Buick could not stay away from the universal "off-road" boom in North America. At the 2000 Chicago Auto Show, she offered to the public a rather unusual mid-size crossover (Renewed passenger passenger car) based on the front-wheel-drive U-platform of the Chevrolet Venture minivan. Overall dimensions: 4738x1871x1750 mm. Wheelbase: 2851 mm. Clearance: 177 mm. Production at the plant in Ramos-Arispe (Mexico) was launched in the autumn of that year. This car was aimed primarily at the patriotic American middle class buyers who want to buy a universal car with a spacious seven-seat body of the prestigious brand.
The exterior of the Rendezvous turned out recognizable thanks to a massive front end with characteristic segmented headlights and an oval chrome grille with vertical bars in the corporate style. Massive bumpers, sloping rear pillars and a large glass area were to the taste of the American consumer. The novelty turned out to be quite successful, which allowed the Buick brand to improve its affairs on the eve of its 100th anniversary. The interior and dashboard in particular are decorated in a European way. The seven-seater cabin is multifunctional and, by American standards, comfortable, thanks to the separate seats of the front and middle rows.
The optional package included a third row of seats, but it is too small for adult passengers. The basic version of the CX provides a fabric finish, and the more expensive CXL - two-tone leather. Particular attention is paid to the audio system, including radio, CD-player with 13-band EQ and 6-inch subwoofer, as well as a changer for 6 CDs.
Under the hood, the engine V6 LA1 displacement of 3.4 liters (135 hp, 235 Nm). In 2003, the model was first upgraded. By order, they began to install a Versatrak transmission with permanent four-wheel drive, but because of the relatively low ground clearance the Rendezvous still remained low. For the most demanding customers, Rendezvous Ultra was offered with an automatic clearance maintenance system, regardless of load, a DVD player combined with a game console, parking assistant, the so-called “captain's seat” with full power for the driver, XM Satellite satellite radio, OnStar emergency warning system .
The version of the Rendezvous Ultra model year 2004 was equipped with a leather interior with natural wood inserts. It was offered only with front-wheel drive and a dynamic 245-hp 3.6-liter V-shaped “six” equipped with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) - a variable valve lift system. According to the plan, the creators of Rendezvous Ultra should have attracted to the conservative brand young fans of dynamic driving and an active lifestyle. In the fall of 2005, sales of the renewed and modernized Rendezvous began.
The car has retained an oval grille (slightly modified on the 2006 model) and massive bumpers painted in body color (on all basic versions of 2006) or in contrast - on the CXL Plus top version, which replaced the previous Ultra version. A wide list of main and additional equipment includes a stereo system combined with a GPS navigation system, several new interior colors, QuietTuning noise suppression package, full power accessories, 17-inch alloy wheels, and much more. Since 2006, the 3.5-liter V6 12V (LX9) engine, which is a modernized version of the 3.4-liter LA1 engine, has become the base Rendezvous engine.
Engine 3.5 liters, developing 196 hp installed on the CX, CX Plus and CXL versions, and the top version of the CXL Plus (optionally the base CXL) was equipped with an Alloytec (LY7) aluminum engine of 3.6 liters V6 24V (242 hp) with Holden WT. Transmission Hydra-Matic 4T65-E 4-speed automatic transmission, the drive is either front-wheel drive or, optionally, automatically-connected, all-wheel drive Versatrac with a center axle viskomuf. Since 2006, all versions of the series began to be equipped with OnStar, parking sensors and anti-theft systems.
The equipment includes four airbags, ABS, full electric, audio system, air conditioning, optional changer, navigation, DVD, 7-seater saloon, cruise control and XM satellite radio. Rendezvous has worked hard to strengthen the image of the Buick brand. But over time, morally obsolete, as evidenced by sales. So in 2005, the crossover was produced in the amount of 59.2 thousand versus 65.6 thousand a year earlier.
