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:

    Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL)
    The Adaptive Forward Lighting System (AFL) pivots the headlamps horizontally to provide greater road illumination while turning. To enable AFL, set the exterior lamp switch to the AUTO posit ...

    When to Add Engine Oil
    If the oil is below the L mark for the L6 engine or the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick for the V8 engine, you will need to add at least one quart/liter of oil. But you must use the ...

    Door Unlock Options
    This allows selection of which doors will unlock when pressing on the RKE transmitter. Press SELECT when Door Unlock Options is highlighted. Turn the Menu knob to select All Doors or Drive ...