Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV
Positioning:
A practical, comfortable, and versatile family vehicle positioned as a more upscale alternative to some competitors.
Competitors:
Ford Freestyle, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Aztek, Toyota Highlander, Honda CR-V (though the Rendezvous is larger).
Unique Selling Points:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, optional third-row seating, distinctive styling (for its time).
Target Audience:
Families seeking a practical, comfortable, and feature-rich SUV with a focus on passenger comfort and cargo versatility.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of all engine types (e.g., 3.4L V6, 3.6L V6), including diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and repair.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for automatic transmission (e.g., 4T65-E) including diagnosis, overhaul, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) system coverage, including CV joints, driveshafts, differentials, and hubs.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service (disc brakes), including hydraulic components, ABS, parking brake, and fluid specifications.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (e.g., MacPherson struts, multi-link rear), wheel alignment specifications, and shock absorber replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, and wheel alignment procedures.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, battery service, alternator, starter motor, and lighting system diagnostics.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system servicing, including refrigerant handling, compressor, and climate control module.
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, interior trim removal and installation, doors, windows, mirrors, and body hardware.
Restraints:
Airbag system diagnostics and service, seatbelt operation.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and scan tool usage.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, and spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon vehicle problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems.
Installation:
Procedures for installing new or replacement parts and accessories.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, electrical specifications, fluid capacities and types, alignment data, and wear limits.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid level checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics.
Accessibility:
Downloadable, printable (single pages or entire manual), viewable on PC, MAC, tablets, and smartphones.
Software Requirement:
Adobe Reader (free download available).
Quality:
High quality, with clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations/pictures.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.4L (3425cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
OHV V6
Engine 1 Horsepower:
185-205 hp (depending on year and application)
Engine 1 Torque:
210-225 lb-ft (depending on year and application)
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Engine 1 Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.6L (3564cc) (Introduced later in the model run)
Engine 2 Configuration:
DOHC V6 (High Feature V6)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
245 hp
Engine 2 Torque:
232 lb-ft
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) or Port Fuel Injection (PFI) depending on specific application within the model years.
ECU Type:
ECM (Engine Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module), specific type varies by year and engine.
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (4T65-E)
All Wheel Drive System:
Available on most models, often mated to the automatic transmission.
Transmission Features:
Includes manual mode (Versatrak AWD system), automatic shifting, and torque converter lock-up.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI (or equivalent specified by GM for the period, often Dexron-III/VI blended).
Length:
Approx. 191.7 inches
Width:
Approx. 73.0 inches
Height:
Approx. 67.3 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 113.1 inches
Seating Capacity:
5 or 7 passengers (with optional third-row seat)
Cargo Volume Behind First Row:
Approx. 69.1 cu ft (with second and third rows folded)
Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:
Approx. 39.2 cu ft (with third row folded or absent)
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 3,800 - 4,000 lbs
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 4,000 - 4,200 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3,500 lbs (with proper equipment and engine)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for relevant model years)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for relevant model years)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Acceptable (for relevant model years)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Limited availability or not present on all models/trims.
Airbags:
Front airbags, available side-impact airbags (for front occupants).
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems, rear seat entertainment, and in-dash CD changers were available.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist system.
Onstar:
OnStar telematics system available on most models, providing safety and communication features.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended around 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs, earlier for standard plugs (varies by engine).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on fluid type and driving habits. Crucial for longevity of the 4T65-E.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 3.8L: SAE 5W-30 (API certified); 3.6L: SAE 5W-30 (API SN or newer, Dexos approved).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (3.4L V6) or 5.0 quarts (3.6L V6) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool® (Orange color) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-VI ATF
Common Problems Engine Mounts:
Premature wear of engine mounts leading to vibration and noise.
Common Problems Transmission:
Occasional issues with the 4T65-E transmission, such as solenoid failures or torque converter clutch shudder, especially with high mileage.
Common Problems HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures in the HVAC system can cause temperature control issues.
Common Problems Rear Suspension:
Some owners report sagging or worn rear springs/shocks due to the vehicle's weight and design.
Buick Legacy:
Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing comfortable, upscale, and reliable vehicles, often targeting a more mature demographic.
Rendezvous Launch:
The Buick Rendezvous was introduced for the 2002 model year as Buick's first-ever crossover SUV.
Platform:
It was built on GM's U-body platform, shared with minivans like the Pontiac Aztek and Chevrolet Venture/Terra/Trans Sport.
Facelift Updates:
Received minor updates and powertrain enhancements throughout its run, including the introduction of the more powerful 3.6L V6 engine and some styling tweaks.
Production Location:
Assembled in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Production Years:
2002-2007
Discontinuation:
The Rendezvous was replaced by the Buick Enclave for the 2008 model year, which utilized the Lambda platform.
Initial Reception:
Received mixed reviews upon introduction. Praised for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, but criticized for its minivan-based platform, styling, and less refined driving dynamics compared to some competitors.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied by model year and specific component. Generally rated average to below average in its early years, improving somewhat in later iterations.
