2003 Buick Rendezvous

Buick powers the Rendezvous with GM's lackluster 3400 V-6 engine, which is rated at a modest 185 horsepower at 5,200 rpm.

Rendezvous is a major addition to the Buick family and is offered in two trim levels—CX and CXL—with and without all-wheel drive. Bucket front seats are standard—in itself a major Buick breakthrough. Other across-the-board items are cruise control, power windows and side mirrors, AM/FM/CD stereo with equalizer, a lockable center console (which accommodates a cell phone, laptop, and purse), a rear defogger and a remote liftgate release. CXL packaging adds Versatrak AWD, a cassette deck, a driver-information display that includes a tire-inflation monitor, dual-zone AC, aluminum wheels, leather upholstery, choice of body-cladding colors and ultrasonic Rear Parking Aid.


Regardless of trim level, customers can choose either twin captain's chairs (a $250 option) or a three-passenger bench in the second row, and either storage space or the aforementioned fold-flat third seat (a $750 option). Available option packages include the Luxury Group, which includes heads-up display, chromed wheels, upgraded tires, heated front seats and seat/mirror memory for $5,105 and the Trailer Tow Package with heavy-duty engine cooling, a higher-amp alternator, trailer hitch, wiring harness and load-leveling rear suspension (air shocks and onboard compressor with accessory outlet) for $325. A la carte options feature a power moonroof ($800), stereo system that adds cassette deck and 6-disc CD changer ($395), XM Satellite Radio ($325) and a DVD entertainment system ($1100).


Buick has aspirations of attacking high-end brands such as Acura and Lexus with the Rendezvous. That's probably a reach, but one point in GM's favor is a base price that gives Buick a major selling point over the $35,000-plus set. As the first totally new Buick since the 1988 Reatta, Rendezvous definitely has its work cut out. The mere fact it isn't called Roadmaster tells you there are major changes afoot at this division. (www.buick.com)