I don't think I disagree with any of what you said. But here's what I said:
Picking a good antithesis for the VX is very subjective. Do you pick something as totally different from a VX in as many ways as possible? Or something similar (or masquerading as similar) that is 180 degrees opposite in philosophy and just aimed in another direction entirely?
This gets to what I was trying to say about how subjective this is. The first set of criteria would lead to something that in almost every imaginable way is opposite a VX, and you could end up with a Geo Metro or whatever. I consider the Rendezvous to fit the second set of criteria, where you have something roughly the same (it's supposedly a SUV), but the ideas and goals behind it are totally counter to everything the VX represents. I don't think anyone would peg a Buick to be a serious off-road vehicle. But I still think it is a classic case of something trying to have a little bit of appeal to a lot of people rather than settling on one thing and doing it well (a lot of appeal to fewer people). So it ends up being very average.
The Rendezvous is not a true four-wheel drive, but it is available in all-wheel drive. Buick's own website touts the Rendezvous's "On-Demand All-Wheel Drive" system, which sounds suspiciously like our own Torque-On-Demand setup, but in reality is a bit different. The VX system is full-time, distributes power to the wheels that need it, and has selectable high or low range gearing. The Rendezvous system is full-time, distributes power to the wheels that need it, and is without a low range gearing option.
I didn't used to know what the difference was between AWD and 4WD. I suspect that some people may actually get a Rendezvous and believe it is the equivalent of 4WD and think they can go wherever with it. Yes, it would take totally overlooking the minimal ground clearance and other signs that it isn't meant to do it, but I think we all know there are some people clueless enough.
AWD systems are lighter, but they lack the low range gearing of 4WD. AWD is full-time. 4WD may or may not be. Many regular SUV's and pickups still have selectable part-time 4WD, although many newer 4WD's are full-time. AWD is good for snow and dirt roads. But if it has big rocks, deep sand, or steep inclines, you still need 4WD.