2002 Buick Rendezvous: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.