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.