🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Rendezvous

Model Years Covered:

2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Platform Code:

GMT267

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Crossover SUV

Positioning:

A practical, comfortable, and versatile family vehicle positioned as a more upscale alternative to some competitors.

Competitors:

Ford Freestyle, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Aztek, Toyota Highlander, Honda CR-V (though the Rendezvous is larger).

Unique Selling Points:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride, optional third-row seating, distinctive styling (for its time).

Target Audience:

Families seeking a practical, comfortable, and feature-rich SUV with a focus on passenger comfort and cargo versatility.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Engines Trims Transmissions:

True

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive, likely several thousand pages based on typical complete workshop manuals.

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage of all engine types (e.g., 3.4L V6, 3.6L V6), including diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and repair.

Transmission:

Detailed procedures for automatic transmission (e.g., 4T65-E) including diagnosis, overhaul, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) system coverage, including CV joints, driveshafts, differentials, and hubs.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system service (disc brakes), including hydraulic components, ABS, parking brake, and fluid specifications.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components (e.g., MacPherson struts, multi-link rear), wheel alignment specifications, and shock absorber replacement.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, and wheel alignment procedures.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, battery service, alternator, starter motor, and lighting system diagnostics.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system servicing, including refrigerant handling, compressor, and climate control module.

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panels, interior trim removal and installation, doors, windows, mirrors, and body hardware.

Restraints:

Airbag system diagnostics and service, seatbelt operation.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and scan tool usage.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, and spark plug replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon vehicle problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.

Repair:

Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems.

Installation:

Procedures for installing new or replacement parts and accessories.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, electrical specifications, fluid capacities and types, alignment data, and wear limits.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid level checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Accessibility:

Downloadable, printable (single pages or entire manual), viewable on PC, MAC, tablets, and smartphones.

Software Requirement:

Adobe Reader (free download available).

Quality:

High quality, with clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations/pictures.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

3.4L (3425cc)

Engine 1 Configuration:

OHV V6

Engine 1 Horsepower:

185-205 hp (depending on year and application)

Engine 1 Torque:

210-225 lb-ft (depending on year and application)

Engine 1 Fuel System:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Engine 1 Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.6L (3564cc) (Introduced later in the model run)

Engine 2 Configuration:

DOHC V6 (High Feature V6)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

245 hp

Engine 2 Torque:

232 lb-ft

Engine 2 Fuel System:

Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) or Port Fuel Injection (PFI) depending on specific application within the model years.

ECU Type:

ECM (Engine Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module), specific type varies by year and engine.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (4T65-E)

All Wheel Drive System:

Available on most models, often mated to the automatic transmission.

Transmission Features:

Includes manual mode (Versatrak AWD system), automatic shifting, and torque converter lock-up.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-VI (or equivalent specified by GM for the period, often Dexron-III/VI blended).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 191.7 inches

Width:

Approx. 73.0 inches

Height:

Approx. 67.3 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 113.1 inches

Seating Capacity:

5 or 7 passengers (with optional third-row seat)

Cargo Volume Behind First Row:

Approx. 69.1 cu ft (with second and third rows folded)

Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:

Approx. 39.2 cu ft (with third row folded or absent)

Curb Weight FWD:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,000 lbs

Curb Weight AWD:

Approx. 4,000 - 4,200 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3,500 lbs (with proper equipment and engine)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (for relevant model years)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (for relevant model years)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Acceptable (for relevant model years)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Limited availability or not present on all models/trims.

Airbags:

Front airbags, available side-impact airbags (for front occupants).

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners.

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems, rear seat entertainment, and in-dash CD changers were available.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking assist system.

Onstar:

OnStar telematics system available on most models, providing safety and communication features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendation).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Recommended around 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs, earlier for standard plugs (varies by engine).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on fluid type and driving habits. Crucial for longevity of the 4T65-E.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 3.8L: SAE 5W-30 (API certified); 3.6L: SAE 5W-30 (API SN or newer, Dexos approved).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (3.4L V6) or 5.0 quarts (3.6L V6) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

GM Dex-Cool® (Orange color) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-VI ATF

Common Problems Engine Mounts:

Premature wear of engine mounts leading to vibration and noise.

Common Problems Transmission:

Occasional issues with the 4T65-E transmission, such as solenoid failures or torque converter clutch shudder, especially with high mileage.

Common Problems HVAC:

Blend door actuator failures in the HVAC system can cause temperature control issues.

Common Problems Rear Suspension:

Some owners report sagging or worn rear springs/shocks due to the vehicle's weight and design.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing comfortable, upscale, and reliable vehicles, often targeting a more mature demographic.

Rendezvous Launch:

The Buick Rendezvous was introduced for the 2002 model year as Buick's first-ever crossover SUV.

Platform:

It was built on GM's U-body platform, shared with minivans like the Pontiac Aztek and Chevrolet Venture/Terra/Trans Sport.

Facelift Updates:

Received minor updates and powertrain enhancements throughout its run, including the introduction of the more powerful 3.6L V6 engine and some styling tweaks.

Production Location:

Assembled in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

Production Years:

2002-2007

Discontinuation:

The Rendezvous was replaced by the Buick Enclave for the 2008 model year, which utilized the Lambda platform.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reception:

Received mixed reviews upon introduction. Praised for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, but criticized for its minivan-based platform, styling, and less refined driving dynamics compared to some competitors.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Varied by model year and specific component. Generally rated average to below average in its early years, improving somewhat in later iterations.