Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families seeking versatile transportation with car-like driving dynamics and SUV practicality.
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano.
Platform:
GM U-body platform (shared with Pontiac Aztek), offering a car-based unibody construction for a more comfortable ride.
Interior Versatility:
Configurable seating (available 3 rows), allowing for flexible passenger and cargo arrangements.
Driving Characteristics:
Focus on a smoother, quieter ride compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Coverage Summary:
Covers all essential aspects of owning and operating the 2003 Buick Rendezvous, including safety, controls, driving, emergency procedures, service, appearance, maintenance, and technical information.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-350 pages (typical for OEM owner's manuals of this era)
Instrumentation And Controls:
Detailed explanation of dashboard lights, gauges, switches, steering wheel controls, climate controls, and infotainment system.
Safety Systems:
Coverage of seat belts, front and side airbags (SRS), child seat installation (LATCH system), and child safety locks.
Powertrain Operation:
Guidance on starting and stopping the engine, gear selection (P, R, N, D, L), traction control system (if equipped), and brake system operation.
Climate Control System:
Explanation of HVAC controls, operation of air conditioning and heating, vent selection, and recirculation modes.
Audio System:
Instructions for operating the radio, CD player (if equipped), speaker settings, and antenna operation.
Lighting And Visibility:
Details on exterior and interior lighting, headlight operation (low/high beam, auto), fog lamps, hazard lights, and wiper/washer system.
Wheels And Tires:
Information on tire pressure monitoring system (if equipped), recommended tire sizes, and wheel lug nut torque specifications.
Pre Driving Checks:
Check fluids, tire pressure, lights, and general vehicle condition before driving.
Adjustments:
Proper adjustment of driver's seat, steering wheel, mirrors, and seat belts.
Emergency Procedures:
Steps to take in case of a flat tire, breakdown, overheating, or other roadside emergencies. Includes information on using spare tire and jack.
Maintenance Schedule:
Recommended maintenance intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and inspections based on mileage or time.
Do It Yourself Maintenance:
Basic DIY tasks such as checking and topping up fluids (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), replacing wiper blades, and checking fuses.
Appearance And Care:
Guidance on washing, waxing, interior cleaning, and protecting the vehicle's finish.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information for day-to-day operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in service manuals.
Engine Type:
3.4L (3350cc) V6 OHV
Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 3.54 in (89 mm x 90 mm)
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
210 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool (Orange) 50/50 Antifreeze/Water mixture
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Length:
191.7 inches (4870 mm)
Width:
73.6 inches (1870 mm)
Height:
66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Wheelbase:
113.3 inches (2878 mm)
Front Track:
61.7 inches (1567 mm)
Rear Track:
61.8 inches (1570 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,900 - 4,150 lbs (1769 - 1882 kg) depending on FWD/AWD and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5,200 - 5,400 lbs (2359 - 2449 kg)
Towing Capacity:
3500 lbs (1588 kg) with optional trailering package.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Front Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Front Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Rear Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Rear Passenger:
5 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (as of tested model years)
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Dual-stage front airbags, available front-seat mounted side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats, load limiters for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for rear outboard seating positions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace approximately every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving environment.
Spark Plugs:
Replace approximately every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (these vehicles often came with iridium spark plugs).
Engine Oil Capacity Qt:
4.5
Coolant Capacity Qt:
Approx. 10.0
Transmission Fluid Capacity Qt:
Approx. 7.0 (dry fill)
Rear Suspension:
Some models experienced premature wear in rear suspension components, particularly trailing arm bushings, leading to clunking noises or alignment issues.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
ABS warning lights due to faulty wheel speed sensors are a common issue, affecting brake performance.
Alternator:
Premature alternator failure has been reported on some units.
Power Steering Pump:
Leaking or failing power steering pumps can lead to stiff steering.
Heater Core Leaks:
Some reports of heater core leaks, often indicated by a sweet smell inside the cabin or fogged windows.
Brand Focus:
Buick is positioned as a premium American automotive brand, known for comfort, quietness, and a smooth ride.
Model Timeline:
Introduced for the 2002 model year. The 2003 model year saw minor refinements and packaging updates.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the GM U-body platform, also used for the Pontiac Aztek. This platform was unique for its time, emphasizing unibody construction for a crossover.
Assembly Location:
Oshawa Car Assembly, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada