Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size Crossover SUV, family-oriented utility vehicle.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors 2004:
        
        
            Ford Freestyle, Pontiac Aztek, Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot.
        
     
    
    
        
            Platform:
        
        
            GM Lambda platform (shared with Pontiac Aztek).
        
     
    
        
            Seating Capacity:
        
        
            Available in 5-passenger and 7-passenger configurations.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
        
     
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Emphasis on comfortable ride, spacious interior, and practicality.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Instrument Panel:
        
        
            Detailed explanation of gauges, warning lights, and indicators.
        
     
    
        
            Lighting Controls:
        
        
            Headlights, fog lights, interior lighting, and their operation.
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Operation of HVAC system, including manual and automatic modes, air recirculation, and defogging.
        
     
    
        
            Infotainment Audio:
        
        
            Radio, CD player, and speaker system operation, including station presets and audio adjustments.
        
     
    
        
            Powertrain Controls:
        
        
            Information on engine start/stop, transmission selector, and park assist systems (if equipped).
        
     
    
        
            Safety Restraints:
        
        
            Explanation of airbags, seat belts, child seat installation (LATCH system), and child safety locks.
        
     
    
        
            Chassis Suspension:
        
        
            General information on vehicle handling characteristics and tire care.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Information on brake system operation and warning indicators.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Fuse box locations and basic electrical system information.
        
     
    
        
            Wheels Tires:
        
        
            Tire pressure recommendations, rotation, and replacement guidelines.
        
     
    
    
        
            Fluid Checks:
        
        
            Guidance on checking and topping off essential fluids like engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
        
     
    
        
            Tire Pressure Monitoring:
        
        
            Instructions on understanding and maintaining proper tire inflation.
        
     
    
        
            Wiper Blade Replacement:
        
        
            Basic instructions for replacing windshield wiper blades.
        
     
    
        
            Light Bulb Replacement:
        
        
            Guidance on replacing exterior and interior light bulbs.
        
     
    
        
            Jump Starting:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for safely jump-starting the vehicle's battery.
        
     
    
        
            Changing A Flat Tire:
        
        
            Detailed procedure for safely changing a flat tire, including jack placement and lug nut torque.
        
     
    
        
            Refueling:
        
        
            Information on fuel type, capacity, and proper refueling procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Towing Preparation:
        
        
            Guidance on trailer hitches, weight distribution, and safe towing practices.
        
     
    
        
            Winter Driving Preparation:
        
        
            Tips for preparing the vehicle for cold weather conditions.
        
     
    
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Basic troubleshooting tips for common warning lights or indicators.
        
     
    
        
            Repair Level:
        
        
            Focus on owner-level maintenance and minor adjustments; advanced repairs typically require a service manual.
        
     
    
        
            Preventative Maintenance:
        
        
            Comprehensive coverage of scheduled maintenance items and their intervals.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            3.4L V6 (3400 SFI)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            3.4 liters (3350 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Configuration:
        
        
            V6, Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            92 mm x 85 mm (3.62 in x 3.35 in)
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            185 hp @ 5200 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            210 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Induction:
        
        
            Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Capacity:
        
        
            17.0 gallons (64 L)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            4-speed automatic overdrive
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Code:
        
        
            4T65-E
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            N/A (Only one transmission option was offered for 2004)
        
     
    
    
        
            Shift Modes:
        
        
            Driver Shift Control (DSC) - allows manual selection of gears (e.g., for engine braking).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Dexron VI (or Dexron III H, depending on production date and GM recommendations)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            193.8 inches (4923 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            72.7 inches (1847 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            66.7 inches (1694 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            113.0 inches (2870 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Front Track:
        
        
            61.6 inches (1565 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Rear Track:
        
        
            61.4 inches (1560 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Front Headroom:
        
        
            39.6 inches (1006 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Front Legroom:
        
        
            42.1 inches (1069 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Rear Headroom:
        
        
            39.5 inches (1003 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Rear Legroom:
        
        
            38.3 inches (973 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
        
        
            Approximately 80 cubic feet (2265 L)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
        
        
            Approximately 39 cubic feet (1104 L)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight FWD:
        
        
            Approximately 3,896 lbs (1767 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Curb Weight AWD:
        
        
            Approximately 4,045 lbs (1835 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
        
        
            Approximately 5,247 lbs (2380 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Towing Capacity:
        
        
            Up to 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) with proper towing equipment and trailer brakes.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            5 Stars (for 2004 model year)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
        
        
            5 Stars (for 2004 model year)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
        
        
            5 Stars (for 2004 model year)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
        
        
            4 Stars (for 2004 model year)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
        
        
            Good (for 2004 model year)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Available Traction Control System (TCS)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, available side-impact airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            3-point active seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, 3-point seat belts for rear occupants.
        
     
    
        
            Child Restraints:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear outboard seating positions.
        
     
    
        
            Child Safety Locks:
        
        
            Rear door child safety locks.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System Options:
        
        
            Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio systems with cassette and/or more speakers.
        
     
    
        
            Display:
        
        
            Central dashboard display for radio and climate controls.
        
     
    
    
        
            Parking Assist:
        
        
            Optional Rear Parking Assist (Ultrasonic sensors).
        
     
    
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            Typically not standard for this model year; aftermarket solutions might be available.
        
     
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Not available from factory for the 2004 model year.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Change:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
        
     
    
        
            Tire Rotation:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, concurrent with oil changes.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter:
        
        
            Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter:
        
        
            Inspect annually, replace as needed.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Inspect at 50,000 miles (80,000 km), change if fluid is discolored or burnt; recommended change every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) under severe usage.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plugs:
        
        
            Platinum-tipped spark plugs typically rated for 100,000 miles (160,000 km) replacement interval.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Viscosity:
        
        
            SAE 3.9W-30 (or 5W-30 for wider temperature range)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            GM-spec Dex-Cool Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (orange)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approximately 12.0 US quarts (11.4 L)
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            GM Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III/VI)
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Steering Pump Leaks:
        
        
            Some owners have reported power steering pump leaks or noise.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Hard Shifting:
        
        
            Occasional reports of hard shifting or delayed engagement in the 4T65-E transmission.
        
     
    
        
            Evaporative Emissions System Faults:
        
        
            Check Engine Light due to EVAP system faults (e.g., purge solenoid, vent solenoid).
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Component Wear:
        
        
            Wear on suspension components like ball joints and control arm bushings over time.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Buick Legacy:
        
        
            Buick is one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for comfort, refinement, and a more premium feel within General Motors.
        
     
    
    
        
            Rendezvous Introduction:
        
        
            The Buick Rendezvous was introduced for the 2002 model year as a new type of vehicle for Buick, a crossover SUV blending car-like ride comfort with SUV practicality.
        
     
    
        
            Rendezvous Generation 1:
        
        
            First generation (2002-2007) based on the GM U-body platform, later shared with other GM crossovers.
        
     
    
    
        
            Assembly Location:
        
        
            General Motors Oshawa Car Assembly Plant, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
        
     
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            2002-2007
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year 2002:
        
        
            While not an award for the 2004 model, the Rendezvous was named 'Family Car of the Year' by Popular Mechanics in 2002, highlighting its practicality.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Ratings:
        
        
            Consumer Reports ratings for the 2004 Rendezvous were generally mixed, with praise for comfort and utility but concerns regarding predicted reliability for certain components.