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2004 Buick Rendezvous Ultra Road Test

Achieving the Top Rung of the Rendezvous Ladder

Buick hasnt been in the SUV business for long, with only two models to its credit. The recently introduced Rainier adds a refined yet rugged truck-based model to the mix, but it was the minivan-derived Rendezvous crossover that first pulled General Motors entry-luxury division into the sport utility segment.

My recent foray into Buicks all-wheel drive camp, by way of the 2004 Rendezvous Ultra, was pleasing to say the least; although that pleasure comes with a steep price tag if the "Ultra" nomenclature is affixed to the rear liftgate.

Buick is making a determined effort to propel its midsize Rendezvous uptown, hoping to become a contender in the highly competitive premium midsize SUV segment.

The 2004 Rendezvous Ultra was pleasing to say the least; although that pleasure comes with a steep price . (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Sidling up to my Ultra test unit I admired its exclusive "Sagemist" metallic finish and racy alloy rims. Unlike non-Ultra examples, a monotone paint scheme also denotes its rarity among Rendezvous. The lower portion of the less grandiose Rendezvous is accented with a contrasting color to the remaining upper body - a styling theme that Im not big on.

Since its inception, I have admired the Rendezvous

Buick has its sights set on becoming a serious contender in the highly competitive premium midsize SUV segment. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

for its interesting exterior design elements, such as the headlight assembly, which cuts horizontally across the top of the front fenders and into the hood. Dominating the Rendezvous face is a large oval grille, which also appears to cut into the hood by way of a chrome nameplate forming the top edge of the oval. This distinctive arrangement is definitely a Buick genus design element.

The side view of the Rendezvous is no less striking, delivering

Adventurous design elements create a fairly controversial, love-it or hate-it appearance. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

the impression that Buick designers used a large blade to slice off its rear body structure at a 45-degree angle just behind the rear windows; following which a cargo area was piggybacked onto the remaining body work. Such adventurous design elements created a fairly controversial, love-it or hate-it appearance. Fortunately for Buick, the Rendezvous has been more popular than the even more controversial Pontiac Aztek that shares the SUVs general architecture. Regardless on which side of the design fence youre on, Buick - traditionally a gray-wave car company -

The Rendezvous Ultra has a well laid-out, classy and very functional interior. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

deserves a little credit for fashioning a midsize SUV that exhibits attitude.

Buicks stylists didnt call it quits after the exterior of the Rendezvous was penned - rather they carried-on to the inside. While I mentioned the Rendezvous is pricey when dressed in its Ultra togs, the big coin brings with it big content in a classy interior. Except for the audio/navigation system in my tester, which could not play a music CD if the navigation disc was in the CD slot, the Rendezvous has a well laid-out, very functional interior. Unfortunately, there is little hope of being guided through the countryside while

The Ultras leather trimmed seats are wonderfully comfortable and supportive, without being hard or overly firm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

simultaneously playing a favorite music disc. Personally I think Id rather be lost and listening to great tunes, than be found in silence. According to the operations manual, however, an audio disc can be played in the rear seat DVD system while the in-dash CD spins the navigation disc. This is an impractical solution. Given the sting in the price tag, the in-dash single slot is completely unacceptable. A multi-disc changer should be standard.

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