Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile utility and comfort
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder
Manual Value Proposition:
Authoritative, dealer-level repair information enabling DIY maintenance and repair, saving on labor costs.
Vehicle Distinguishing Features:
Comfortable ride, spacious interior, optional third-row seating, distinctive styling.
Engine Mechanical:
Full Engine Service, Rebuild, Diagnostics
Engine Control:
ECM, PCM, Sensors, Actuators, Fuel Injection, Ignition Control
Transmission Automatic:
4T65-E: Overhaul, Diagnostics, Control System
Chassis Suspension:
Front & Rear Suspension, Steering, Wheel Bearings, Alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic System, ABS, Traction Control, Parking Brake, Disc/Drum Service
Electrical System:
Wiring Schematics, Lighting, Power Distribution, Fuses, Relays
Climate Control:
HVAC System, A/C Compressor, Refrigerant, Heater Core
Safety Systems:
Supplemental Restraint System (Airbags), Seat Belts, Immobilizer
Body Exterior:
Doors, Hood, Liftgate, Bumpers, Glass, Mirrors
Body Interior:
Seating, Trim Panels, Instrument Panel, Console
Emission Control:
EVAP System, Catalytic Converter, EGR System
Multiplex Communication:
CAN Bus Communication, Body Control Module (BCM) Diagnostics
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, DTC Retrieval and Interpretation
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems
Rebuilds:
Engine and Transmission Rebuild procedures
Calibration:
Sensor and module calibration where applicable
Wiring Repairs:
Component replacement and harness repair instructions
Depth:
Factory-level detail for technicians and advanced DIYers
Printability:
Fully Printable, High Resolution Images and Diagrams
Binding:
Digital (No physical binding)
Paper Type:
Digital (Not Applicable)
Software Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac Compatible
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (Free)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Overdrive (4T65-E)
Optional Transmission:
N/A for 2003 Model Year
Traction Control System:
Available with Traction Control (TC)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or Dexron VI compatible)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 11.0 pints (5.2 Liters) for dry fill
Wheelbase:
113.3 inches (2878 mm)
Length:
192.4 inches (4887 mm)
Width:
73.7 inches (1872 mm)
Height:
67.3 inches (1709 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 108.6 cubic feet (3075 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 39.0 cubic feet (1104 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 12.2 cubic feet (345 liters) (if equipped with optional 3rd row)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4100-4300 lbs (1860-1950 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 5400-5600 lbs (2450-2540 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
5-Star (Driver & Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
5-Star (Front & Rear Passenger)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control (TC)
Airbags:
Dual Frontal Airbags, Available Side-Impact Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats
Audio System:
AM/FM Stereo with CD Player, Optional Premium Audio System, Optional Rear Seat Entertainment.
Navigation:
Optional Factory Navigation System.
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control.
Parking Assist:
Optional Rear Parking Assist Sensors.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Standard Remote Keyless Entry.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or per severe service schedule.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III compatible)
Coolant Type:
GM P-OAT (Purple Organic Acid Technology) or compatible green coolant.
Common Engine Issue 1:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (plastic intake manifold).
Common Transmission Issue 1:
Torque converter shudder or premature failure in early models.
Common Suspension Issue 1:
Worn front wheel bearings, worn sway bar links.
Common Electrical Issue 1:
Faulty power window regulators, climate control module issues.
Buick Legacy:
Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing comfortable, upscale vehicles.
Rendezvous Introduction:
The Buick Rendezvous was introduced for the 2002 model year as a unique offering in the crossover segment.
2003 Updates:
While significant redesigns were for later years, 2003 models benefited from refinements and feature packaging updates.
Platform Shared With:
Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana/SV6, Oldsmobile Silhouette (GM U-body minivan platform).
Manufacturing Location:
General Motors Oshawa Truck Assembly, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Initial Reception:
The Rendezvous was praised for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, but received mixed reviews for its styling and minivan-derived platform.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by year and component, with some common issues noted (as per known issues).
