2005 Buick Rendezvous: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.