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| image = 02-03 Buick Rendezvous.jpg
| image = 02-03 Buick Rendezvous.jpg
| manufacturer = [[Buick]] ([[General Motors]])
| manufacturer = [[Buick]] ([[General Motors]])
| production = 2001–July 5, 2007
| production = 2001 – July 5, 2007
| model_years = 2002–2007
| model_years = 2002–2007
| assembly = [[Ramos Arizpe]], [[Mexico]]
| assembly = [[Ramos Arizpe]], [[Mexico]]
Line 15: Line 15:
| layout = [[FF layout|Front-engine, front-wheel drive]] / [[4WD|all-wheel drive]]
| layout = [[FF layout|Front-engine, front-wheel drive]] / [[4WD|all-wheel drive]]
| engine = 3.4&nbsp;L ''[[General Motors 60° V6 engine#LA1|LA1]]'' [[V6]]<br />3.5&nbsp;L ''[[GM High Value engine#LX9|LX9]]'' [[V6]]<br />3.6&nbsp;L ''[[GM High Feature engine#LY7|LY7]]'' [[V6]]
| engine = 3.4&nbsp;L ''[[General Motors 60° V6 engine#LA1|LA1]]'' [[V6]]<br />3.5&nbsp;L ''[[GM High Value engine#LX9|LX9]]'' [[V6]]<br />3.6&nbsp;L ''[[GM High Feature engine#LY7|LY7]]'' [[V6]]
| transmission = 4–speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] [[GM 4T60-E transmission#4T65-E|GM 4T65-E]]
| transmission = 4-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] [[GM 4T60-E transmission#4T65-E|GM 4T65-E]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|112|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|112|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|186.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|186.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
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[[File:2004 Buick Rendezvous 3.4 Rear.jpg|thumb|left|Rear view]]
[[File:2004 Buick Rendezvous 3.4 Rear.jpg|thumb|left|Rear view]]


It was Buick's first [[truck]] in its lineup since 1923, and the Rendezvous was billed as a combination of the best attributes of a [[minivan]] (large cargo capacity, seating for up to seven), a [[Luxury vehicle|luxury]] [[automobile]] (ride, handling, smoothness) and a sport utility vehicle (truck styling and available [[all wheel drive]]).
It was Buick's first [[truck]] in its lineup since 1923, and the Rendezvous was billed as a combination of the best attributes of a [[minivan]] (large cargo capacity, seating for up to seven), a [[Luxury vehicle|luxury]] [[automobile]] (ride, handling, smoothness) and a sport utility vehicle (truck styling and available [[All-wheel drive vehicle|all-wheel drive]]).


The Rendezvous was produced at General Motors' [[Ramos Arizpe]], [[Mexico]] assembly plant, where it shared an assembly line with the [[Pontiac Aztek]]. Like the Pontiac Aztek, the Buick Rendezvous is based on a shortened version of GM's second generation [[GM U platform|U platform]] minivans. In lieu of [[four-wheel drive]], the Rendezvous offered [[Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|Versatrak]], a full-time, fully automatic all-wheel drive system which provided sure-footed traction in inclement weather and could handle moderate off-road surfaces.
The Rendezvous was produced at General Motors' [[Ramos Arizpe]], [[Mexico]], assembly plant, where it shared an assembly line with the [[Pontiac Aztek]]. Like the Pontiac Aztek, the Buick Rendezvous is based on a shortened version of GM's second-generation [[GM U platform|U-platform]] minivans. In lieu of [[four-wheel drive]], the Rendezvous offered [[Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|Versatrak]], a full-time, fully automatic all-wheel drive system which provided sure-footed traction in inclement weather and could handle moderate off-road surfaces.


Buick benchmarked their [[Buick Park Avenue|Park Avenue]] sedan as the prototypical target for ride and handling for the Rendezvous. In order to provide a luxurious and responsive car-like ride, all Rendezvous came equipped with a fully [[independent rear suspension]] system regardless of optional content or trim level.
Buick benchmarked its [[Buick Park Avenue|Park Avenue]] sedan as the prototypical target for ride and handling for the Rendezvous. In order to provide a luxurious and responsive car-like ride, all Rendezvous models came equipped with a fully [[independent rear suspension]] system.


The Rendezvous' instrument cluster detailing featured teal illuminated needles and numbers set in a silver face accented by [[Chrome plating|chrome]] trim rings that was meant to evoke the luxurious look and feel of an expensive watch or designer bracelet. On the uplevel CXL model, a driver information center on the instrument panel provided the outside temperature, compass functions, a [[trip computer]] that included readings of fuel economy, range and fuel used. An optional second generation [[heads-up display]] was also available. This was also available in the CX model. An optional tire inflation monitoring system provided readings of tire pressure and warned if out of the specified range.
The instrument cluster of the Rendezvous featured teal-illuminated needles and numbers set in a silver face accented by [[Chrome plating|chrome]] trim rings that was meant to evoke the luxurious look and feel of an expensive watch or designer bracelet. On the uplevel CXL model, a driver information center on the instrument panel provided the outside temperature, compass functions, and a [[trip computer]] that included readings of fuel economy, driving range, and amount of fuel used. An optional second-generation [[head-up display]] was also available. This was also available in the CX model. An optional [[tire-pressure monitoring system]] provided readings of tire pressure and warned if out of the specified range.


The Rendezvous boasted the ability to carry seven passengers when equipped with a third-row bench, a class-leading feature that Buick brought to market before its competitors, and was able to carry within its interior a standard 4 x 8' sheet of [[plywood]].
The Rendezvous boasted the ability to carry seven passengers when equipped with a third-row bench, a class-leading feature that Buick brought to market before its competitors, and was able to carry within its interior a standard four-foot-by-eight-foot sheet of [[plywood]] (with the liftgate open).


In support of the Rendezvous' intended role as a versatile [[accoutrement]] for busy people with families, it provided a center console with storage space and power points for a [[laptop]] computer as well as a separate spots to hold a purse, a cell phone, pager or other small items that the owner would want to keep organized and readily accessible as well as an optional rear cargo organizer system and rear seat stereo system controls with headsets.
In support of the Rendezvous's intended role as a versatile [[accoutrement]] for busy people with families, it provided a center console with storage space and power points for a [[laptop]] computer as well as a separate spots to hold a purse, a cell phone, pager, or other small items that the owner would want to keep organized and readily accessible as well as an optional rear cargo organizer system and rear seat stereo system controls with headsets.


==Safety==
==Safety==
The [[Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]] (IIHS) gives Rendezvous an overall ''Acceptable'' rating in its frontal offset crash test for fair structure performance and fair dummy control. However, the IIHS did not perform a side-impact test on the Rendezvous.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}}
The [[Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]] (IIHS) gives the Rendezvous an overall ''Acceptable'' rating in its frontal offset crash test for fair structure performance and fair dummy control. However, the IIHS did not perform a side-impact test on the Rendezvous.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}}


==Sales success==
==Sales success==
The Rendezvous was a badly needed success for Buick, given the decline of its aging customer base, and singlehandedly brought a large number of younger, wealthier "conquest" buyers into Buick showrooms who otherwise would not have considered purchasing a Buick. A major contributor to the Rendezvous's success was an aggressive value-pricing strategy that made the Rendezvous US$6,500 less than a comparably equipped [[Acura MDX]] and US$8,000 less than the [[Lexus RX300|Lexus RX]]. The Rendezvous handily exceeded GM's predictions of 30,000 to 40,000 units a year by a large margin, which helped offset the poor sales of the [[Pontiac Aztek]] with which it shared its Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, assembly line.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}}
The Rendezvous was a badly needed success for Buick, given the decline of its aging customer base, and singlehandedly brought a large number of younger, wealthier "conquest" buyers into Buick showrooms who otherwise would not have considered purchasing a Buick. A major contributor to the Rendezvous's success was an aggressive value-pricing strategy that made the Rendezvous US$6,500 less than a comparably equipped [[Acura MDX]] and US$8,000 less than the [[Lexus RX300|Lexus RX]]. The Rendezvous handily exceeded GM's predictions of 30,000 to 40,000 units a year by a large margin, which helped offset the poor sales of its closest relative, the [[Pontiac Aztek]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}}


==Year to year changes==
==Year to year changes==
Line 62: Line 62:


===2003===
===2003===
* Optional Rear Seat [[DVD]] system is now offered
* Optional rear-seat [[DVD]] system is now offered.
* Optional [[XM Satellite Radio]] is now offered
* Optional [[XM Satellite Radio]] is now offered.


===2004===
===2004===
*Front [[turn signal]]/parking lights changed to clear from the previously used amber.
*Front [[turn signal]]/parking lights changed to clear from the previously used amber.
*The Ultra was added as a top-line model, with all [[comfort]] options standard, 17&nbsp;inch [[Alloy wheel|aluminum wheels]], [[leather]] and [[ultrasuede]] seating as well as a [[Anti-theft system|theft deterrent system]].
*The Ultra was added as a top-line model, with all [[comfort]] options standard, 17-inch [[Alloy wheel|aluminum wheels]], [[leather]] and [[ultrasuede]] seating, and a [[Anti-theft system|theft-deterrent system]].
*[[OnStar]] is now available on the Rendezvous as an optional feature.
*[[OnStar]] is now available on the Rendezvous as an optional feature.


===2005===
===2005===
*The Ultra was available with [[front-wheel drive]].
*The Ultra was available with [[front-wheel drive]].
*The 3.6&nbsp;L [[V6]] was now an option for the [[front-wheel drive]] CXL.
*The 3.6&nbsp;L [[V6]] was now an option for the [[front-wheel drive|front-wheel-drive]] CXL.
*Received [[Chrome plating|chrome]] Buick tri-shield steering wheel.
*Received [[Chrome plating|chrome]] Buick tri-shield steering wheel.
*Leather-wrapped steering wheel standard.
*Leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard.


===2006===
===2006===
*Quiet Tuning added to model
*Quiet Tuning added to model.
*[[OnStar]] is now standard on the Rendezvous
*[[OnStar]] is now standard.
*[[Rear park-assist]] is also now made standard on the Rendezvous
*[[Parking sensor|Rear park assist]] is now standard.
*3.5 liter V6 Standard
*3.5&nbsp;L V6 replaces 3.4&nbsp;L V6.
*Received chrome Buick tri-shield in grille
*Received chrome Buick tri-shield in grille.
*A black faced [[instrument cluster]] replaced the all silver one used in prior years (2005 in some models)
*A black-faced [[instrument cluster]] replaced the all-silver one used in prior years (2005 in some models).
*Ultra Dropped for CXL+
*Ultra dropped for CXL+.


===2007===
===2007===
*OnStar Direction and Connections with [[turn-by-turn navigation]]
*OnStar Direction and Connections with [[turn-by-turn navigation]].
*Available in CX, and CXL Trims
*Available in CX and CXL trims.
*Available only in Front Wheel Drive
*Available only in front-wheel drive.
*Standard [[Mahogany]] Trimmed Wheel on CXL, Optional on CX
*Standard [[mahogany]]-trimmed steering wheel on CXL, optional on CX.
*Standard Third Row Seat on CXL Trim
*Standard third-row seat on CXL trim.
*Last Year for the Buick Rendezvous
*Last model year for the Buick Rendezvous.


==Sales==
==Sales==

Revision as of 01:16, 3 September 2024

Buick Rendezvous
Overview
ManufacturerBuick (General Motors)
Production2001 – July 5, 2007
Model years2002–2007
AssemblyRamos Arizpe, Mexico
DesignerElizabeth Wetzel (Interior) (1999)[1]
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size crossover SUV
Body style4-door CUV
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
PlatformU-body/GMT257
RelatedPontiac Aztek
Powertrain
Engine3.4 L LA1 V6
3.5 L LX9 V6
3.6 L LY7 V6
Transmission4-speed automatic GM 4T65-E
Dimensions
Wheelbase112 in (2,845 mm)
Length186.5 in (4,737 mm)
Width73.6 in (1,869 mm)
Height68.9 in (1,750 mm)
Curb weight4,024–4,272 lb (1,825–1,938 kg)
Chronology
SuccessorBuick Enclave

The Buick Rendezvous is a mid-size crossover SUV that was sold by Buick for the 2002–2007 model years. Introduced in the spring of 2001, the Buick Rendezvous and its corporate cousin, the Pontiac Aztek, were GM's first entries into the crossover SUV segment. The Rendezvous featured a four-speed automatic transmission with a V6 engine and optional all-wheel-drive (Versatrak). The SUV used the same platform as GM's short-wheelbase minivans, the Chevrolet Venture and Pontiac Montana. The Rendezvous provided a passenger- and load-carrying capacity not seen in the Buick lineup since the discontinuation of the Buick Roadmaster Estate station wagon in 1996.

Technology and notable features

Rear view

It was Buick's first truck in its lineup since 1923, and the Rendezvous was billed as a combination of the best attributes of a minivan (large cargo capacity, seating for up to seven), a luxury automobile (ride, handling, smoothness) and a sport utility vehicle (truck styling and available all-wheel drive).

The Rendezvous was produced at General Motors' Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, assembly plant, where it shared an assembly line with the Pontiac Aztek. Like the Pontiac Aztek, the Buick Rendezvous is based on a shortened version of GM's second-generation U-platform minivans. In lieu of four-wheel drive, the Rendezvous offered Versatrak, a full-time, fully automatic all-wheel drive system which provided sure-footed traction in inclement weather and could handle moderate off-road surfaces.

Buick benchmarked its Park Avenue sedan as the prototypical target for ride and handling for the Rendezvous. In order to provide a luxurious and responsive car-like ride, all Rendezvous models came equipped with a fully independent rear suspension system.

The instrument cluster of the Rendezvous featured teal-illuminated needles and numbers set in a silver face accented by chrome trim rings that was meant to evoke the luxurious look and feel of an expensive watch or designer bracelet. On the uplevel CXL model, a driver information center on the instrument panel provided the outside temperature, compass functions, and a trip computer that included readings of fuel economy, driving range, and amount of fuel used. An optional second-generation head-up display was also available. This was also available in the CX model. An optional tire-pressure monitoring system provided readings of tire pressure and warned if out of the specified range.

The Rendezvous boasted the ability to carry seven passengers when equipped with a third-row bench, a class-leading feature that Buick brought to market before its competitors, and was able to carry within its interior a standard four-foot-by-eight-foot sheet of plywood (with the liftgate open).

In support of the Rendezvous's intended role as a versatile accoutrement for busy people with families, it provided a center console with storage space and power points for a laptop computer as well as a separate spots to hold a purse, a cell phone, pager, or other small items that the owner would want to keep organized and readily accessible as well as an optional rear cargo organizer system and rear seat stereo system controls with headsets.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Rendezvous an overall Acceptable rating in its frontal offset crash test for fair structure performance and fair dummy control. However, the IIHS did not perform a side-impact test on the Rendezvous.[citation needed]

Sales success

The Rendezvous was a badly needed success for Buick, given the decline of its aging customer base, and singlehandedly brought a large number of younger, wealthier "conquest" buyers into Buick showrooms who otherwise would not have considered purchasing a Buick. A major contributor to the Rendezvous's success was an aggressive value-pricing strategy that made the Rendezvous US$6,500 less than a comparably equipped Acura MDX and US$8,000 less than the Lexus RX. The Rendezvous handily exceeded GM's predictions of 30,000 to 40,000 units a year by a large margin, which helped offset the poor sales of its closest relative, the Pontiac Aztek.[citation needed]

Year to year changes

2002–2003 Buick Rendezvous CXL
2004–2005 Buick Rendezvous

2003

2004

2005

2006

  • Quiet Tuning added to model.
  • OnStar is now standard.
  • Rear park assist is now standard.
  • 3.5 L V6 replaces 3.4 L V6.
  • Received chrome Buick tri-shield in grille.
  • A black-faced instrument cluster replaced the all-silver one used in prior years (2005 in some models).
  • Ultra dropped for CXL+.

2007

  • OnStar Direction and Connections with turn-by-turn navigation.
  • Available in CX and CXL trims.
  • Available only in front-wheel drive.
  • Standard mahogany-trimmed steering wheel on CXL, optional on CX.
  • Standard third-row seat on CXL trim.
  • Last model year for the Buick Rendezvous.

Sales

Calendar year US Sales
2001 31,754[2]
2002 61,468
2003 72,643
2004 60,039
2005 60,589
2006 45,954
2007 15,295

References

  1. ^ "Elizabeth Wetzel". December 13, 2005.
  2. ^ GM US Data Book 2005 autointell.com/
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