Worst vehicle >1990 - Buick Rendezvous

[akboss]

Why am I picking on the innocent, lowly Buick Rendezvous? Well, because one parked at my office today, and I was reminded at how blatantly terrible it was. I even call it worse than the Pontiac Aztec. Why? Because the Aztek, even with distastefully polarizing styling, met it's intended purpose with functional discipline. It was meant as an affordable utility vehicle designed for those that consider themselves 'active lifestylers', people that go base jumping on their lunch break or keep lions as pets. And the vehicle itself was up to the task - it had flexible storage, power outlets everywhere, available hatch-mounted air compressor, decent sound system, available AWD, fold-flat floor, and space for mountain bikes and surf boards without breaking a sweat. But when the brilliant minds at GM took the ugly duckling and decided to market it as a luxury crossover, well, that's just stupid. The awkward oval shapes of the grille and rear license plate area of the Rendezvous play against the angular sides and greenhouse of the car to create an awkward shape that was neither luxurious or attractive. A complete lack of detail left the side of the vehicle looking like it was cut from a chunk of stone, save for the two-tone body cladding that only made the surface more visually cumbersome.

If it was only the exterior that was miserable, it may have been passable had it been paired with a luxurious, detailed interior. It wasn't. While the Aztek brethren featured chunky buttons, aggressive red instrumentation and bold, round 360 air vents, the Buick was saddled with what looks like an interior that was designed by Fisher Price, only they would have used better plastic. The recessed dash openings appear as though they were cut post-production with a hack saw in basic shapes, where generic electronics and gadgets were then dumped into place and loosely fastened. The tragically shapeless seats offer less support than a cardboard cutout, making the entire experience woefully disheartening. It is a disappointing place to be, and getting out of the car would be the best part of owning this vehicle.

The dynamics of the car - based on GM's lackluster minivans - was nothing to write home about. Over-assisted steering, vague on-center feel behind the wheel, indirect steering that was slow to react, and a suspension made of marshmallows and jello pudding that ponderously floated around corners.

The Rendezvous is a rolling reminder of why GM lost so many loyal customers to import buyers. Many wanted to buy GM, but they couldn't bring themselves to pay good, hard-earned money for a car that offered so little for so much. Let's all take a good, hard look at GM's new offerings like the GMC Acadia, Chevy Equinox, Malibu - and think how far they have come! The late 90's and early 00's were not nice to GM, and they bestowed many a horrendous car on us, but thankfully the trend is waning and it seems as though the lineup this year will be better than ever. I for one am looking forward to what's next.

['97ventureowner]

1990? I thought the Rendezvous was made from 2001 - 2007? Was it a concept vehicle?

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by dab1123

What, you think you're some kind of vehicle design engineer? In my opinion you're just a blow hard with nothing better to do!

No, he's a consumer and an car buyer..... just the kind of person GM needs to listen to and please in order to survive.

He's also one of AF's better-informed contributors..... who, unlike you, does not need to resort to petty insults to make a point.

[dab1123]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

No, he's a consumer and an car buyer..... just the kind of person GM failed to please with the Buick. He's also one of AF's better-informed contributors..... who, unlike you, does not need to resort to petty insults.

I'm a consumer & car buyer too, just the kind of person Ford & Chrysler fail to please with all their models, but I don't go on line to cut them to pieces. And "unlike you", I live in America where they're made.

[akboss]

Originally Posted by dab1123

I'm a consumer & car buyer too, just the kind of person Ford & Chrysler fail to please with all their models, but I don't go on line to cut them to pieces. And "unlike you", I live in America where they're made.

Hey hey guys, first off this was a rant on the Rendezvous and I don't apologize for any of it. It is a losing battle to say this was any kind of a good product, because by any measurement you wish to use, it wasn't. But if you care to read to the end of my rant on the Buick, you will find I am wholeheartedly in support of GM and the domestic manufacturers.

In reference to Dab, the fact that you are an American that buys American just because it is American is a disservice to your country and your manufacturing sector. Basically you are saying, even if there is superior, better product out there, I will contribute to inferiority and mediocrity because I believe the money is better held in the hands of discontented or misaligned work environments rather than successful ones. It's counter-intuitive to the capitalist nature of America. As much as we need to support our local manufacturing sector, there needs to be accountability and responsibility and commitment from that manufacturer to make the best product they can. If they willfully choose not to 'try' then why should I pay charity money to a product that isn't competitive on a global scale? In the end, that product will fail, and my investment will tank with it. North America as a whole has more of an advantage than any other country - we have universal education, high literacy rates (although not as high as most of Europe), we have a massive force of skilled tradesmen, and wealth to back them up. But when we get lazy and content, that's when the competition, and rightfully so, needs to step in and challenge that.

Perhaps you should voice your discontent to car models that you find distasteful, chances are you're not alone. And when enough of these letters get into the hands of the execs, they will make the cars better. Otherwise, if people keep buying the Caliber because it's 'Amurican'!, then that is all you'll get...

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by dab1123

And "unlike you", I live in America where they're made.

hahahahaha.. that's funny.......

Are you being funny, or do you not know what's going on? American manufacturers shifted significant amounts of to Canada more than 90 years ago.

Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, and numerous auto components manufacturers build cars and car parts in Canada.

Many of the cars and trucks that you think of being American (or Japanese) are built right here.

Here is a list of them:
http://www.canadianmade.com/automotive.shtml

In 2007, Canada made more than 2.5 million cars and light trucks.

Total automotive exports, (vehicles and components) was worth $68 billion dollars.
http://www.cvma.ca/eng/industry/importantfacts.asp

Most of these exports go to the states

[akboss]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

In 2007, Canada made more than 2.5 million cars and light trucks...
Most of these exports go to the states

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is growing. I recall seeing several posts of 'concept' or near-production vehicles destined to be built in Canada. I don't have any facts to back that up, but I do know I've read this in recent articles.

[akboss]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

In 2007, Canada made more than 2.5 million cars and light trucks...
Most of these exports go to the states

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is growing. I recall seeing several posts of 'concept' or near-production vehicles destined to be built in Canada. I don't have any facts to back that up, but I do know I've read this in recent articles.

[dab1123]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

hahahahaha.. that's funny.......

Are you being funny, or do you not know what's going on? American manufacturers shifted significant amounts of to Canada more than 90 years ago.

Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, and numerous auto components manufacturers build cars and car parts in Canada.

Many of the cars and trucks that you think of being American (or Japanese) are built right here.

Here is a list of them:
http://www.canadianmade.com/automotive.shtml

In 2007, Canada made more than 2.5 million cars and light trucks.

Total automotive exports, (vehicles and components) was worth $68 billion dollars.
http://www.cvma.ca/eng/industry/importantfacts.asp

Most of these exports go to the states

I just so happen to be a Truck Driver & 90% of the Freight I deliver is AUTO PARTS &/or Automotive related. Therefore, I have been in countless U.S. Auto Plants. Yes, there are American plants in other Countries, but the majority remain here. Also, I sell a large line of Automotive Products which are, I'm proud to say, MADE IN THE USA!

[akboss]

Originally Posted by dab1123

I just so happen to be a Truck Driver & 90% of the Freight I deliver is AUTO PARTS &/or Automotive related. Therefore, I have been in countless U.S. Auto Plants. Yes, there are American plants in other Countries, but the majority remain here. Also, I sell a large line of Automotive Products which are, I'm proud to say, MADE IN THE USA!

Most of the U.S plants are warehousing, assembly and packaging and very little is skilled manufacturing. There are a few that manufacture the raw goods but very few majors, like Magna (Canadian). Most of it is done offshore, shipped to some anonymous warehouse, where you would pick it up and deliver it to a production facility. Still imported manufacturing, you guys just put the pieces together to make a final product.

Regardless, what's the advantage of buying American if it's crap? The capitalist system is broken down in this way, there is no demand for better product, and everybody compromises (and loses) in the end. If blue-collar workers want to take home a good salary, and if the white-collars want to stay in business, they need to step up the game and make a damn good product - which is what is happening! Ford is doing awesome work, which is why their stock went from around $2 to almost $12.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by dab1123

I just so happen to be a Truck Driver & 90% of the Freight I deliver is AUTO PARTS &/or Automotive related. Therefore, I have been in countless U.S. Auto Plants. Yes, there are American plants in other Countries, but the majority remain here. Also, I sell a large line of Automotive Products which are, I'm proud to say, MADE IN THE USA!

Proportional to population and sales, Canada has a bigger auto industry than the US !!

Consider this...... Canada is a net exporter of cars. For each car sold in Canada, 1.5 cars are made here.
This means that Canada makes 50% MORE cars than are sold here.

Can the US say the same? NO. The USA is a net importer of cars...... therefore, Canada is more efficient at making cars and supporting the auto industry that the US.

Now, before you go on any patriotic rants, you should ask yourself what has happened to the US manufacturing industry (and the US economy on general over the decades) to produce this kind of discrepancy. I would be happy to discuss the relevant economic environment with you.

[dab1123]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

Proportional to population and sales, Canada has a bigger auto industry than the US !!

Consider this...... Canada is a net exporter of cars. For each car sold in Canada, 1.5 cars are made here.
This means that Canada makes 50% MORE cars than are sold here.

Can the US say the same? NO. The USA is a net importer of cars...... therefore, Canada is more efficient at making cars and supporting the auto industry that the US.

Now, before you go on any patriotic rants, you should ask yourself what has happened to the US manufacturing industry (and the US economy on general over the decades) to produce this kind of discrepancy. I would be happy to discuss the relevant economic environment with you.

I must admit, some American workers don't take as much pride in their work as they used to. They are only concerned about getting the 40 hours in & collecting their pay check. SAD There are some (like me) who still give 110% & would be proud to sign their names to their work. In any case, I am not against the foreign manufactures. My SUV has Toyota Power & Drive train. Runs great!

[dab1123]

Originally Posted by akboss

Most of the U.S plants are warehousing, assembly and packaging and very little is skilled manufacturing. There are a few that manufacture the raw goods but very few majors, like Magna (Canadian). Most of it is done offshore, shipped to some anonymous warehouse, where you would pick it up and deliver it to a production facility. Still imported manufacturing, you guys just put the pieces together to make a final product.

Regardless, what's the advantage of buying American if it's crap? The capitalist system is broken down in this way, there is no demand for better product, and everybody compromises (and loses) in the end. If blue-collar workers want to take home a good salary, and if the white-collars want to stay in business, they need to step up the game and make a damn good product - which is what is happening! Ford is doing awesome work, which is why their stock went from around $2 to almost $12.

What I really resent is their sending to Mexico for assembly!

[akboss]

Originally Posted by dab1123

What I really resent is their sending to Mexico for assembly!

Who, Ford? Ya a lot is going to Mexico too - I know quite a few Volkswagen models are built there, Jetta, Golf and Beetle, maybe more. To me that's a nightmare waiting to happen - Mexican workers trying to interpret German instructions and assemble for Americans/Canadians...hmmm.

[dab1123]

Originally Posted by akboss

Who, Ford? Ya a lot is going to Mexico too - I know quite a few Volkswagen models are built there, Jetta, Golf and Beetle, maybe more. To me that's a nightmare waiting to happen - Mexican workers trying to interpret German instructions and assemble for Americans/Canadians...hmmm.

All of them are doing it & it really irritates me. I've heard that cheaper Mexican labor is the reason. But due to the current state of our economy, I'm sure they would have no problem hiring American workers if they'd bring it back here where it belongs. After all, Americans who are now unemployed would jump at the opportunity for the same wages in U.S. $$ since any employment is better than no employment!