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.