The Buick Rendezvous is from a time when fusion between sedans and SUVs was only just becoming a thing. It was the company’s take on a mid-size crossover and arrived at showrooms in the early 2000s. To be specific, it was first showcased in 2001 and went on sale as a 2002 model. The Rendezvous continued to be on sale till 2007 and witnessed some changes over its lifespan.
Before the Rendezvous, Buick had a customer base that was in the older age demographic. The American brand wanted to change this and bring in younger buyers. The vehicle responsible for this enormous task was the Rendezvous, and it did fairly well. While it was available in 2002, it was only the 2004 Buick Rendezvous and later that got GM’s High Feature LY7 3.6 liter V6 engine. That’s the model we’ll be focusing on, as vehicles with that unique engine require their own buyer’s guide.
Taking a Look At The 2004 Buick Rendezvous
GM was hoping to sell 30,000 to 40,000 units of the Buick Rendezvous per year, but the sales numbers exceeded that by a significant margin. The Rendezvous helped offset the poor sales of the Pontiac Aztek, which was essentially the same vehicle underneath.
Both these crossovers were based on the same platform as GM’s short-wheelbase minivans – Chevrolet Venture and Pontiac Montana. Something else that was unique about the Rendezvous was that it had passenger and load carrying capabilities that Buick buyers haven’t since the Roadmaster Estate was discontinued in 1996.
As this platform was capable of running an all-wheel-drive system, the Buick Rendezvous was offered with one. It was called Versatrak and was available as an optional extra.
The Buick Rendezvous was manufactured in Mexico and its competitive pricing is what helped it succeed. For reference, the Buick Rendezvous was priced $6,500 lower than the Acura MDX and $8,000 less than Lexus’ RX300. Keep in mind that these are price differences when comparing similarly-equipped variants.
Speaking of equipment, the 2004 Buick Rendezvous featured an instrument panel that displayed information like real-time fuel efficiency, outside temperature, the remaining range, and a compass. The crossover could also be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. These were features unheard of at this price point at the time.
As far as engine options are concerned, the Buick Rendezvous could be equipped with a 3.4 liter LA1 V6, a 3.5 liter LX9 V6, and the aforementioned High Feature LY7 3.6 liter V6 engine. The third was not only the most expensive engine option but also the most powerful with 242 hp and 232 lb-ft on tap. All three engines come paired to a four-speed automatic transmission.
2004 Buick Rendezvous Updates
The Buick Rendezvous received multiple minor updates over the years, here are the notable ones.
2003 Buick Rendezvous
In 2003 Buick added two options to the Rendezvous – a rear-seat DVD system and XM Satellite Radio.
2004 Buick Rendezvous
The update in 2004 saw the color of the turn signals lenses change from amber to clear. Ultra became the highest trim level, and it got the High Feature LY7 3.6-liter V6 engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, and a few other smaller additions.
2005 Buick Rendezvous
Not only did Buick introduce a front-wheel-drive version of the Ultra in 2005, but it also lets buyers of the CXL trim get the 3.6-liter V6 engine. The crossover also got a revised steering wheel.
2006 Buick Rendezvous
Buick made the rear park assist function and the 3.5-liter V6 engine standard options in 2006. The Ultra was renamed CXL+. Lastly, the Rendezvous also got small cosmetic changes.
2007 Buick Rendezvous
2007 saw the introduction of a navigation system. Third-row seats now came as standard on the CXL. A Mahogany trimmed steering wheel was added to the options list for the CX variant, while it was standard on the CXL.
2004 Buick Rendezvous – What Made It Special
There’s a lot that worked in favor of the 2004 Buick Rendezvous. GM got the pricing right and introduced it at the right time and to the right target audience. The car was also quite well-equipped and that even surprised a few. This was also their first non-car offering since 1923.
That’s not all, the company’s Park Avenue sedan was their benchmark for ride and handling. This meant the 2004 Buick Rendezvous didn’t just deliver when it came to comfort but also offered car-like handling characteristics. The independent rear suspension played a major part in helping it achieve this.
How Long Will a 2004 Buick Rendezvous Last?
Let’s make something clear, people don’t buy Buicks for their reliability. While they aren’t exactly unreliable, you can’t expect the reliability that some of its Japanese rivals offer. The 2004 Buick Rendezvous will certainly last, but maintaining it will require a little more effort than some of its rivals. This is not only because it featured many firsts in terms of features and equipment, but also because it was priced competitively.
The best way to ensure your 2004 Buick Rendezvous lasts is by starting with a clean example. And to ensure that happens you have to be aware of its common problems and make sure they’ve already been addressed or haven’t occurred in the first place.
What Are the Most Common Problems With the Buick Rendezvous?
To help with this, we’ve put together a list of the most common problems with the Buick Rendezvous.
Ignition Coil Issues
The High Feature LY7 3.6-liter V6 engine in the 2004 Buick Rendezvous can also be quite demanding on the ignition coils. While it depends on multiple factors, it is known to require replacements frequently. Make sure to replace all six if you are just acquiring the crossover. Also, do your best to get high-quality replacement ignition coils. Something like Bosch 0221604112 will give you much better performance and reliability compared to no-name brands. As a rule of thumb, cheap ignition coils are never a good idea.
Solenoid Failure
One of the most commonly reported problems with the 2004 Buick Rendezvous has to do with a particular solenoid failure. When the transmission pressure control solenoid fails it causes erratic gear shifts. Fixing this issue requires replacing the solenoid and that can only be done with partial disassembly of the transmission.
Gasket Leak
The intake manifold gasket is known to develop a leak. This can lead to an external engine oil or coolant leak or even an internal one. If it leaks internally, the coolant can end up mixing with the engine oil and that can damage the engine. This problem is easy to fix as it only involves replacing the gasket, that is if it was caught early.
Gas Cap EVAP Issues
It was quite common for GM’s vehicles from the early 2000s to develop a problem with the gas cap. While it wasn’t a huge problem, it would lead to the EVAP codes triggering the check engine light. Fixing this involved replacing the gas cap as it would occur due to a failing seal.
Hose Leak
It was also quite common for the 2004 Buick Rendezvous to develop a leak from the high-pressure power steering hose. When this occurs, it will leak power steering fluid. The only way it can be fixed is by replacing the unit.
Timing Chain Stretch
Speaking of issues with the 3.6-liter V6 engine, it also suffers from one related to its timing chain. While this problem isn’t as common as the ones listed above, it’s certainly the one you should be most concerned about. Early versions of the High Feature engine, like the LY7 found in the 2004 Buick Rendezvous, were prone to stretch and upset the timing of the engine. This will cause drivability issues and needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
Camshaft Actuator Problem
It’s also not uncommon for the 2004 Buick Rendezvous to have an issue with the camshaft actuators. If the engine oil is low or bad, the 3.6 V6 will have trouble with the actuators, and they depend on oil pressure to work correctly. If the oil changes are timely, you will not have this problem.
What to Look For When Shopping For One?
Prices for the 2004 Buick Rendezvous started at around $26,000 (CX) and went up to $40,000 for the top-spec Ultra variant. While that was more affordable than some of its rivals, it was by no means a cheap car. Now though (2022), it’ll cost you between $3,000-6,000, depending on the trim, mileage, and condition.
What you have to look for are the third-row seats if you are looking to use that option. The 2004 Buick Rendezvous also had several options so make sure you are getting what you want. Thoroughly inspect the car for the common problems listed above and also perform a regular inspection like you normally would while buying a vehicle.
Get Spares for the Buick Rendezvous Right Here
Yes, you read that right. Despite being more than 15 years old, we still have the parts you need for your Buick Rendezvous. We offer Genuine, OEM, and quality aftermarket components, which means you don’t have to worry about anything once you find the right vehicle! Head over to Newparts.com shop section and give your new 2004 Buick Rendezvous a proper makeover.
