What is it?
2002 Buick Rendezvous
What's special about it?
Buick, known over the years mainly for its stable of sedans that hold strong appeal to the Geritol generation, is building a truck -- more specifically, an SUV -- albeit a very carlike SUV with thoroughly modern overtones. But what might keep you from heading right out and hitching up the haywagon for a romp to the back 40 is the fact that this sophisticated sport-utility doesn't look like a typical compact SUV. Nor does it come off as a tall wagon, or even a chunky minivan. Rather, stylists have come up with a fresh look whose front end carries a distinctively Buick theme complete with a toothy waterfall grille. From there back, it's a mix of Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes M-Class. It's also a mechanical sibling of the Pontiac Aztek that debuted in Detroit -- which is the most mind-boggling part of the entire vehicle line: How could Buick's designers get it so right and Pontiac's so very wrong? Looks aside, the Rendezvous shares the Aztek's 185-horsepower V6 that drives the front wheels. But Buick will offer an optional all-wheel-drive system that engages automatically when a loss of traction is detected. Rendezvous has a third row of seats that provide room for seven, or fold flat into the floor for more cargo-carrying ability. Expect a price of about $27,000 -- and a sellout. Good looks, solid function and a smooth ride will see to that.
Why should you care?
There hasn't been a Buick truck on the market since 1923. Pundits would say that was also the last time a Buick showroom was visited by anybody under the age of 40. (They're obviously forgetting the muscle car era of the 1960s, or more recently the '80s, when the Buick Grand Nationals drew a cult following of young performance enthusiasts.) In any event, it's very likely the 2002 Rendezvous will bring in a younger group of buyers when it goes on sale in late 2001. What's more, Buick will have succeeded in proving to Pontiac that you don't necessarily have to be ugly to be different.
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