OBSERVER STAFF REPORT

Rendezvous, Buick's exciting new entry in the booming truck market, brings together an innovative combination of many of the best features of sport utility vehicles and premium sedans, with seven-person seating capacity.

Unlike traditional SUVs of about the same size, Rendezvous offers seven-passenger seating with its available - and comfortable - third row of seats. Rendezvous can also be easily reconfigured to create a huge cargo space of 108.9 cubic feet. Rendezvous can be ordered with Versatrak, GM's innovative all-wheel-drive system that provides sure-footedness on all roads. And it can be equipped to tow up to 3500 pounds.

Best of three worlds
Rendezvous Brand Manager Jack Bowen said that "by combining the best features and design elements of today's SUVs, premium sedans and minivans, we've been able to create a vehicle with real comfort, all-road and all-weather driving security and flexible cargo versatility."

The new Buick's overall appearance is suggestive of an SUV, yet it sets its own course with such elements as a striking grille that is a stronger, more substantial version of the Buick vertical-bar design. The oval-shaped grille is unmistakably Buick, but the grille bars are more pronounced than the fine-pitched type in Buick sedans. Instead of chrome, the grille is finished in an attractive paint treatment.

"Rendezvous is the first to offer the unique combination of all-wheel drive, independent rear suspension, a flat load floor and a stowable rear seat," Bowen said.

The design team also provided a feeling of interior elegance with a two-tone theme for all three trim levels - leather, leather trim with cloth inserts, and all cloth with pile fabric. Instrument-cluster detailing provides a look of precious stones set in polished metal - like jewelry. Needles and numbers are set in a silver face to resemble an expensive watch or designer bracelet. A new metallic accent trim lends a sophisticated and technical air to the interior.

Said Bowen: "The idea is to provide one vehicle that avoids the compromises inherent in traditional vehicles. With Rendezvous, consumers can have it all: style and functionality, performance and comfort, handling and roominess. Plus we're providing an impressive array of safety features, outstanding fuel economy and great overall value."

Sure-footed, superior ride
Rendezvous is one of the first vehicles to offer Versatrak, General Motors' innovative "on-demand" all-wheel-drive system. Versatrak uses front drive under normal road conditions and adds torque to the rear wheels on slippery surfaces. Versatrak is standard on Rendezvous' up-level CXL model and available on the CX. The CX model without Versatrak, which is a front-drive vehicle, may be ordered with an all-speed traction control that employs both powertrain and brake system intervention to avoid wheel spin on slippery surfaces.

An automatic level-control system, included in trailer package, is offered as an option on all Rendezvous models. A rubber bladder fitted around each rear shock absorber is inflated by a compact onboard air compressor to maintain a level vehicle attitude when heavy loads are carried or a trailer is attached. An auxiliary pressure outlet, rubber hose and pressure gauge are provided in the rear for the convenient inflation of a low tire, sports gear or beach toys.

GM engineers created an innovative short-and-long-arm independent rear suspension for all Rendezvous models. Each rear wheel is attached to a cast aluminum rear crossmember by means of cast aluminum upper and lower control arms. Knuckle assemblies are also cast aluminum to minimize total and unsprung weight. Curved coil springs package neatly between each lower control arm and the rear-suspension crossmember. The independent rear suspension provides superior road-holding and ride characteristics more like a Park Avenue Ultra than an SUV or minivan.

All Rendezvous models are also fitted with monotube gas-pressure rear shock absorbers for consistent damping characteristics over rough roads. The benefits are no compromise between ride and handling and no loss of cornering adhesion.

Rendezvous' powerful 3.4-liter V6 engine, attached to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, generates 185 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 210 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Its estimated fuel economy numbers are 19 miles per gallon city and 26 mpg highway for the front-drive version and 18/24 with all-wheel drive.

Safety and high-tech features
The new Buick has numerous safety features, such as frontal and side air bags with advanced inflation features for front-seat passengers, safety-cage construction and four-wheel disc antilock brakes.

Another advanced Rendezvous option is Rear Parking Assist, which uses four ultrasonic sensors to warn the driver of obstacles in the blind spot immediately behind the rear bumper. The sensors alert the driver by a chime and warning lights if the car nears an obstacle while backing at low speeds.

GM's OnStar communications and information system is available as a factory installed option. OnStar uses Global Positioning System satellite technology to link drivers to a center where advisers are available to provide many kinds of assistance, such as emergency services and travel support.

Unrivaled versatility
Rendezvous' various seating combinations - handling up to seven passengers - provide versatility unmatched by its rivals. The two front seats are buckets. Three choices are offered - a three-across split bench with or without a third-row bench or two captain's chairs with the third-row bench. Second-row footrests are available. The available third row has comfortable seating for two adult passengers and can be folded flush, with the release of a lever, to provide even more space in Rendezvous' large cargo area.

An available package permits towing up to 3500 pounds. A larger radiator, a high-output alternator and an engine oil cooler are provided to keep working fluids within safe limits during strenuous driving. Heavy-duty brakes sufficient for tow duty are standard in all Rendezvous models.

RENDEZVOUS OFFERS INNOVATIVE LIFESTYLE ACCESSORY PACKAGES

A variety of innovative accessory packages and individual accessories designed specifically for the Buick Rendezvous offers family-oriented consumers an opportunity to personalize their vehicles for their everyday lives.

The adventure cargo carrier package features a roof-mounted hard shell cargo carrier and roof-mounted utility cross bars. The utility bars attach to factory side rails and are the base mount for all GM Accessory roof top carriers. The durable cargo carrier is available in charcoal black or can be painted to match the exterior vehicle color. It features many customer conveniences:

• A multitude of lockable storage capabilities with hauling capacity for golf bags, luggage, sporting equipment and many other items
  
• Unique dual-side openings for loading and unloading from either side
  
• Quick-release attachment hardware for easy installation and removal without disassembly of components

The cycling nature package features two roof-mounted bike carriers, a set of utility cross bars, backpacks and a vehicle food/beverage warmer/cooler. All utility bars are constructed of double-sided galvanized polyethylene-coated steel cross-rails which allow maximum loads up to 165 pounds and lock directly to the vehicle for added security.

Two roof-mounted bike carriers, with a locking system for security, attach to the utility bars. Each carrier accommodates one bicycle and features quick-release attachments that make loading and unloading a snap.

Inside the vehicle, seat backpacks provide additional storage and can be removed for use on the nature trail. When the backpacks are not in use they can be attached to the rear of the front seats. A 24-quart food and beverage warmer/cooler with an auxiliary outlet is perfect for quick picnic getaways.

The skiing recreation package provides flexibility with a roof-mounted carrier that attaches to the utility bars and is equipped to hold six pairs of skis or four snowboards. Featured inside the vehicle are all-season floor mats and a food and beverage warmer/cooler with an auxiliary outlet. The ski package transforms for all seasons and adapts to spur-of-the-moment snow or water ski trips.

"These accessory packages are there to assist Buick Rendezvous consumers in handling the pace and diversified tasks of today's hectic life," said Jim Kornas, director sales and marketing-accessories at GM Service Parts Operations (SPO).

Additional Rendezvous accessories include:

• A trailer hitch with towing capacity of 3500 lbs. and 350-lbs.-tongue weight
  Hitch-mounted bike and ski carriers
  
• Multifunctional two-piece cargo liner that can be used for protection when transporting gardening supplies, sporting goods and soiled objects or as a functional cargo security shade to protect cargo contents
  
• A custom vehicle cover which protects the vehicle from the elements
  
• All accessory packages and individual accessories will be available for purchase through Buick dealerships beginning in the second quarter of 2001.

"GM accessories permanently installed on a new GM vehicle at the time of delivery are covered under the GM New Vehicle Limited Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty," said Kornas. "GM Parts and Accessories permanently installed by a GM Dealer after vehicle purchase are covered for the balance of the New Vehicle Warranty, but in any event no less than 12 months or 12,000 miles."