The
name is alluring. The shape is familiar. The purpose? Well just about anything
you could ask from a multitalented, vehicle that's part auto, part truck and perhaps
even part minivan. That
description isn't a dig at Buick's highly successful Rendezvous crossover. It's
the proud comment from many happy owners who vow they'll never have anything else
in the driveway, like the former coupe owner who now doubles the miles she drives
just for fun.
For
2004, Buick has done some updating of this handsomely crafted showhorse, adding
a premium, near lux "Ultra" trim, like the frosting on top of the cake.
There's a new, all-aluminum 3.6 liter V-6 variable valve timing (VVT) V-6 in its
powerhouse stable that's an upmarket Ultra standard. The new "global"
245 HP engine was designed for premium and performance vehicles, says GM.
On demand all-wheel
drive and rear gas-pressure shocks help keep the Buick tradition of smooth, quiet
ride. Automatic level control is an option for trailer package equipped Ultras.
(Its rear compartment pressure outlet can blow up a raft or beach toy.)
Among standard
features are GM's unique "heads up" instrument display, superimposing
driving data at eye level so you don't take eyes off the road. If trouble occurs,
GM's On Star communications safety system is there to assist.
Among
other new adds: One-handed liftgate operation with electronic release, a boon
for one loaded with packages. And for someone driving cross country wanting opera
in a country music-only zone, there's XM Satellite radio.
On
the options side: A DVD entertainment system with seven-inch, ceiling-mounted
monitor to occupy junior grade passengers in the second or foldable-seat third
row. A GPS nav system can be added, as well. And for shoehorning into those seemingly
undersized parking spots, there's something called Ultra Rear Park Assist. That,
it seems, is a fancy name for "STOP!
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