Automotive
In February 2000, Buick entered the crossover segment when it unveiled the 2002 Rendezvous at the Chicago Auto Show, expanding its lineup with its first truck-based vehicle in nearly 80 years of history.
Customers’ appetite for crossovers and SUVs started to increase in the late ‘90s, while the MPV and sedan segment diminished in importance. As a result, automakers had to adapt, and even though Buick was not the first to answer this change in the market trend, it did it properly with the 2002 Rendezvous. The new model was based on the same platform as the Pontiac Aztek and the Pontiac Montana. However, its upscale cabin and polished-up exterior attracted customers in the premium segment. Furthermore, it was available with an innovative all-wheel-drive system that could automatically vary the torque sent to the wheels via an electronically controlled multi-clutch system named Versatrak that promised to improve fuel efficiency while still keeping the car planted on the road in slippery conditions.
At the front, the oval-shaped grille of the 2002 Buick Rendezvous was upright and adorned by chromed details, with the brand’s badge that took center stage. The swept-back headlights had clear lenses and stretched upwards to integrate the turn signal lamps. On the lower side, the wrapped-around plastic bumper featured a pair of side scoops that housed the fog lamps. At the same time, the apron integrated a mid-mounted black plastic trim that suggested an off-road-inspired detail.
From its sides, the 2002 Buick Rendezvous looked tall and majestic, with its sculptured lines adorning the rear doors and quarter panels. The flared wheel arches and plastic cladding on the side sills also hinted at the vehicle’s ability to easily drive across unpaved roads. Buick’s design team created an unusual rear end for the crossover, with C-pillars that looked stretched towards the taillights, while the blackened D-posts, the side rear windows, and the rear windshield looked like a wrapped-around glass area. At the back, the automaker placed the taillights higher, stretched from the quarter panels onto the tailgate.
The refined and roomy interior of the 2002 Buick Rendezvous could accommodate up to seven passengers on the three rows of seats. At the same time, the driver fronted a rounded-shaped instrument cluster featuring white-faced dials for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and coolant temperature. A head-up display was optional. Behind the four-spoke steering wheel, the automaker installed the gear selector for the standard automatic transmission. The front seats were divided by a tall center console that housed an armrest with a cubby underneath, two cup holders, and an additional small storage area next to the driver. Buick placed the stereo on the center stack, and later, in the 2004 model year, it added an option for touchscreen navigation. For the second row, customers could opt for either a split-folding bench seat or two captain chairs, while in the back, the car featured a fully retractable third row for two more people.
At the sales start, Buick offered the 2002 Rendezvous with a 3.4-liter V6 engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Customers could opt between front or all-wheel drive systems. Later that year, a 3.6-liter powerhouse featuring variable valve timing joined the range. Thanks to its luxurious cabin and numerous amenities, the Rendezvous was a great success for Buick, who struggled with low sales.
If you ever find yourself locked out of your Buick Rendezvous or need help rekeying the ignition or installing high-security keys, trust the experts at SherlockLock. Our mobile locksmiths are equipped to handle all Buick models and provide fast, reliable service wherever you are. Whether it’s a car lockout, key fob programming, or ignition repair, SherlockLock delivers professional automotive locksmith solutions when you need them most.
