What is this thing?

[Greg]

Is it a short SUV?
A tall wagon?
or something else altogether?

I'm not sure what I think.
It could be argued either way.
There's a lot of these "somewhere in between" vehicles coming out...
It could be good; tall seating, low step-in, etc.
It could be bad; no real offroad capability, less cargo space than a regular SUV....

What do you all think?

-g

[Greg]

I attached a pic of this thing, but don't see it in the post.

[olds88]

ITS THE BUICK VERSION OF THE AZTEC

[Hudson]

While the Rendezvous and Aztek are both based on the same platform (GM's minivan platform), the Rendezvous is hardly just Buick's version of the Aztek. First of all, the body work is completely different with Buick's more wagon-like styling over the Aztek's fastback. Second, the Rendezvous has a longer wheelbase and carries 7-passengers compared to the Aztek's five.

My mental definition for vehicle types is rather rigid. The Rendezvous and Aztek, to me, are SUVs. A minivan gives priority to passenger comfort and access. It's rather difficult to get to the back seat in a Rendezvous, just as it is in a Suburban, Tahoe, Expedition, or Explorer (just to name a few). Minivans typically have a pass-through or off-set middle row seat. The Aztek fails my minivan definition by not having a third row of seats offered.

Also, the Rendezvous and Aztek as well as the Lexus RX300 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class (which usually join the "is it a minivan or SUV" debate) have the styling of an SUV with a longer nose than is offered on a minivan.

Again, just personal observations.

[Ando_Rules]

Yes thats true that it is Buicks version of a aztec, but it is actually a lot better than the Aztec and looks preety good IMO

[CopperHed210]

Its relly nice.Whats the difference between Rendevous and Aztecs,I mean how are they different besides looks?

[CopperHed210]

Its relly nice.Whats the difference between Rendevous and Aztecs,I mean how is Rendevous a lot better than Aztec?Whats the difference?

[nwaflunkie]

My wife and I bought one late last year, she wanted something with all-wheel drive. She traded in a VW Jetta, she feels safer, the ride is smooth and quiet, the gas milage is about 17-18MPG. It's true it doesn't have off road capabilites, but I don't think that's the market Buick designed it for, besides how many SUV owners ever take theirs off road.

If we want to go off road or tow the boat we use my Ram

I like the Rendezvous, I just wish it had a few more horses under the hood.

[Jimster]

They are uglified Azteks built for old-farts trying to be different- and happe to seat a few more people- generally- it is the worlds most pointless viechle made even more pointless

[jon@af]

Originally posted by Jimster
They are uglified Azteks built for old-farts trying to be different- and happe to seat a few more people- generally- it is the worlds most pointless viechle made even more pointless

Says you. They are good vehicles IMO. Every customer who has bought a Rendezvous from where I work has been pleased with it, and more younger couples have bought one than older. You've probably never driven one of these either have you? All I can say is, say it like it's what you think, opinions arent facts. Not tryin to be a dick, just sayin.

[joshey]

one thing i dont like they should have used the tried and true 3800. i mean what the heck, it would have more ponys and tq and beter milage and they could have offered supercharged that tows more, thats another thing that sucks. only 3500#towing? wtf it should be at least 5k oh well i am thinking about the big reinear anywho. buy a buick they are built to last. i have 223500 on my 90 buick lesabre. and still strong. ok got to go i am at work bye

[tman]

It doesnt matter whether Buick puts the 3.8 on there, its still only part time 4WD. We all know that FWD is not ideal for towing, and I know that the 3800 is bulletproof, but listen to a story:

My cousin had a 1991 Buick Park Avenue Ultra, with the 3.8. He towed a 10ft enclosed Wells Cargo trailer from NC to georgia. he changed the transmission fluid a bit later. The color of the transmission fluid looked as if it was engine oil that had gone without change for 7000 miles! Overdrive never worked right again on that car. The engine held up great, but the 4T65-E tranny just doesnt have the guts to do stuff like towing. That is precisely why the Rainier is on the market now.

[joshey]

i wish i would have read your post before i towed a 18ft trailer to pa from ny and back the tranny fluid was black, and when i changed it i got a stickey 1-2 2-3 shift and a 1-2 jounce. it is starting to calm down, after i changed the fluid i put in a tranny cooler and second fan, a little to late, but the car also has 234k on it. not too shabby for an auto. it will run to 400k before i put a new(74k) tranny in

[tman]

my cousin had the tranny cooler!