Driving Impressions

Despite structural similarities to the wildly styled Pontiac Aztek, Buick's crossover model has a personality of its own. Automatic-transmission responses are quick and easy. Acceleration is good, if not exactly inspiring. The Rendezvous runs very quietly and offers plenty of versatile space. The gauges are notable in appearance, but they're not the easiest to read at a glance.

The Rendezvous delivers a generally soft ride, but its suspension hits some bumps rather hard. Handling is reasonably precise with good steering feel and feedback, very much like what drivers might expect from a minivan.

    See also:

    Safety Belt Extender
    If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer/retailer will order you an extender. When you go in to order it, t ...

    Sunroof
    For vehicles with a sunroof, the sunroof only operates when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY, or in Retained Accessory Power (RAP). See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)  for more i ...

    Console Shift Lever
    If the vehicle is equipped with a console shift lever, use this procedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down. 2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pushing the l ...