2004 Buick Rendezvous Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A new top-line model and a new V6 highlight 2004 for Buick's 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. Rendezvous offers CX, CXL, and the new Ultra models. CX and CXL come with a 185-hp 3.4-liter V6 and a choice of front-wheel drive with optional traction control or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Ultra has AWD and comes with GM's new 245-hp 3.6-liter V6. The 3.6 is also optional for the CXL. All models use a 4-speed automatic transmission. ABS and front side airbags are optional on the 2WD CX, standard on other models. Second-row seating choices are a 3-person split bench or available twin buckets for the CX and CXL; 2nd-row buckets are the only choice for the Ultra. Ultra has a standard 2-passenger 3rd-row seat, which is optional for other models. Additional features standard on Ultra and optional on other models are rear-obstacle detection, satellite radio, and head-up instrument display. Rear DVD entertainment is optional on all but CX. OnStar assistance is standard on all but CX, where it's optional. A navigation system is available for the first time.

News

Though Rendezvous has been doing decent business, Buick hopes to do even better for 2007 with a more-car-like crossover wagon based on GM's long-delayed Lambda platform. Sister Saturn will get a version. A planned Pontiac model has been given to GMC instead. All should offer V6 power--likely the new 3.6-liter unit available in Buick's 2005 LaCrosse midsize sedan--and a choice of front drive and all-wheel drive. The Buick may keep the Rendezvous name, and could bear hallmarks of the recent Centieme concept wagon. It will certainly be priced so as not to steal sales from Cadillac's similar but technically different SRX crossover.

2004 Buick Rendezvous Road Test

Pros	Cons

Interior storage space	Acceleration (3.4 liter)

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

	Steering/handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD CX	AWD CXL, 3.4 V6	Ultra	Class Average
4	4	5	4.8

Two-wheel-drive models don't labor quite like AWD versions, but no 3.4-liter Rendezvous is quick. Smooth 3.6-liter V6 markedly stronger in any situation.Transmission is mostly smooth and responsive.

Fuel Economy

2WD CX	AWD CXL, 3.4 V6	Ultra	Class Average
5	5	5	3.8

Test AWD CXL averaged 19.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. Expect slightly less overall. Both engines use regular-grade fuel. Test Ultra averaged 13.6 mpg in all city driving.

Ride Quality

2WD CX	AWD CXL, 3.4 V6	Ultra	Class Average
4	3	5	4.5

Bump absorption good on 2WD versions, only fair with AWD. On any, body rocks and sways on uneven surfaces, inducing undue floating. Stable at highway speed, but washboard surfaces trigger jiggly wheel patter. Ultra better composed than previous test vehicles, possibly due to its larger standard tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD CX	AWD CXL, 3.4 V6	Ultra	Class Average
3	3	4	3.7

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

2WD CX	AWD CXL, 3.4 V6	Ultra	Class Average
5	5	5	4.4

Marked coarse-surface tire roar, especially from Ultra's standard sport-oriented touring tires. Wheezy full-throttle engine noise from 3.4-liter V6. More refined 3.6-liter V6 emits a refined growl under acceleration, is silent at highway speed. Wind-noise suppression just average.

Controls

2WD CX	AWD CXL, 3.4 V6	Ultra	Class Average
5	5	5	6.2

Mostly well laid out, but odd turquoise-on-silver main-gauge markings are hard to read, and small graphics on CXL/Ultra'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. GM's new combination navigation/audio system is a relatively easy-to-use mating of mapscreen, navigation functions, and radio controls.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD CX	AWD CXL, 3.4 V6	Ultra	Class Average
5	5	5	6.4

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)

2WD CX	AWD CXL, 3.4 V6	Ultra	Class Average
5	5	5	5.6

Second-row seats must be moved fully aft for decent adult leg space behind a tall front rider. There's little toe space beneath the front seats, 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. Doors open wide to ease entry/exit, but are long enough to crowd things in tight parking spaces.

Cargo Room

2WD CX	AWD CXL, 3.4 V6	Ultra	Class Average
9	9	9	7.8

Ample small-items storage and many load-carrying options. Barely enough room for grocery bags behind 3rd-row seat. Lowering tailgate takes muscle, but a pull-down strap eases 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

2WD CX	AWD CXL, 3.4 V6	Ultra	Class Average
3	3	4	5.1

Rendezvous is promoted as a lower-priced alternative to the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 330. Though the newly available 3.6-liter V6 is a boon to smoothness, Rendezvous still doesn't match other 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

2WD CX	AWD CXL, 3.4 V6	Ultra	Class Average
48	47	52	52.3

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		39
Average Score		52
High Score		66

2004 Buick Rendezvous Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/10/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

FWD 4-door wagon	$26,420	$23,910	$685

AWD 4-door wagon	$29,610	$26,797	$685

Price note: All models require an 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

FWD

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, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row folding seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, illuminated driver-side visor mirror, passenger-side visor mirror , map lights, universal garage-door opener, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, roof rails, 215/70R16 tires.

AWD adds to FWD:

Powertrain

All-wheel drive.

Safety

Front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
CX Option Pkg. 1SA
AWD, FWD	$0	$0
Standard equipment.

CX Plus Option Pkg. 1SB
AWD, FWD	$1,860	$1,600
OnStar telematics system w/one-year service, rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor, dual-zone manual climate controls, driver information center (trip computer, compass), programmable door locks, rear storage system, cargo mat, alloy wheels.

CXL Option Pkg. 1SC
FWD	$4,915	$4,227
AWD	$3,790	$3,259
Traction control (FWD), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes (FWD), front side airbags (FWD), tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, OnStar telematics system w/one-year service, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, 6-way power front seats, heated power mirrors, programmable door locks, AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/steering-wheel and rear controls, driver information center (trip computer, compass), illuminated passenger-side visor mirror, rear storage system, theft-deterrent alarm, alloy wheels.

CXL Plus Option Pkg. 1SD
FWD	$6,400	$5,504
AWD	$5,275	$4,537
CXL Option Pkg. 1SC plus heated front seats, driver-seat and mirror memory, satellite radio, stowable 3rd-row seat, roof rack, 215/70R16 touring tires. Deletes rear storage system.

Ultra Option Pkg. 1SE
AWD	$9,640	$8,192
3.6-liter dohc V6 engine, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, OnStar telematics system w/one-year service, dual-zone automatic climate controls, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-suede upholstery, heated 6-way power front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), 2nd-row captain chairs, 3rd-row stowable seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly service fee after 3rd month), rear radio controls, head-up instrument display, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, trip computer, illuminated passenger-side visor mirror, roof rack, roof rack, 225/60R17 tires, alloy wheels.

Sun and Satellite Pkg.
w/CXL Pkg. 1SC	$3,205	$2,686
w/CXL Pkg. 1SD	$2,880	$2,406
AWD w/Ultra Pkg.	$2,440	$2,028
Power sunroof, navigation system, satellite radio. CXL deletes cassette player. Ultra deletes in-dash 6-disc CD changer. NA w/rear-seat DVD entertainment system, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Trailer Tow Pkg.
AWD, FWD	$325	$280
Heavy-duty engine cooling and alternator, air-inflator kit, load-leveling rear suspension, wiring harness. NA w/CX Option Pkg. 1SA.

Powertrain
3.6-liter dohc V6 engine
AWD	$2,025	$1,742
Requires CXL Pkg., 215/70R16 touring tires.

Traction control
FWD w/CX Pkg.	$175	$151
Includes tire-pressure monitor. Requires antilock brakes.

Safety
Front side airbags
FWD w/CX Pkg.	$350	$301
Requires antilock brakes.

Antilock brakes
FWD w/CX Pkg.	$600	$516


Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
AWD, FWD	$1,100	$858
Requires CXL or Ultra Pkg. NA w/power sunroof.

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
AWD, FWD	$350	$301
Includes rear radio controls. Requires CX Plus Option Pkg. 1SB.

AM/FM radio w/6-disc CD changer
w/CXL Pkg.	$440	$343


Satellite radio
AWD, FWD	$325	$280
Requires monthly fee. NA w/CX Option Pkg. 1SA. Std. w/Ultra Pkg.

Steering-wheel radio controls
w/CX Pkg.	$125	$108


Rear radio controls
AWD, FWD	$90	$77
Requires CX Plus Option Pkg. 1SB.

Head-up instrument display
w/CXL Pkg.	$325	$280


Power sunroof
AWD, FWD	$885	$690
NA w/CX Option Pkg. 1SA.

Heated front seats
w/CXL Pkg.	$275	$237
Requires driver-seat and mirror memory.

6-way power driver seat
AWD, FWD	$275	$237
Requires CX Plus Option Pkg. 1SB.

Driver-seat and mirror memory
w/CXL Pkg.	$225	$194
Requires heated front seats.

Stowable 3rd-row seat
AWD, FWD	$465	$400
Deletes rear storage system and cargo mat. NA w/CX Option Pkg. 1SA. Std. w/Ultra Pkg.

2nd-row captain chairs
AWD, FWD	$435	$339
Requires stowable 3rd-row seat. NA w/CX Option Pkg. 1SA. Std. w/Ultra Pkg.

Leather upholstery
AWD, FWD	$1,280	$1,101
Includes 6-way power front seats. Requires CX Plus Option Pkg. 1SB. FWD requires antilock brakes, front side airbags.

Cargo cover
AWD, FWD	$30	$26


Cargo net
AWD, FWD	$30	$26


Cargo mat
AWD, FWD	$70	$60
NA w/3rd-row seat, Ultra Pkg.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
AWD, FWD	$35	$30


Roof rack
AWD, FWD	$175	$151
NA w/Option Pkg. 1SA. Std. w/Ultra Pkg.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch
AWD, FWD	$310	$267
Requires Trailer Tow Pkg. NA w/CX Option Pkg. 1SA.

215/70R16 touring tires
w/CXL Pkg.	$75	$65


Alloy wheels
AWD, FWD	$325	$280


Chrome alloy wheels
w/CXL Pkg.	$720	$562

2004 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.	4250

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	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.4 /207	3.6 /217

Horsepower @ rpm.	185 @ 5200	245 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	210 @ 4000	235 @ 3200

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	18/24	17/24

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

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

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