2007 Buick Rendezvous Review

The 2007 Buick Rendezvous continues to be a comfortable and practical family crossover vehicle, while a spacious rear seat and cargo area and an optional third row of seating allow enhance its versatility. Laminated front glass, additional foam seals, denser sound-absorbing materials, and QuietTuning make the Rendezvous one of the quietest rides in its segment.

A 3.5L V6 engine that produces 196 horsepower and 215 ft-lbs of torque is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. This drivetrain, along with the Rendezvous' front-wheel-drive configuration, allows the vehicle to achieve 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.

Two different trims are available for 2007: the CX and CXL. The CX is well equipped with luggage rack side rails, automatic exterior lamp control, fog lights, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, rear park assist, one year of OnStar Directions and Connections, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The CXL adds all-speed traction control, 17-inch aluminum wheels, heated exterior mirrors, leather power seating, a third row bench seat, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear audio controls, and a universal garage door opener.

Options on the CX include most of the CXL's standard equipment, as well as satellite radio, trailering equipment, luggage rack cross rails, an engine block heater, four-wheel disc brakes, and a sunroof. Options on the CXL are similar to the CX, with the addition of a six-disc CD changer, a navigation system, chrome wheels, an entertainment system, a head-up display, and heated seats.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on both trims, while the CXL gets such enhanced safety items as all-speed traction control, a tire pressure monitor, and side air bags.
With the CX Plus and CXL Plus being eliminated, the Buick Rendezvous has become more streamlined for 2007. This trim reduction has increased the number of available options on the base CX including second row removable captain's chairs, rear audio system controls, and XM satellite radio. Also, a driver information center is now available. In addition, one year of the OnStar Directions and Connections plan and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard on all Rendezvous.

Warranty coverage is increased for 2007, with a new five-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty that's fully transferable and includes roadside assistance for the full period. see less