2005 Buick Rendezvous Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Minor equipment revisions mark Buick's crossover SUV for 2005. Rendezvous shares GM's front-wheel-drive minivan platform with the Pontiac Aztek, but is four inches longer to allow 3-row seating. CX, CXL, and top-line Ultra trim packages offer front-wheel drive with optional traction control or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. CX and CXL come with a 185-hp 3.4-liter V6. Ultra uses a 245-hp 3.6 V6 that's optional for CXL. All models have 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard 17-inch wheels replace 16s for '05. ABS, front side airbags, and OnStar assistance are optional for the 2WD CX, standard otherwise. CX and CXL come with a 3-place 2nd-row split bench seat that slides fore and aft. Twin 2nd-row buckets and a 2-passenger 3rd-row seat are standard for Ultra, optional for the others. The same applies to rear obstacle detection, satellite radio, and head-up instrument display. Rear DVD entertainment is available except on CX. Also for '05, the CXL group adds a wood/leather steering wheel and woodgrain interior trim, while the CX adds an optional sunroof. A navigation system is available for CXL and Ultra.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.

News

The latest rap on Rendezvous puts it on GM's new Lambda crossover-SUV platform for 2007 or '08, thus ending the current model with its elderly minivan bones. Corporate sisters Saturn and GMC will also offer Lambda models. The most likely engine for all three is the 3.6-liter V6 from today's Rendezvous Ultra. As usual with crossovers, buyers will be able to choose between front-drive and all-wheel-drive models. Sources say Buick's version may get a new name and will definitely be much sleeker and lower than Rendezvous. The recent Centieme concept wagon may give a clue on how it will look. The Buick should be priced so as not to steal sales from Cadillac's similar but technically different SRX crossover.

2005 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 w/CX	AWD w/CXL	AWD w/Ultra	Class Average
4	4	5	4.9

The 3.4 V6 is adequate with 2WD, borderline pokey in heavier AWDs. The 3.6 V6 is strong enough for most any situation. Transmission dithers a bit on downshifts, but is acceptable overall.

Fuel Economy

2WD w/CX	AWD w/CXL	AWD w/Ultra	Class Average
5	5	4	3.9

Test AWD CXL with 3.4 V6 averaged 19.7 mpg in mostly highway driving; expect slightly less overall. Test AWD Ultra averaged 13.6 mpg in mostly city use; expect a bit more overall. Buick recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

2WD w/CX	AWD w/CXL	AWD w/Ultra	Class Average
4	4	4	5.1

Smooth, if the pavement is, but ride can be jiggly over small bumps. Uneven surfaces induce queasy rock-and-roll body motions.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD w/CX	AWD w/CXL	AWD w/Ultra	Class Average
3	4	4	3.8

Safe and predictable, but modest tire grip, marked body lean even in low-effort cornering. Fast takeoffs can cause steering-wheel tug, even with AWD. Steering itself accurate, but has mediocre road feel. ABS provides adequate stopping power, but with spongy pedal action. No opportunity yet to test without ABS.

Quietness

2WD w/CX	AWD w/CXL	AWD w/Ultra	Class Average
5	5	6	4.8

Prominent coarse-surface tire roar, average wind noise. The 3.4 V6 is loud most of the time. More-refined 3.6 emits a nice growl at full throttle, is nicely subdued at highway speeds. Some testers complained of a subtle, high-pitched whistle from dashboard area.

Controls

2WD w/CX	AWD w/CXL	AWD w/Ultra	Class Average
6	6	6	6.3

Mostly user-friendly, but turquoise-on-silver main-gauge graphics hard to read. Ditto the small icons on CXL/Ultra's automatic climate display. Attractive cabin decor offsets a few hard-plastic sections with nice array of soft-touch surfaces. GM's navigation/audio system a relatively easy-to-use mating of map screen, navigation functions, and stereo controls.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD w/CX	AWD w/CXL	AWD w/Ultra	Class Average
5	5	5	6.7

Adults enjoy easy entry/exit, good space, though head room only adequate for 6-footers. Some testers complained of too-soft seat padding; others griped about lumpy seat contouring. Thick middle and rear roof pillars impede visibility, but large door mirrors aid lane changes.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD w/CX	AWD w/CXL	AWD w/Ultra	Class Average
6	6	6	6.2

Second-row seats must be fully aft for decent leg space behind a tall front rider--which leaves virtually no knee clearance in 3rd row. Neither rear bench offers much leg support or seat padding. Available 2nd-row buckets don't tip/fold for 3rd-row access--another major minus. Doors open wide, but are long enough to crowd things in tight parking spaces.

Cargo Room

2WD w/CX	AWD w/CXL	AWD w/Ultra	Class Average
9	9	9	7.8

Ample small-items storage and many load-carrying options, but only grocery-bag space behind 3rd-row seat. Liftgate takes muscle to lower, and its pull-down strap seems crude. Folding the 3rd row and taking out the manageably light 2nd-row seats leaves 108 cu ft of cargo room, tops among midsize SUVs.

Value within Class

2WD w/CX	AWD w/CXL	AWD w/Ultra	Class Average
3	3	4	5.6

Buick pitches Rendezvous as a lower-priced alternative to the likes of Acura MDX and Lexus RX. The refined 3.6 V6 supports the argument, but Rendezvous can't match the polished moves and high-end ambience of those rivals--and usually costs more than their less-glamorous sisters, the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

Total Score

2WD w/CX	AWD w/CXL	AWD w/Ultra	Class Average
50	51	53	55.1

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		37
Average Score		55
High Score		67

2005 Buick Rendezvous Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/28/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD 4-door wagon	$26,780	$24,236	$685

AWD 4-door wagon	$29,970	$27,123	$685

Price note: All models require an Option Pkg.

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

2WD

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 adjustable and split 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, 225/60R17 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
2WD, AWD	$0	$0
Standard equipment.

CX Plus Option Pkg. 1SB
2WD	$1,860	$1,600
OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor (AWD), dual-zone manual climate controls, driver information center (trip computer, compass), programmable door locks, rear storage system, cargo mat, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, alloy wheels.

CXL Option Pkg. 1SC
2WD	$5,330	$4,584
AWD	$4,205	$3,616
Traction control (2WD), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes (2WD), front side airbags (2WD), tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, 6-way power front seats, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, woodgrain interior trim, heated power mirrors, programmable door locks, AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/steering-wheel and rear-seat 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
2WD	$6,590	$5,667
AWD	$5,565	$4,700
CXL Option Pkg. 1SC plus heated front seats, driver-seat and mirror memory, satellite radio, stowable 3rd-row seat. Deletes rear storage system.

Ultra Option Pkg. 1SE
2WD	$10,570	$9,090
AWD	$9,445	$8,123
3.6-liter V6 engine, traction control (2WD), front side airbags (2WD), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes (2WD), tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, OnStar assistance 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, woodgrain interior trim, alloy wheels.

Sun and Satellite Pkg.
w/CXL Pkg. 1SC	$3,120	$2,683
w/CXL Pkg. 1SD	$2,795	$2,404
w/Ultra Pkg.	$2,400	$2,064
Power sunroof, navigation system, CD player, 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.
2WD, AWD	$395	$340
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 V6 engine
2WD, AWD	$2,025	$1,742
Requires CXL Pkg.

Traction control
2WD w/CX Pkg.	$175	$151
Includes tire-pressure monitor. Requires antilock brakes.

Safety
Front side airbags
2WD w/CX Pkg.	$350	$301
Requires antilock brakes.

Antilock brakes
2WD w/CX Pkg.	$600	$516


Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
2WD, AWD	$1,295	$1,114
Requires CXL or Ultra Pkg. NA w/power sunroof.

Navigation system
w/CXL Pkg.	$1,995	$1,716
w/Ultra Pkg.	$1,600	$1,370
Includes CD player. CXL deletes cassette player. Ultra deletes in-dash 6-disc CD changer. NA w/AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
2WD, AWD	$350	$301
Includes rear radio controls. Requires CX Plus Option Pkg. 1SB.

AM/FM radio w/6-disc CD changer
w/CXL Pkg.	$395	$340


Satellite radio
2WD	$325	$280
Requires monthly service fee after 3rd month. NA w/CX Option Pkg. 1SA. Std. w/Ultra Pkg.

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


Rear radio controls
2WD, AWD	$105	$90
Requires CX Plus Option Pkg. 1SB.

Head-up instrument display
w/CXL Pkg.	$350	$301


Power sunroof
2WD, AWD	$800	$688


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

6-way power driver seat
2WD, AWD	$275	$237
Requires CX Plus Option Pkg. 1SB.

Driver-seat and mirror memory
w/CXL Pkg.	$250	$215
Requires heated front seats.

Stowable 3rd-row seat
2WD, AWD	$525	$452
Deletes rear storage system and cargo mat. NA w/CX Option Pkg. 1SA. Std. w/Ultra Pkg.

2nd-row captain chairs
2WD, AWD	$395	$340
Requires stowable 3rd-row seat. NA w/CX Option Pkg. 1SA. Standard w/Ultra Pkg.

Leather upholstery
2WD, AWD	$1,280	$1,101
Includes 6-way power front seats. Requires CX Plus Option Pkg. 1SB. 2WD requires antilock brakes, front side airbags.

Cargo cover
2WD, AWD	$30	$26


Cargo net
2WD, AWD	$45	$39


Cargo mat
2WD, AWD	$70	$60
NA w/3rd-row seat, w/Ultra Pkg.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
2WD, AWD	$35	$30


Roof rack
2WD, AWD	$175	$151
NA w/CX Option Pkg. 1SA.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch
2WD, AWD	$337	$290
Requires Trailer Tow Pkg. NA w/CX Option Pkg. 1SA.

Alloy wheels
2WD, AWD	$325	$280
Requires CX Pkg. 1SA.

Chrome alloy wheels
2WD, AWD	$650	$559
NA w/CX Pkg.

2005 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 /204	3.6 /217

Horsepower @ rpm.	185 @ 5200	245 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	210 @ 4000	232 @ 3500

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	18/24	18/25

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	4

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

< 2005 Buick Rendezvous Photos

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