Vehicle Class:
Mid-size Crossover SUV, aimed at families and those seeking versatility.
Brand Strategy:
Buick positioned as a premium mainstream brand within General Motors, offering comfort and refinement.
Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet TrailBlazer.
Design:
Distinctive styling for its era, blending SUV ruggedness with car-like comfort.
Practicality:
Three-row seating option (in some configurations), ample cargo space, comfortable ride.
Primary Coverage:
Buick Rendezvous 2003 Model Year
Secondary Coverage:
Features, Controls, Maintenance Schedules, Service Information, Do-It-Yourself Activities, Towing, Safety
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 300-400 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic), drivetrain components (FWD/AWD)
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system
Electrical:
Lighting systems (interior/exterior), instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, basic electrical features, battery, fuses
Body:
Doors, windows, mirrors, seats, climate control, audio system, security system, interior trim
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, parking, gear selection, climate control operation, audio system use
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement
Do It Yourself:
Basic maintenance tasks, such as checking fluid levels, replacing wiper blades, and changing light bulbs.
Safety:
Seat belt usage, child restraint systems (LATCH), airbag system explanation, emergency procedures, towing considerations
Depth:
Owner-level information for operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth diagnostic or repair procedures.
Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if the PDF was created from a digital source or OCR'd
Resolution:
Depends on the source scan/digital file, typically viewable and printable on standard printers.
Original Binding:
Stapled or Perfect Bound (for physical copy)
Original Paper:
Standard paper stock (physical copy)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Code:
4T65-E
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Gear Selection:
P-R-N-D-L (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low gear)
Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent specified by GM.
Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) for dry fill, 10.7 quarts (10.1 L) total capacity.
Length:
193.8 inches (4923 mm)
Width:
72.5 inches (1841 mm)
Height:
67.3 inches (1709 mm)
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches (2875 mm)
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 4,000 lbs (1814 kg)
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 4,170 lbs (1891 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5,500 lbs (2495 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 15.1 cubic feet (variable based on configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 42.3 cubic feet (variable based on configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 88.9 cubic feet (variable based on configuration)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Five Stars (as per NHTSA data for similar GM platforms)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Five Stars (as per NHTSA data for similar GM platforms)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
Four Stars (as per NHTSA data for similar GM platforms)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
Five Stars (as per NHTSA data for similar GM platforms)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (based on similar GM platforms of the era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, available front side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, front seat pretensioners.
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; some later models or aftermarket installations might include auxiliary inputs.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available remote keyless entry system.
Power Features:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard on most trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, or as indicated by the oil life monitor system.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Typical replacement is around 30,000 miles.
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (using Dex-Cool coolant).
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290 (Orange) - Dex-Cool Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Brake Fluid.
Washer Fluid:
Windshield Washer Fluid (use seasonal appropriate mixture).
Common Problems 1:
Transmission solenoid issues leading to shifting problems, particularly the 1-2 shift. Requires solenoid replacement or transmission rebuild.
Common Problems 2:
Rear liftgate actuator failure, causing the liftgate to not open or close properly. Replacement of the actuator is typically needed.
Common Problems 3:
Coolant leaks, particularly from the intake manifold gaskets or water pump seal. Regular checks are advised.
Common Problems 4:
Cracked dashboard or interior trim components due to UV exposure and age.
Buick Legacy:
Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing comfortable and well-appointed vehicles since 1903.
Rendezvous Introduction:
The Buick Rendezvous was introduced for the 2002 model year, marking Buick's entry into the crossover SUV segment.
Rendezvous Platform:
Based on GM's U-body minivan platform (shared with Pontiac Aztek), which provided a car-like ride and interior packaging flexibility.
Manufacturing Plant:
Built at the GM Oshawa Car Plant in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Model Life Span:
2002-2007
Safety Awards Mention:
While specific awards for the 2003 model year are not prominently documented, its safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were generally competitive for its class and time.
Consumer Reports Mention:
Consumer Reports often provided mixed reviews for the Rendezvous, citing comfort and practicality but sometimes flagging reliability concerns, especially regarding the powertrain and electronics.
Emissions Certification:
Complies with U.S. EPA and California emissions standards for the year 2003.