ENGINE: V6 hp @ 5200 rpm; 210 lb ft torque @4000 rpm

CONFIGURATION: Front-engine, Versatrak AWD

FUEL ECONOMY: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway

SAFETY FEATURES: Air Bags, Side Air Bags, ABS 4-wheel disc brakes

IMPRESSION: The Rendezvous is a great blend of SUV, and minivan that combines comfort, versatility, distinguished looks, and responsive handling. With a sticker price less than luxury SUV competitors the Rendezvous is well worth a test drive.

The Rendezvous is Buick's new entry into the growing SUV craze that has America looking like the "sportiest nation in the world," a cross-breed of SUV, minivan, and sedan that ends up being a surprisingly functional, good-driving winner.

It was in Yipsalanti, Michigan at GM's full-line '01 preview, where I first slid behind the wheel of the Rendezvous and with a critical attitude, drove it around for a few miles. The most memorable event was my being stopped at a light, and the cute, young guy two cars ahead of me gets out of his car, checks out the Rendezvous and hollers , "What's that your driving?" Without a doubt, the Rendezvous is an eye-catcher!

This Buick is indeed a looker. Staying true to tradition, the oval grille has Buick written all over it, but instead of chrome, this grille is finished in a black paint treatment that is better suited to its SUV mission. Loyal Buick sedan fans will be doing double-takes on the road, knowing they just caught glimpse of the brand's signature, but wondering - "Hey...what was that?" This reaction should not be a surprise, as the Rendezvous is the first truck-based Buick since 1923. The Rendezvous' appearance is suggestive of an SUV, yet the rear end has an unmistakable minivan look. Another minivan feature is that the Rendezvous has a relatively low sill height, making it easy for passengers to slide in, rather than climbing up as in a traditional SUV. The tasteful two-toned body with shaded rear windows creates a bold futuristic look. The wrap-around tail lamps are a gnarly-looking touch. In fact, the Rendezvous is so distinctively new, that it stands out in the heaviest traffic. On a recent visit to Eugene, Oregon, which is quite a bustling little city, my friends who knew only that I was visiting town in some "new car", consistently spotted me as I ran around town. An amazing feat, considering that "new" was the only clue they had.

The vision for the interior was Luis Vuitton luggage, and Buick's designers have chosen upscale materials with low gloss levels. The details and finish display sophisticated craftsmanship throughout. The Rendezvous is offered with two interior color schemes in shades of gray and oak-toned beige. Choices are leather, flat-woven cloth with contrasting leather bolsters, and all cloth with pile fabric. Regardless of the materials chosen, the seats are always two-toned with dark bolsters and lighter center inserts. The instrument cluster's detailing is very cool, with lights resembling rubies and sapphires set in polished metal faces. Instead of the traditional wood paneling, a techy-looking hand-etched metal look accents the door trim and dash. Utility is first rate, with plenty of open and closed storage comparments. The lockable center console serves multiple functions, offering enough space to hold a laptop computer, a charging area for cell phones, or even store a large purse! Comfortable and roomy seating combinations, with an optional fold-flat, third-row seat big enough for two adults, will hold up to seven passengers. Set up to maximize volume, the Rendezvous boasts an impressive 108.9 cu ft of available cargo space.

The Rendezvous is one of the first vehicles to offer Versatrak, General Motor's sophisticated "on demand" All Wheel Drive system. This well-engineered drivetrain operates normally in front wheel drive, and directs power to the wheels with grip when slip is detected. No low-range gearset is available in the Rendezvous, so off-road abilities are somewhat limited, but Versatrak should provide outstanding all-weather performance. All Rendezvous SUV's are fitted with a smooth-shifting, four-speed [http://www.womanmotorist.com/glossary/autotrns.shtml|automatic transmission].

The "get up and go" to cruise to a high summit, is provided by GM's 185-hp, 3.4 liter, pushrod V6 engine. Passing was a breeze, and the handling on curvy mountain roads was confident and steady.

As fate would have it, my week with the Rendezvous covered a 1,300 mile road trip with two adults and one teenager. The original plan was to take a four-seat convertible, but was nixed at the last minute when the forecast mentioned rain. David Dunbar Buick, the founder himself, must have been smiling at us from above when glamour lost out to practicality, and the Rendezvous was chosen as the vehicle for the trip. Over-packing became a part of the new plan, as sleeping bags, a tent, two separate coolers and even a rubber boat were loaded into the spacious cargo area.

The rear independent suspension provided easy road handling. The comfy ride was more characteristic of the Park Avenue Ultra than an SUV or minivan. Separate rear audio controls with headphone jacks allowed a bored twelve-year-old to rock separately to the radio, while we rolled up front with CD's in the six-disc stacker. The trip was a complete joy ride, and even good on gas, averaging 18.6 mpg. Bottom line, I'd say the Rendezvous proved itself an "excursion extraordinare'."

Some useful options include a cycling/nature package with two roof-mounted bike carriers and a set of utility cross-bars. A ski package is also available with a roof-mounted carrier that attaches to the utility bar holding up to six pair of skis, or four snowboards. Another accessory is the trailer hitch with towing capacity of a hefty 3,500 pounds. The versatile Rendezvous offers something for everyone.

Rendezvous pricing starts at $25,499 for the front-drive CX model. The MSRP for an all-wheel drive Rendezvous equipped with Versatrak is $28,027. My test car came to $33,437 including the CXL luxury package and the upgraded audio package.

True to Buick's tradition at its best, the "touch of class" Rendezvous adds another score for Buick as America's leading "affordable luxury" vehicle manufacturer with this state-of-the-art crossover SUV. Bravo Buick!