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2002 Buick Rendezvous Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2002 Buick Rendezvous Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2002 Buick Rendezvous Review
This new crossover SUV is related to the Pontiac Aztek, but is four inches longer to allow 3rd-row seating. Like Aztek, Rendezvous is based on General Motors' front-wheel-drive minivans and uses a 3.4-liter V6 and automatic transmission. Base CX models offer front-wheel drive with optional traction control, or GM's Versatrak all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Versatrak is standard on the uplevel CXL model. Both come with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags. The optional 2-passenger 3rd-row seat folds flush with the floor. Second-row seating is a 3-person split bench or optional twin buckets. Both 3rd-row types have reclining backrests and move fore/aft. Other options include GM's OnStar assistance system, rear-obstacle detection, head-up instrument display, rear self-leveling suspension, and a 3500-lb trailering package.
Competition
This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.
News
Buick's first "crossover" generated reasonably strong initial sales of nearly 32,000 through the end of 2001. Early feedback suggests Rendezvous is appealing as intended for versatility, upscale appointments, and a good value-for-money quotient. Even the styling seems to be playing well, which is more than can be said for the related Pontiac Aztek.
Both Rendezvous and Aztek are designed around General Motors' front-drive minivan platform. GM had been eyeing true car-based crossovers for both Buick and Pontiac on a new front-drive platform called Lambda, but the program has been delayed several times for various reasons and its prospects are now iffy at best. There's speculation that Lambda will eventually be finished as the basis for a new-generation Rendezvous, but even GM probably doesn't yet know when or if that might happen.
Both Rendezvous and Aztek are designed around General Motors' front-drive minivan platform. GM had been eyeing true car-based crossovers for both Buick and Pontiac on a new front-drive platform called Lambda, but the program has been delayed several times for various reasons and its prospects are now iffy at best. There's speculation that Lambda will eventually be finished as the basis for a new-generation Rendezvous, but even GM probably doesn't yet know when or if that might happen.
2002 Buick Rendezvous Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Interior storage space | Acceleration |
| Passenger and cargo room | Steering/handling |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The 2WD CX doesn't labor quite like AWD models, but no Rendezvous is quick, and all slow markedly on upgrades, even with just two aboard. The transmission is mostly smooth and responsive, but can lurch on full-throttle kickdown shifts.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
The 2WD CX doesn't labor quite like AWD models, but no Rendezvous is quick, and all slow markedly on upgrades, even with just two aboard. The transmission is mostly smooth and responsive, but can lurch on full-throttle kickdown shifts.
Fuel Economy
CXL averaged 19.7 mpg in a test that included a majority of highway driving. Expect slightly less overall. Rendezvous uses regular-grade fuel.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3.8 |
CXL averaged 19.7 mpg in a test that included a majority of highway driving. Expect slightly less overall. Rendezvous uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Bump absorption is decent on 2WD CX, subpar with AWD. On any, body rocks and sways on uneven surfaces, inducing queasy ride motions. Stable at highway speed, but washboard surfaces trigger jiggly wheel patter.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 4 |
Bump absorption is decent on 2WD CX, subpar with AWD. On any, body rocks and sways on uneven surfaces, inducing queasy ride motions. Stable at highway speed, but washboard surfaces trigger jiggly wheel patter.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Feels less settled than a GM minivan, even with AWD. Steering is vague, and early onset of body lean demands slowing way down for tight corners. Brakes are adequate but spongy. Versatrak unobtrusively sends power aft when front wheels start to slip, but in hard acceleration from a stop, front-drive models tug to the side with unwanted torque steer.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Feels less settled than a GM minivan, even with AWD. Steering is vague, and early onset of body lean demands slowing way down for tight corners. Brakes are adequate but spongy. Versatrak unobtrusively sends power aft when front wheels start to slip, but in hard acceleration from a stop, front-drive models tug to the side with unwanted torque steer.
Quietness
Marked coarse-surface tire roar and prominent, wheezy full-throttle engine noise, though V6 fades into background at moderate cruising speeds. Wind-noise suppression just average.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
Marked coarse-surface tire roar and prominent, wheezy full-throttle engine noise, though V6 fades into background at moderate cruising speeds. Wind-noise suppression just average.
Controls
Mostly well laid out, but odd turquoise-on-silver main-gauge markings are hard to read, and small graphics on CXL's automatic-climate display are an inconvenience. Interior decor is attractive at first glance, but close inspection reveals a mishmash of textures on knobs and control levers and more-flimsy plastic panels than warranted in a vehicle seeking Lexus RX 300 shoppers.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
Mostly well laid out, but odd turquoise-on-silver main-gauge markings are hard to read, and small graphics on CXL's automatic-climate display are an inconvenience. Interior decor is attractive at first glance, but close inspection reveals a mishmash of textures on knobs and control levers and more-flimsy plastic panels than warranted in a vehicle seeking Lexus RX 300 shoppers.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good space and easy entry/exit for adults, though head room isn't generous if you're 6 ft or taller. Seats lack contour, softness, and comfort. Thick middle- and rear-roof pillars disrupt the view of surrounding traffic, and while we like large door mirrors, these are sized and placed to actually block the driver's vision to the front quarters.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Good space and easy entry/exit for adults, though head room isn't generous if you're 6 ft or taller. Seats lack contour, softness, and comfort. Thick middle- and rear-roof pillars disrupt the view of surrounding traffic, and while we like large door mirrors, these are sized and placed to actually block the driver's vision to the front quarters.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Second-row seats must be moved fully aft for decent adult leg space behind a tall front rider. But there's little toe space beneath the front seats in any case, and moving the 2nd-row back leaves virtually no knee clearance in the 3rd row. Overall, room may actually be best in the 3rd row, though neither rear bench offers much leg support. Available 2nd-row buckets are acceptably comfortable, but don't tip/fold to help 3rd-row access. Large rear doors aid entry/exit but swing out wide to crowd things in tight spaces.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Second-row seats must be moved fully aft for decent adult leg space behind a tall front rider. But there's little toe space beneath the front seats in any case, and moving the 2nd-row back leaves virtually no knee clearance in the 3rd row. Overall, room may actually be best in the 3rd row, though neither rear bench offers much leg support. Available 2nd-row buckets are acceptably comfortable, but don't tip/fold to help 3rd-row access. Large rear doors aid entry/exit but swing out wide to crowd things in tight spaces.
Cargo Room
Ample small-items storage and many load-carrying options. Barely grocery-bag room behind 3rd seat, however, and lowering tailgate takes muscle. Fold the 3rd row and take out the manageably light 2nd-row seats and Rendezvous claims 108 cu ft of cargo room, most of any midsize SUV.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 7.7 |
Ample small-items storage and many load-carrying options. Barely grocery-bag room behind 3rd seat, however, and lowering tailgate takes muscle. Fold the 3rd row and take out the manageably light 2nd-row seats and Rendezvous claims 108 cu ft of cargo room, most of any midsize SUV.
Value within Class
Buick's first SUV takes aim at the likes of the RX 300 and Acura MDX, which cost more similarly equipped. But at nearly $34,000, a loaded 7-seat AWD Rendezvous is not bargain-priced, and any version of this GM crossover trails the RX 300, MDX, and Toyota Highlander in performance, refinement, and quality of assembly and materials.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.5 |
Buick's first SUV takes aim at the likes of the RX 300 and Acura MDX, which cost more similarly equipped. But at nearly $34,000, a loaded 7-seat AWD Rendezvous is not bargain-priced, and any version of this GM crossover trails the RX 300, MDX, and Toyota Highlander in performance, refinement, and quality of assembly and materials.
Total Score
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 48 | 47 | 49.5 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2002 Buick Rendezvous Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/15/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| FWD CX 4-door wagon | $25,520 | $23,096 | $625 |
|
|
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| AWD CX 4-door wagon | $28,055 | $25,390 | $625 |
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| AWD CXL 4-door wagon | $28,055 | $25,390 | $625 |
Price note: CXL requires option pkg. AWD denotes all-wheel drive. FWD denotes front-wheel drive.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
CX
Powertrain
3.4-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, second-row split folding seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, remote hatch release, cargo cover, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, roof rails, 215/70R16 tires, wheel covers, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
CXL adds to CX:
Powertrain
All-wheel drive.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, leather upholstery, heated power mirrors, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Security Pkg. 1SB
|
||
|
AWD CX
|
$1,296
|
$1,115
|
|
OnStar System w/one year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), universal garage-door opener, driver-information center, overhead console, rear storage system, cargo mat, rear-obstacle-detection system, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
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Versatility Pkg. 1SC
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FWD CX
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$1,960
|
$1,686
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Traction control, leather/cloth upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, third-row seat, universal garage-door opener, driver-information center, overhead console, rear storage system, alloy wheels.
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Luxury Pkg. 1SD
|
||
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FWD CX
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$3,261
|
$2,804
|
|
Versatility Pkg. 1SC plus OnStar System w/one year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), memory driver seat and mirrors, 6-way power passenger seat, rear radio controls, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, rear-obstacle-detection system, 215/70SR16 touring tires.
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Security Pkg. 1SC
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CXL
|
$3,475
|
$2,989
|
|
OnStar System w/one year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), 6-way power front seats, universal garage-door opener, driver-information center, overhead console, cargo mat, rear storage system, rear-obstacle-detection system, body-colored outside mirrors, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
|
||
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Versatility Pkg. 1SD
|
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CXL
|
$4,030
|
$3,466
|
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Security Pkg. 1SC plus third-row seat, rear radio controls, 215/70SR16 touring tires, alloy wheels.
|
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|
Luxury Pkg. 1SE
|
||
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CXL
|
$5,015
|
$4,313
|
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Versatility Pkg. 1SD plus heated front seats, head-up instrument display, memory driver seat and mirrors, chrome alloy wheels.
|
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Trailer Tow Pkg.
|
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FWD CX, CXL
|
$325
|
$280
|
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Heavy-duty engine cooling and alternator, air compressor, load-leveling rear suspension, wiring harness. CX requires Pkg. 1SC or 1SD. CXL requires Pkg. 1SD or 1SE.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Power sunroof
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FWD CX, CXL
|
$695
|
$598
|
|
CX requires Pkg. 1SC or 1SD. CXL requires Pkg. 1SD or 1SE.
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player
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CX
|
$350
|
$301
|
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AM/FM/cassette w/6-disc CD changer
|
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CX, CXL
|
$395
|
$340
|
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FWD CX requires Pkg. 1SD. NA AWD CX.
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Head-up instrument display
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FWD CX
|
$275
|
$237
|
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Requires Pkg. 1SD.
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Memory Pkg.
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CXL
|
$225
|
$194
|
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Driver-seat and mirror memory.
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Heated front seats
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CXL
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$225
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$194
|
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Requires Memory Pkg.
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3rd-row split folding seat
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FWD CX
|
$750
|
$645
|
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Requires Pkg. 1SD.
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Second-row captain chairs
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FWD CX, CXL
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$250
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$215
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CX requires Pkg. 1SD, third-row split folding seat. CXL requires Pkg. 1SE.
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Leather upholstery
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FWD CX
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$655
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$563
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Requires Pkg. 1SD.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Engine block heater
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CX, CXL
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$18
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$15
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Chrome alloy wheels
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CXL
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$650
|
$559
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Requires Pkg. 1SD.
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2002 Buick Rendezvous Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Buick Rendezvous 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 186.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4024 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 108.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.4 /204 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 185 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 210 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | 18/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Buick Rendezvous 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Mexico
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Buick Rendezvous Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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