-rendezvous-car-news/
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/buick/rendezvous
https://www.edmunds.com/buick/rendezvous/2006/review/
https://www.kbb.com/buick/rendezvous/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2007/buick/rendezvous
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Buick/Rendezvous/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/buick/rendezvous/
https://www.cars.com/research/buick-rendezvous/recalls/
