Buick Rendezvous CXL AWD 3.6L V6
The Buick Rendezvous is a fascinating study in how styling can make or break a product. Sharing the same U-body platform, powertrain, and manufacturing plant as the Pontiac Aztek — one of the most reviled vehicles in automotive history — the Rendezvous was a genuine commercial success that outsold its Pontiac sibling by a wide margin. The difference was almost entirely down to styling and brand expectations.
Where the Aztek went for aggressive, polarizing design, the Rendezvous adopted a more conservative, rounded appearance that fit naturally within Buick's lineup of comfort-oriented vehicles. The result looked like what it was: a practical, family-oriented crossover from a brand known for quiet luxury. It was the right product at the right time for Buick's demographic.
The CXL trim with the 3.6-liter High Feature V6 represented the best the Rendezvous had to offer. The DOHC engine produced 242 horsepower — a substantial improvement over the base 3.4-liter pushrod V6's 185 horsepower. Combined with all-wheel drive, the 3.6L Rendezvous was a genuinely competent family vehicle with enough power to merge confidently and enough traction for adverse weather conditions.
Buick's attention to noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) — a hallmark of the brand — meant the Rendezvous was remarkably quiet and comfortable on the highway. The interior was well-appointed for its price class, with available leather seating, a premium audio system, and a third-row seat that expanded passenger capacity to seven.
Sales were strong throughout the Rendezvous's production run, with Buick consistently moving 40,000-70,000 units annually. The vehicle helped transition Buick's customer base from traditional sedans to the crossover/SUV segment that would come to dominate the American market.
The Rendezvous is not a collectible vehicle by any traditional measure. It was a practical, unremarkable transportation appliance. However, it holds historical significance as the car that proved the Aztek's platform was fundamentally sound — and that Pontiac's stylistic gamble, not GM's engineering, was the problem. The Rendezvous showed that the same ingredients, packaged more carefully, could produce a best-seller.
Rendezvous models are inexpensive and widely available. The 3.6L V6 is preferred for its significantly greater power and refinement. The AWD system adds utility and value. Common problems include intake manifold gasket failure on the 3.4L engine (the 3.6L is more reliable), power steering pump leaks, suspension bushing wear, and front wheel bearing failure. The front-drive-based AWD system is adequate for inclement weather but not designed for off-road use. Interior trim is durable by GM standards. Rust in northern climates affects the subframe and body mounts.
Total production exceeded 350,000 units over six model years. The 3.6L V6 was introduced for 2004, replacing the 3.5L V6 that had itself replaced the original 3.4L. The Rendezvous was discontinued after 2007 and replaced by the Buick Enclave, which moved to the larger Lambda platform. The Rendezvous outsold the Aztek by roughly 3:1 despite sharing the same platform.