Buick's smaller SUV feels good -- it's easy to enter, effortless to operate, smooth in suspension and entirely pleasant for passengers. Further, the cabin contains flexible seats that flip and fold or pop out quickly to vary the balance between seats and cargo space.

Last year's editions introduced the choice of AWD traction, third-row bench seats and optional captain's chairs on the second row instead of a bench seat. For 2004, Rendezvous adds the Ultra edition in front-wheel-drive (FWD) format and charged with power from a new V6 VVT engine that rips to 245 hp. Rendezvous Ultra is trimmed in monochromatic style outside, and the cabin's lined in premium appointments with leather captain's chairs and trim accents in chrome and wood.

Options range from XM satellite radio service to a DVD-based entertainment system, navigation system, head-up display (HUD) instruments, automatic level control and ultrasonic rear park assist (UPAS).

You can pick out 2004 versions of Buick's flagship sedans by a new monochromatic ornament standing on the prow of the hood. The series consists of two sedans that vary primarily in power points and on-board amenities.

Park Avenue Ultra ripples with energy due to a mechanical supercharger used to extract more-than-normal power from a six-cylinder engine. Without the supercharger, Buick's 3.8-liter V6 for base Park Avenue musters 205 hp. Then apply the supercharger and the booster makes 240 hp.

New cluster graphics line the instrument panel in a posh cabin, with new colors evident like Light Cashmere with Dark Birdseye Maple woodgrain trim or Medium Gray keyed to Satin Walnut woodgrain.

Ultra rolls on 17-inch chrome-plated aluminum wheels and flashes portholes on front fenders plus chrome exhaust tips at the tail.

Buick's full-size sedan has been the best-seller in its class for the past eleven years. For 2004, LeSabre divides into two trims, Custom and Limited, yet the latter serves as foundation for a Celebration series.

It emerged last year to mark the centennial anniversary of Buick and repeats in 2004 with all features of LeSabre Limited plus body-color lower fascia and rocker moldings, a monochrome badge up front and the oval grille displaying blacked-out bars inside a chrome ring. Celebration appears in three new premium paints -- Platinum Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic and Steelmist Metallic.

LeSabre surges from the strength of a 3.8-liter V6, which reaches 205 hp and ties to a smooth four-speed automatic transaxle with electronic controls. Standard LeSabre seating consists of a 55/45 split bench in front, but a 45/45 design with console is optional. Cloth and leather upholstery may be applied to each series.

Special refinements with Celebration include two-tone leather seats, woodgrain trim on the instrument panel and doors, shiny chrome finish on door handles and floor mats embroidered with Buick's tri-shield symbol. Options range from a sunroof and Gran Touring sport suspension to XM satellite radio service.                                                           (CONTINUE...)