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2003 Buick Rendezvous Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2003 Buick Rendezvous Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2003 Buick Rendezvous Review
A DVD rear-seat video system is a new option for 2003, while front side airbags are no longer standard on the least-expensive version of this crossover SUV. Rendezvous shares its basic structure with the Pontiac Aztek, but is four inches longer to allow 3rd-row seating. Like Aztek, it's based on GM's front-wheel-drive minivans and uses a 3.4-liter V6 and automatic transmission. Rendezvous offers CX and uplevel CXL models, but with a choice of front-wheel drive with optional traction control or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard. ABS is optional on the 2WD CX, standard on other models. Front side airbags are newly optional for the 2WD CX, but remain standard for '03 on other Rendezvous models. Second-row seating choices are 3-person split bench or optional twin buckets; both types have reclining backrests and move fore/aft. The optional 2-passenger 3rd-row seat folds flush with the floor. Other options include OnStar assistance, rear-obstacle detection, and head-up instrument display. The 3500-lb trailering package includes rear self-leveling suspension. Joining the options list along with the DVD system for '03 is XM satellite radio.
Competition
New to the class this year, Honda Pilot has taken the lead as a Best Buy. It offers ample cargo space, seating for eight passengers, all-wheel drive with a locking rear differential for added traction, and above-average refinement. Toyota Highlander is our other Best Buy, chosen for its on-road competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
News
Rendezvous is selling about as well as expected, drawing some 61,500 orders in 2002, its first full calendar year. To keep buyers interested, Buick reportedly plans a modest facelift and interior revisions for '04, plus a standard 3.6-liter V6, which appears to be the base engine for Cadillac's upcoming SRX crossover. The underhood change is a big deal, replacing an old-fashioned overhead-valve engine with a more modern, efficient dual-overhead-cam unit. One source says the new engine will be a V8, but we think that unlikely given the Rendezvous' platform architecture. A full redesign is reportedly being eyed for 2007 on GM's much-delayed new Lambda platform, which is being engineered for the company's next-generation minivans as well as "crossovers" like Rendezvous. Those minivans, due for 2005, will include a first-ever Buick model, name and nature yet unknown. Meantime, Buick welcomes its first SUV this fall with the 2004 Rainier, basically a retrimmed version of the soon-to-be-defunct Oldsmobile Bravada.
2003 Buick Rendezvous Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Interior storage space | Acceleration |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Steering/handling | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Two-wheel-drive models don't labor quite like AWD versions, but no Rendezvous is quick, and all slow markedly on upgrades, even with just two aboard. Transmission is mostly smooth and responsive, but can lurch on full-throttle downshifts.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
Two-wheel-drive models don't labor quite like AWD versions, but no Rendezvous is quick, and all slow markedly on upgrades, even with just two aboard. Transmission is mostly smooth and responsive, but can lurch on full-throttle downshifts.
Fuel Economy
Test AWD CXL averaged 19.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. Expect slightly less overall. Uses regular-grade fuel.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3.7 |
Test AWD CXL averaged 19.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. Expect slightly less overall. Uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Bump absorption decent on 2WD versions, 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 | 4.4 |
Bump absorption decent on 2WD versions, 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. With ABS, brakes are adequate but spongy; we haven't tested a 2WD CX without ABS. 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. With ABS, brakes are adequate but spongy; we haven't tested a 2WD CX without ABS. 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 | 4.1 |
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 flimsy plastic panels.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
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 flimsy plastic panels.
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 | 6.3 |
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 entryways, but doors swing out wide to crowd things in tight parking spaces.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
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 entryways, but doors swing out wide to crowd things in tight parking spaces.
Cargo Room
Ample small-items storage and many load-carrying options. Barely enough room for grocery bags behind 3rd seat, however, and lowering tailgate takes muscle; note that a pull-down strap is added for '03 to help ease tailgate closing. 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 | 7.8 |
Ample small-items storage and many load-carrying options. Barely enough room for grocery bags behind 3rd seat, however, and lowering tailgate takes muscle; note that a pull-down strap is added for '03 to help ease tailgate closing. 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
Though Rendezvous is promoted as a lower-priced alternative to the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 330, it doesn't match those luxury SUVs for performance or refinement. It also trails top midsize SUV competitors, such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, in the same areas.
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5 |
Though Rendezvous is promoted as a lower-priced alternative to the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 330, it doesn't match those luxury SUVs for performance or refinement. It also trails top midsize SUV competitors, such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, in the same areas.
Total Score
| CX 2WD | CXL AWD | Class Average |
| 48 | 47 | 51.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 35 | |
| Average Score | 51 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2003 Buick Rendezvous Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/07/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| FWD CX 4-door wagon | $25,795 | $23,344 | $650 |
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| AWD CX 4-door wagon | $28,895 | $26,150 | $650 |
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| FWD CXL 4-door wagon | $25,795 | $23,344 | $650 |
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| AWD CXL 4-door wagon | $28,895 | $26,150 | $650 |
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, 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row folding seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, universal garage-door opener, variable-intermittent wipers, power liftgate, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, 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, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
CXL adds to CX:
Powertrain
Traction control.
Safety
Front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-inflation monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), dual-zone manual climate control, leather upholstery, 6-way power front seats, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, rear radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive. Deletes: traction control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Plus Option Pkg. 1SB
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CX
|
$1,925
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$1,656
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OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor, dual-zone manual climate control, outside-temperature indicator, rear storage system, cargo mat, alloy wheels.
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Option Pkg. 1SC
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FWD CXL
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$4,655
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$4,003
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AWD CXL
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$3,530
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$3,036
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Standard equipment.
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Plus Option Pkg. 1SD
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FWD CXL
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$6,305
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$5,422
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AWD CXL
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$5,325
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$4,580
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Option Pkg. 1SC plus heated front seat, driver-seat and mirror memory, dual-zone automatic climate control (AWD), satellite radio (requires monthly fee), stowable 3rd-row seat, head-up instrument display, roof rack, 215/70R16 touring tires.
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Trailer Tow Pkg.
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CX, CXL
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$325
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$280
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Heavy-duty engine cooling and alternator, air-inflator kit, load-leveling rear suspension, wiring harness. CX requires Option Pkg. 1SB.
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Powertrain |
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Traction control
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FWD CX
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$175
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$151
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Requires front side airbags, antilock brakes.
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Safety |
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Front side airbags
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FWD CX
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$350
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$301
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Antilock brakes
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FWD CX
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$600
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$516
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Requires traction control, front side airbags.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Integrated overhead entertainment system
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CXL
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$1,100
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$858
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Includes DVD player. NA w/power sunroof.
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player
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CX
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$350
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$301
|
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Includes rear radio controls. Requires Option Pkg. 1SB.
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AM/FM radio w/6-disc CD changer
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CXL
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$440
|
$343
|
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Satellite radio
|
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CXL
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$325
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$280
|
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Requires monthly fee.
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Power sunroof
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CX, CXL
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$885
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$690
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CX requires Option Pkg. 1SB.
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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 driver-seat and mirror memory. NA with leather/cloth upholstery.
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6-way power driver seat
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CX
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$270
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$232
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Requires Option Pkg. 1SB, leather/cloth upholstery.
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Driver-seat and mirror memory
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CXL
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$225
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$194
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Requires heated front seats. NA with leather/cloth upholstery.
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Stowable 3rd-row seat
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CX, CXL
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$465
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$400
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Deletes rear storage system and cargo mat on CXL and CX w/Option Pkg. 1SB. CX requires Option Pkg. 1SB, leather/cloth upholstery.
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2nd-row captain chairs
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CX, CXL
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$435
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$339
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CX requires Option Pkg. 1SB, leather/cloth upholstery.
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Leather upholstery
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CX
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$1,230
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$1,058
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Includes 6-way power front seats. Requires Option Pkg. 1SB, antilock brakes, front side airbags.
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Leather/cloth upholstery
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CX
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$250
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$215
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CXL
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$0
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$0
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CX requires Option Pkg. 1SB, 6-way power driver seat.
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Cargo cover
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CX, CXL
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$30
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$26
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Cargo net
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CX, CXL
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$30
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$26
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Engine block heater
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CX, CXL
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$35
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$30
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Roof rack
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CX, CXL
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$175
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$151
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CX requires Option Pkg. 1SB.
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Trailer hitch
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CX, CXL
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$310
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$267
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Requires Trailer Tow Pkg.
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Chrome alloy wheels
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CXL
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$720
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$562
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2003 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 2003 Buick Rendezvous Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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