2004 Buick Rendezvous Ultra Road Test

Achieving the Top Rung of the Rendezvous Ladder

Buick hasn't been in the SUV business for long, with only two models to its credit. The recently introduced Rainier adds a

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

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 Buick's 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

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

competitive premium midsize SUV segment. 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 I'm not big on.

Since its inception, I have admired the Rendezvous 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.