2003 Buick Rendezvous Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The term "SUV" has increasingly negative connotations as an oversized, gas-guzzling, grocery hauler, so most carmakers are opting instead to call their new SUVs crossovers. The 2003 Buick Rendezvous looks like an SUV, but handles more like a minivan, with a interior size and luxury of a Park Avenue sedan. The 2003 Rendezvous comes in CX and the more upscale CXL trims, and this year the CXL comes in both FWD and AWD, just like the base model. All AWD Rendezvous are accompanied with Versatrak traction control and ABS brakes. The all-range traction control and ABS in the FWD trims are now optional instead of standard.
Also moved from the standard to optional list are side airbags, though the dual front bags are still included. Dual-zone climate control is added to the CXL, which also gets a new DVD player and satellite radio option. The 2003 Rendezvous is powered by a 3.4-liter, 185-hp V6 and 4-speed automatic that is somewhat sluggish on hills. It comes standard with two rows of seats, but a third row can be added. Both rows fold, and the second row can be removed for extra storage capacity. Captain's chairs can be substituted for the second row, and there are even some handy footrests that pop out from behind the front row seats. New in 2003 is an electronic liftgate release, which is helpful, though the heavy hatch is still hard to close.
The 2003 Rendezvous has helped boost sales in the Buick division, primarily because it offers all the versatility of an SUV with the luxury of more upscale brands, all at a much lower price point. Drivers praise its roominess, though they wish there was more than 18 cubic feet of cargo room when the seats are up. The exterior styling is contemporary and rugged, and the car-like handling appreciated by soccer moms everywhere. A favorite feature is the optional heads-up display. But the Rendezvous suffers from expensive repair problems, most notably with the wheel bearings and intake manifold. Other downsides include limited third row legroom, second row seats being hard to remove, some wind noise, and an underpowered engine.
User reviews for 2003 Buick Rendezvous
Write a review2003 Buick Rendezvous Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
