Overview & Reviews

Midsize SUVs are some of the best-selling vehicles on the market, as families and singles alike seek out their just-right compromise of space and maneuverability. The GMC Envoy had been among the eligible candidates in this segment since 1998. It was completely redesigned for 2002, and the result was additional size, power and refinement, though the Envoy was still thoroughly eclipsed by its rivals. Its last year of production was 2009.

A platform twin to the Chevy TrailBlazer (as well as Buick, Oldsmobile and Saab models), GMC's Envoy was a traditional body-on-frame SUV offered in two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations. Apart from styling, there were subtle differences between it and the Chevy, however. For example, the Envoy offered an optional rear air suspension (which provided a more isolating ride and balanced out heavy loads), which the TrailBlazer didn't. Engine choices included an inline-6 (with 270-291 horsepower, depending on the year) and on some models, a 5.3-liter V8 (with 300-302 hp, depending on the year).

Among traditional midsize SUVs, the GMC Envoy got lost in the pack. It had all the right features to compete in this segment, as well as a comfortable ride and decent power. But it was sullied by sloppy handing and below-average interior build and materials quality. Furthermore, although the Envoy's safety features looked up to date on paper, the SUV actually performed poorly in crash tests. For some used car shoppers, the Envoy may still be an appealing choice, but most would be better served by its more refined rivals.

Most Recent GMC Envoy Models
The second-generation Envoy debuted for 2002 and didn't change much throughout its 8-year model run. Initially, it was offered only with the 270-hp (increased to 275 hp for '03) inline-6 engine in two body styles: regular five-passenger and extended-wheelbase Envoy XL, which provided seven-passenger seating and considerably more cargo capacity. A 5.3-liter, 300-hp V8 became available on the Envoy XL in 2003 and on the regular Envoy (as part of the Denali trim) for '05. That year also saw head curtain airbags replace the front side bags. A more powerful (291-hp) inline-6 came for '06, as did newly standard stability control and cruise control. The Envoy XL was discontinued for 2007 and the Envoy itself was gone after '09.

The most common trim levels were the base SLE and leather-lined SLT; however, in '05 the ultra-plush Denali trim debuted, bringing standard V8 power, a unique grille treatment, more sound insulation and heated seats.

An unusual model called the GMC Envoy XUV was offered in 2004 and '05. The XUV was an Envoy XL stripped of its third-row seat and fitted with a retractable roof over its cargo bay. The result was a vehicle that could function as both a true SUV and a pickup. In practice, though, the multitalented but odd-looking Envoy XUV proved to be a tough sell to consumers.

The first-generation GMC Envoy was sold from 1998-2000 (there was no '01 model). It was little more than an upscale version of the midsize GMC Jimmy, which debuted in '95, and was equipped much like today's Denali. The extra amount of features didn't mask its aged chassis and old-tech V6, however, and the two together delivered a mushy ride quality and lackluster acceleration at highway speeds. Other complaints included numb steering, a large turning radius and poor brake feel. Although these early Envoys are inexpensive to buy on the used market, subpar reliability keeps us from recommending them, even to buyers interested in an old-school, truck-based SUV.

User Reviews:

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  Great SUV. Bad Options - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Salex - October 11 - 9:16 am

  You hear all the hype about GMC being "Professional Grade", dont believe it. I purchased an 07 Envoy with a Nav System. This Nav system is a waste of money. It is DVD based like most, but the one thing that GMC did that all other makersdecided not to do was to only allow the in-dash unit to accept one disc at a time! For a $2000 option, dont waste your money if you want to Nav and listen to your CDs! Get the 6-disc in- dash and buy a TomTom or Garvin that rides on the dash. It is cheaper and better that way!

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  2003 Envoy review - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By gord - October 10 - 7:18 pm

  At the end of the warranty, I had the car checked and all was fine. I was told nothing to worry about. 6,000 miles later and after the warranty expired, that same dealer provided me with an estimate of almost $2,000 to repair an oil seal, the links, brakes, etc. The SUV runs well, is a smooth running vehicle, but does not seem to be that reliable. Most of my mileage is highway between Canada and Florida, so we do not travel on rough roads that could affect this vehicle. Except for some trim problems at the beginning, a seat module control that had to be replaced (Cost of this module was (900$, but covered under warranty, and an oil leak, I have had no other problems with this vehicle.

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  Great ride except for long trips - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Jim - October 2 - 5:01 pm

  I special ordered this vehicle with specific intent to travel with it. To avoid extreme temperature changes, we ordered cloth interior with dual power seats. I have this vehicle over 2 years and have not had one thing go wrong with it, even one rattle. I average 19.5-20MPG with even a little more on long trips. The power reponse and ride is excellent for a truck. My biggest complaint is that the seats are just not comfortable at all. We tried both the leather and cloth and thought the cloth was more comfortable.

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  Vehicle Ownership - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By SteveD - July 30 - 9:48 pm

  I really like my 2003 GMC Envoy. It has a good ride especially with the 17" Michelin tires. I can get sometimes between 22-23 MPG highway driving. Combined city and highway is about 16 MPG. No problems so far with this SUV.

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  Good value for your money. - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By curtis love - July 13 - 8:12 pm

  I think this SUV for the money is very well built. If you look at other American SUVs costing way more, I think the SLT 4x4 Envoys are about the best out.

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  Marine Can Do Attitude - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Eric - May 20 - 9:27 am

  With full size SUVs costing an arm and a leg and gas prices just as bad. Our family looked to the GMC Envoy XL with 3rd row seating and was sold on it the moment we sat in it. Great interior quality with the leather package. Performance, it is not a race car but can handle any of the riggors found within the city limits with ease. I found no problems with the steering, its just very easy to manuever. This quality has sold me on the Envoy and GMC as a whole and will be looking at them for my next vehicle purchase.

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  One of the best mid-sized SUVs out there - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Sniles32 - May 8 - 2:42 pm

  Had my Envoy less than one month, but thus far it is performing wonderfully. Acceleration is much speedier than expected, and the ride is smooth, particularly when compared to the Jeep I traded in for this. Yes, the gas mileage isnt stellar, but what SUV (excluding hybrids) has great gas mileage? Its right on par with similiar vehicles, so dont let people fool you when they say it gets bad gas mileage. The handling is a bit mushy -- definitely watch it on corners -- and the backseats dont fold completely flat for loading, and there isnt much center console space, but all in all this is an excellent SUV for the money and I look forward to driving it for many years to come.

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  Envoy - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Joe M. - May 1 - 5:47 am

  My Envoy rides and drives great. I owned a Trailblazer before the Envoy. The In-Line 6 cylinder is peppy, not a gas hog and great on the highway.

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  2003 GMC Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Patricia - April 28 - 9:12 pm

  I bought this truck new in 2004. It is roomy and comfortable in the front, as well as the rear. Heating and cooling are excellent, with a back vent in the console. 4WD makes it great in the snow. It has a lot of amenities for a truck!

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  My first GM - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By WVU Fan - April 26 - 3:13 pm

  Ive had the car for less than a year and Ive had to reset the computer once and replace the cooling fan (cost $560) Hopefully I wont see anymore problems for a while. Doubt if I ever buy another GM! The Ford I traded was old but it ran great and never had any work done to it!