NEW BUICK RENDEZVOUS
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Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
7.81 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
8.73 |
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| Braking |
9.07 |
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| Handling |
7.46 |
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| Fuel Economy |
7.29 |
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| Interior Comfort |
8.64 |
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| Acceleration |
7.58 |
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| Dependability |
8.14 |
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| Fit and Finish |
8.05 |
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| Transmission |
8.14 |
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| Ride |
8.86 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The Rendezvous is a well-rounded family vehicle with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. However, with no off-road ability and less convenience than a minivan, it doesn''t quite live up to its billing as the ultimate crossover vehicle.
Pros
Usable third-row seats that fold flat, comfortable ride, plenty of interior storage, refined 3.6-liter engine, good fuel economy.
Cons
Weak standard V6 engine, good-looking but cheap-feeling interior materials, limited off-road ability compared to SUVs.
What''s New for 2005
The larger 3.6-liter V6 is now available on the front-wheel-drive CXL model, while the top-of-the-line Ultra is now offered in both front- and all-wheel-drive versions. New tire and wheel combinations round out the changes for 2005.
Overview
Introduction:
A Buick advertising campaign for the Rendezvous featured an image of different types of vehicles (an SUV, a luxury car and a minivan) driving into a spooky castle. A bolt of lightning hits, and out comes the Buick Rendezvous. An obvious reference to Frankenstein is implied, that Buick has taken different aspects of these vehicles and made it into one. Beyond the hype, you''ll find the Rendezvous to be a capable vehicle and people mover; its problem lies in the fact that it doesn''t excel in any one area or another. It holds seven, but minivans and other SUVs, like the Acura MDX and Mercury Mountaineer, do that as well. It has a nice interior, but only the Ultra could be considered on par with its competitors. It has the security of all-wheel drive, but so do many other minivans and SUVs. Unlike other multipurpose vehicles, which offer light off-roading ability, the Rendezvous can''t take on anything more challenging than a gravel driveway. The top-of-the-line Ultra addresses some of these faults with a more powerful engine and a more refined interior, but it still isn''t a class-leading vehicle in either category. The Rendezvous does have a large cargo area when the seats aren''t in use, but it''s still less spacious than what a minivan would offer. In short, the Buick offers a little of everything, but not enough of any one aspect in particular for us to recommend it over other vehicles in the class. What it''s left with is its price: The Rendezvous comes in at a couple of thousand dollars under comparably equipped competitors, so if you can live with some of its shortcomings, it may provide the combination of utility and comfort you''re looking for at a reasonable price.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Rendezvous comes in trim levels: base CX, midlevel CXL and top-of-the-line Ultra. Each can be had in either front- or all-wheel drive. All Rendezvous models include the basics and then some, such as power windows, mirrors and locks; air conditioning; automatic headlights; a CD player; lumbar support for the driver and front passenger; and a split-folding bench seat in the second row. The CXL adds leather upholstery, power seats and dual-zone climate control. The Ultra further ups the content level with standard second-row captain''s chairs, a third-row seat, XM Satellite Radio and a head-up display. Lower level trims can add the Ultra''s captain''s chairs, third-row seat and satellite radio as options, while all models can be upgraded with DVD-based entertainment and touchscreen navigation systems.
Powertrains and Performance:
The base engine in the CX and CXL is GM''s workhorse 3.4-liter V6. Output figures of 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque are respectable, but considerably less than what rivals offer. An upgraded 3.6-liter V6 comes standard on the Ultra and is optional on front-wheel-drive CXLs. It boasts an advanced overhead cam design that allows it to produce a more competitive 245 hp. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission available. Fuel mileage is above average, as front-drive models get a 19 city/26 highway rating with the base engine and an 18/25 rating with the 3.6-liter. All-wheel-drive models come in at 18/24 with either engine.
Safety:
Antilock brakes, traction control and side airbags for front occupants are optional on the CX 2WD and standard on the CX AWD, CXL and Ultra. The Rendezvous received an "Acceptable" rating (second highest) in 40-mph frontal offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS, and a perfect five-star rating in side-impact crash tests conducted by the NHTSA.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
As is quite obvious from the outside, the Rendezvous offers an expansive cabin and serious cargo capacity. The interior design aims for an elegant, upscale look, and, to a certain degree, it succeeds. Materials quality is better than in most GM products, with the Ultra model exhibiting the most extensive amount of chrome, wood and leather trim. Storage space up front is best in class. When it''s time to work, Rendezvous is ready with up to 109 cubic feet of cargo volume and a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Although the Rendezvous'' standard V6 engine manages to move the chunky sport-ute with ease around town, acceleration at higher speeds could best be described as leisurely. The more powerful 3.6-liter V6 provides the kind of power you would expect from a vehicle in this category, as it''s able to pass effortlessly at any speed. Highway cruising yields a comfortable ride quality without the typical "float" associated with most Buick sedans. Push the Rendezvous a little bit harder, however, and the physics of its tall, narrow body take over, resulting in considerably more body roll in corners. The Versatrak all-wheel-drive system works well in winter weather, but there''s no doubt that this sport-ute is intended for pavement-duty only.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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