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:

    Automatic Transmission
    The automatic transmission has a shift lever located on the console between the seats. P (Park): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when starting the engin ...

    Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
    The RKE transmitter is used to remotely lock and unlock the doors from up to 60 m (195 feet) away from the vehicle. Press to unlock the driver door. Press again within five seconds to ...

    Flash-to-Pass
    To flash the high beams, pull the turn signal/lane change lever toward you, and release. ...