2004 Buick Rendezvous Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
If it holds its full complement of seven passengers plus a week's worth of groceries, and your home is situated on the top of a hill in San...
If it holds its full complement of seven passengers plus a week's worth of groceries, and your home is situated on the top of a hill in San Francisco, the Buick Rendezvous crossover SUV struggles a bit with its 3.4-liter, 185-hp V6 engine. So the 2004 Rendezvous adds the Ultra, with a 245-hp, 3.6-liter DOHC V6 that more than makes up for the two-ton-plus weight of this SUV. A 4-speed automatic is the only available transmission. Buick's only truck-based vehicle, the 2004 Rendezvous is available in FWD or AWD in both CX and CXL trims, but the Ultra is AWD only.
The Ultra comes standard with ABS brakes and Versatrak traction control (as do all the AWD trims), and features power leather seats, two rows of captain's chairs, a CD-changer, wheel-mounted audio controls, chrome gauges, and wood and leather interior trim. Other additions to the 2004 Rendezvous is optional satellite radio on all trims, and a new optional navigation system for the CXL and Ultra. Dual front-side airbags and a tire monitor are standard on CXL and Ultra AWD and optional on the CX, and all trims can be outfitted with optional parking assist. Oversized side mirrors also help when backing up, though some drivers say they can get in the way when trying to park in tight spaces.
Though the 2004 Rendezvous comes standard with two rows of seats, a third row can be added, but it greatly cuts down on the 54 cubic feet of cargo space (down to 18 cubic feet). When both rows are folded, that space increases to 108 cubic feet. The Rendezvous has some of the best headroom in its class, and owners like this and how it makes entry and exit easy. They like the new Ultra power, the car-like handling combined with minivan versatility, and the comfortable seats. On the negative side, they mention that the gauges are hard to read in the daytime, rear visibility is limited, as is third row legroom, and gas mileage could be better.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2004 Buick Rendezvous appreciate the vehicle for its reliability, comfort, and decent fuel economy. Many drivers report it has served them well over the years, with some highlighting its good acceleration and handling. However, they also mention a few downsides, such as build quality issues, noise during operation, and the need for some repairs, especially on used models. The center console design was noted as a minor annoyance, and while some feel it has an 'old-people appeal,' others see it as a solid value for money."
I really love my 2994 Buick Rendezvous. It has 217000 miles and still going strong. I have had to have the Transmission done at 165000, but with what I have put it through, that is not bad. Only problem seems to be with antilock brake system, and wheel bearings, they designed it with a wire going to the wheel bearing sensor that is pulled every time the wheel is turned. It evenually breaks and then the lights are always on saying traction control problem. I found many on the web having same problem. Gas mileage isn't bad for SUV, about 21 mpg average. Style is great, but center console is both a blessing and curse, there is little room between it and seats and I call it the black hole, because if you drop something in there, you may never see it again. Hard to clean that area too. Very reliable car, I have used it for work, as family car, and on many trips. It is showing some wear, the front power windows are now broken, but do plan on getting them fixed. Mine is a TPC car, used by golf tournement at Sawgrass. Is a very luxureous car, love the radio controls on the stearing wheel. This car has spoiled me, I can't imagine driving anything else. Its paid off and I plan on keeping it. It may need more repairs in the future, still has original everything, only replaced battery, tires and belt, and rebuilt transmision.
July 7, 2010This car is a very good value, however with any used model, there are some things that need tweaking, overall this is a vehicle I feel will serve me well, once we address a couple or so things. I am pleased I found this vehicle, it has been taken care of fairly well, especially compared to others Ive viewed. Very good class of vehicle compared to some other off brand suvs.
February 13, 2024Okay I think the Buick rendezvous is great a nice SUV with a with that square look that I like nice and comfortable inside cant wait to get my hands on one for me the best value for my money thank you
May 2, 2021What owners say
I really love my 2994 Buick Rendezvous. It has 217000 miles and still going strong. I have had to have the Transmission done at 165000, but with what I have put it through, that is not bad. Only problem seems to be with antilock brake system, and wheel bearings, they designed it with a wire going to the wheel bearing sensor that is pulled every time the wheel is turned. It evenually breaks and then the lights are always on saying traction control problem. I found many on the web having same problem. Gas mileage isn't bad for SUV, about 21 mpg average. Style is great, but center console is both a blessing and curse, there is little room between it and seats and I call it the black hole, because if you drop something in there, you may never see it again. Hard to clean that area too. Very reliable car, I have used it for work, as family car, and on many trips. It is showing some wear, the front power windows are now broken, but do plan on getting them fixed. Mine is a TPC car, used by golf tournement at Sawgrass. Is a very luxureous car, love the radio controls on the stearing wheel. This car has spoiled me, I can't imagine driving anything else. Its paid off and I plan on keeping it. It may need more repairs in the future, still has original everything, only replaced battery, tires and belt, and rebuilt transmision.
July 7, 2010This car is a very good value, however with any used model, there are some things that need tweaking, overall this is a vehicle I feel will serve me well, once we address a couple or so things. I am pleased I found this vehicle, it has been taken care of fairly well, especially compared to others Ive viewed. Very good class of vehicle compared to some other off brand suvs.
February 13, 2024Okay I think the Buick rendezvous is great a nice SUV with a with that square look that I like nice and comfortable inside cant wait to get my hands on one for me the best value for my money thank you
May 2, 2021Very good acceleration, reliable and efficient braking. Handles pretty well for it's size. Build quality is sub par. There are too many noises associated with transmission and braking. One wheel bearing had to be changed. The front view is pretty nice but the rear and side profiles are not flattering, then again, this was built on the Pontiac Aztec platform. Mileage is quite good for the engine size and maintenance has been economical so far. As a midsize SUV, it is not that much fun, unless it snows ;)
July 7, 2009This is not a mind-blowing vehicle - good or bad. If you're a traditional Buick owner, you'll hate it. If you're a Baja off-roader, you'll hate it. If you're somewhere in between, you'll find it an innocuous, inoffensive mode of transportation that cannot be denied as worth the price of admission. Had this been a Chevrolet or an Oldsmobile, it would've sold like hotcakes.
September 5, 2014Good all around performance. Some repairs have been needed, but it was pre-owned and in an accident. Stinks of old-people appeal. Decent mileage, doesn't burn tires or oil. Not a fun drive, but definitely an easy one. Would buy again.
January 15, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $39,935 | Seating 6 |
Engine 3.6L 245 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 54.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $30,295 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.4L 185 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 54.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $32,020 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.4L 185 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $34,085 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.4L 185 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $27,105 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.4L 185 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 54.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
