2004 Buick Rendezvous Ultra Road Test

Of course a compliant spring calibration often results in increased body roll and nosedive, to which the Ultra is no stranger.

Hard cornering will provoke noticeable body roll and significant front-end plow, not uncommon for any softly sprung SUV. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Hard cornering will provoke noticeable body roll and significant front-end plow, not uncommon for any softly sprung SUV. The Rendezvous Ultra isn't an enthusiastic handling rig, however, it's nimble about town and well behaved on open stretches of highway; which I would venture to say is exactly what the vast majority of owners expect of their Buicks, SUV or not.

In addition to rolling the Continent in comfort, the Rendezvous Ultra rolls along quietly. Road and wind noises are extensively muted, but I have to say that compromising the silence is the groan of the Ultra's V6, plus the whine generated by its

The Ultra's 3.6-liter VVT V6 engine dispatches a relatively healthy dose of power. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

aggressive, 225X60 17-inch Goodyear Fortera mud and snow tires. Unless inclement weather is anticipated, dressing the Ultra in a tamer tread pattern would eliminate unnecessary tire noise.

With an acceptable level of refinement the Ultra's 3.6-liter (217 cu-in) VVT V6 dispatches a relatively healthy dose of power to any combination of the Ultra's four wheels through GM's highly efficient Versatrak all-wheel drive system. A little less noise intrusion into the cab from the peppy mill, however, would vaunt the Ultra higher on the premium SUV chart. The engine's note is by no means excessive and never does it sound thrashy even under full acceleration, however day to day duties do elicit more of a groan than I would expect from a top-shelf contender.