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2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL

Date: 16 November 2001	Miles: 5,727
Now we can't get over how many people stop us and want more information about this long-termer, the 2002 Buick Rendezvous. In just two months, and over only 5,727 miles, more folks have asked us about this first Buick truck in decades than any vehicle we've tested this year that wasn't a Ferrari or Aston-Martin. What's the draw for the Rendezvous? It looks fresh and people like that. Also, this hybrid, all-wheel drive SUV-minivan fits three rows of seats in less length than most less capable utes. Plus it's a Buick, one of the highest quality domestic brands, and it's bargain priced against import competition. The Rendezvous just shows the public knows a smart design when they see one. And, its nearly indestructible 3.4-liter V-6 delivers a fine 19.4 miles per gallon and rising. So, what's not to like? So far the Rendezvous looks like a Buick with a bright future.
Date: 04 January 2002	Miles: 8,300
This crossover, part SUV, part minivan, part luxury sedan, has been with us 4 months and continues to spark interest where ever we go. Onlookers tell us they like how Rendezvous marries the tall Buick waterfall grille, and almost fast back hatch, into a concise two-box profile. So far we've driven our Rendezvous CXL a quick 8,300 miles. What we have noticed most is its soft ride, but with that, quite a bit of body roll. You feel the high center of gravity. Other log book tid bits include a comment that the stylish gauges are harder to read than other GM vehicles. Also, the big hatch weighs a lot, and we wish there was an outside latch release. You have to use the key fob or an inside switch. On the plus side is long distance comfort. The third seat really helps keep families happy mile after mile. Which, are dispatched pretty efficiently. 19.6 miles per gallon is good for an all-wheel drive V-6 powertrain. Rendezvous does seem to have crossed Buick over into the modern people mover business with flair.
Date: 15 February 2002	Miles: 10,500
Our 2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL may be the first SUV that truly has the ride of a big American sedan. But, we must add, with the handling control and precision of a much smaller model. A recent bout with snow also gave us a chance to test the Versatrak all-wheel drive system. It's superior to most viscous all-wheel drive systems in that power is not only split front to back, but side to side at the rear as well. It felt solid and sure footed We've driven 10,500 miles in five months, with a good average fuel economy of 19.5 miles per gallon. Two things we think Buick left off the Rendezvous are good map lights, the lamps under the rearview mirror are puny, and an outside hatch release. You have to hit a switch or use the key fob. Both smack of bean counting in an otherwise fine design.
Date: 12 April 2002	Miles: 12,300
MotorWeek took delivery of this 2002 Buick Rendezvous in August for a shortened, 6-month long term test. As the test ends, we're pleased to report that this first Buick ''truck'' in almost 80 years is a success with us, and in the marketplace. This crossover vehicle, part SUV, part minivan, part luxury sedan, continues to spark interest wherever we go. We've driven our top-of-the-line Rendezvous CXL just over 12,300 miles. What we have noticed most is its soft ride, but with that, quite a bit of body roll. You do feel the high center of gravity. Log book comments? Well, the stylish silver-faced gauges are hard to read. The small map lights make it tough to read anything else. Also, the big hatch weighs a lot, and we wish there was an outside hatch release. You have to use the key fob or an inside switch. Mechanically, the Rendezvous has been flawless with nary a broken anything. Also the Rendezvous excels in long distance comfort. It can carry almost any cargo that will fit in a minivan, while the third seat really helps keep families happy mile after mile. And, we think mileage of 19.3 per gallon is very good for a 185-horsepower V-6 powertrain with all-wheel drive. We found the Versatrak system to be superior to typical viscous all-wheel drive in that power is not only split front to back, but side to side at the rear as well. Indeed, the 2002 Rendezvous does seem to have crossed Buick over into the modern people mover business with flair.