Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families seeking a versatile, comfortable, and stylish SUV with optional all-wheel drive.
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder.
Distinguishing Features:
Comfort-oriented ride, spacious interior with optional third-row seating, distinctive styling for its class, available AWD.
Oem Documentation Value:
Provides authoritative information directly from the manufacturer, ensuring accuracy and completeness for owners.
Primary Coverage:
Operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 2002 Buick Rendezvous.
Secondary Coverage:
Safety features, vehicle systems overview, routine service procedures.
Estimated Page Count:
~200-300 pages (typical for OEM owner's manuals of this era)
Format:
PDF (Electronic Download)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid levels, basic engine warning indicators.
Drivetrain:
Information on AWD system (if equipped), gear selection, and drive modes.
Chassis:
Brake system operation, steering, suspension overview, tire pressure monitoring system (if equipped).
Electrical:
Lighting system controls, instrument cluster indicators, fuse box locations and functions, battery care.
Comfort Convenience:
HVAC controls, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), seat adjustments, sound system operation, sunroof controls (if equipped).
Safety Security:
Airbag system explanation, seat belt usage, child seat installation, anti-theft system operation, remote keyless entry.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire inflation checks, wiper blade replacement.
Basic Troubleshooting:
Interpreting dashboard warning lights and messages, basic steps for common issues (e.g., jump starting).
Emergency Procedures:
Operation of hazard lights, spare tire and jack usage, towing information.
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting; does not contain detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes for technicians.
Engine Code Reference:
L36 (3.8L V6), LA3 (3.4L V6) - Note: Initial models primarily used the 3.4L V6. The 3.8L V6 became standard in later model years/trims.
Displacement:
3.4 Liters (207 cubic inches)
Configuration:
V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Horsepower:
~185 hp @ 4800 RPM
Torque:
~210 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Approximately 9-10 seconds (depending on configuration)
Top Speed:
~115 mph (electronically limited)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Control:
Electronic Control Module (ECM) controlled shifting
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Overdrive:
Equipped with overdrive for efficient highway cruising
Transmission Fluid Type:
GM DEXRON-III (or equivalent) Automatic Transmission Fluid
Ground Clearance:
~7.5 inches (approximate)
Passenger Capacity:
5 or 7 (with optional third-row seat)
Front Headroom:
~39.5 inches
Front Legroom:
~42.0 inches
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
~39.7 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
~77.1 cubic feet (approximate)
Curb Weight:
~4000 - 4300 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity:
~3500 lbs (with optional trailering package)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 2002 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for 2002 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars (for 2002 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5 Stars (for 2002 model year)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, available side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seating positions.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer, optional in-dash CD changer.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist system.
Auxiliary Inputs:
No standard auxiliary audio input (typically only found on aftermarket head units or significantly later models).
Remote Keyless Entry:
Standard or optional remote keyless entry system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) with synthetic oil; 3,000-5,000 miles with conventional oil (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically around 20,000-30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically around 15,000-30,000 miles).
Coolant Flush Interval:
First change at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2-5 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (refer to manual for exact specification).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred), SAE 10W-30 (acceptable under certain conditions)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (with filter) for 3.4L V6
Coolant Type:
GM Goodwrench 50/50 Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent silicate-free, long-life OAT coolant)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent)
Common Complaints:
Transmission shifting issues, evaporator core leaks (leading to AC issues), various electrical glitches, potential for intake manifold gasket leaks on some GM V6 engines of this era.
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, upscale, and reliable vehicles, often positioning itself as a more premium offering within General Motors.
Rendezvous Introduction:
The Buick Rendezvous was introduced for the 2002 model year as Buick's first crossover SUV, built on the GM U platform shared with the Pontiac Aztek.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized a car-like ride and handling combined with the practicality of an SUV, featuring a distinctive and somewhat polarizing exterior design.
Generation One:
2002-2007 (first generation)
Manufacturing Plant:
General Motors' Oshawa Car Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada.
Initial Reception:
The Rendezvous received mixed reviews upon its release. Praised for comfort and interior space, but criticized for its polarizing styling and some interior material choices.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings for the 2002 Rendezvous from sources like Consumer Reports were often average to below average, particularly concerning powertrain and electrical systems.