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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  Much better - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Paul - July 15 - 1:04 pm

  As far as build quality and reliability so far, there is no comparison to my previous 2003 XL, its much better. Some road bumps can be a bit choppy, but that was to be expected on the standard wheel base versus the XL. Handling is gererally very good. The ride is very smooth and exhibits very little body roll when cornering. Ground clearance is quite low for an SUV, so this vehicle is better suited for roughing it out in horrible weather than going off road. With the 5.3L V8 and the short wheel base, performance is better than most vehicles in its class. Also, its just so quiet inside, great sound deadening. Interior and exterior looks are really good. This Envoy is so close to being luxury, nearly!

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  Better Than Expected - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Paul D - July 15 - 12:13 pm

  It was a toss up between the MDX and the Envoy. When GM announced the employee discount, that pushed us over the edge. In the end, we are thrilled with the SUV. We took it on a 2000 mile vacation and loved it. Comfortable, very quiet, powerful, roomy. I truly look forward to driving it.

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  Higly Reccommend - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By yar1260 - July 9 - 3:28 pm

  Great overall SUV. Uncompared appearance, a great ride, and a joy to drive. The only thing is the quick response steering is difficult to get used to.

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  Good value for the price - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By jctomgal - July 6 - 7:54 pm

  Rides nice, and all the options are integrated into the vehicle very nicely. The dash features are easy to use. The vehicle handles well, has a smooth ride, little engine noise, and has great power on highway.

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  Envoy is a good buy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Patrick Hernandez - June 29 - 5:40 pm

  This is my second Envoy that I have purchased, and it stills makes me happy to drive it. It is a comfortable SUV, that has more than enough space for my wife and three smaller children. It is the first vehicle that I have absolutely love.

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  Style, Beauty, Comfort, and Power - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Metallicred Mama - June 27 - 7:32 pm

  The Envoy Denali is an SUV with luxury car performance and style. The car has spacious back rows for taller people, and has well designed folding seats. The rear controls for the air and radio are also a great feature. The Envoy denali is also very powerful. The motor has the power of a sports car for good handling. This is the car for a sports car lover with a family who cares about comfort, safety, and fun.

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  Loaded SUV - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By marl8y - June 26 - 7:13 pm

  A great SUV for family trips. Night time visibility is superb with the high intesity headlamps. I love the interior and Bose sound system! It plows through the snow in 4 wheel drive with no problems. Gas mileage is around 15 in the city and 20-22 on the highway. No mechanical problems so far with 78,000 on the odometer.

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  Good SUV - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By bking - June 20 - 9:53 am

  I put 33k on this vehicle a year and have not had a problem. I have only had to put tires on it and a couple of smaller items. It rides as smooth as it did when it came off the showroom floor. It has been an excellent vehicle.

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  Gas Hog and GM Quality is sub-par - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By RickG - June 17 - 9:58 pm

  Nice looking with a powerful engine that tows my bass boat with ease. Unfortunately, GM cut corners on the upscale extras in the Denali and it is obvious. The nav system is primitive and 1st generation. It uses a DVD which means you cannot play CDs while navigating. The nav DVD only finds 50% of the destinations so good luck. I reverted to the after-market Garmin nav system I used in my 2003 Envoy. The sound system is poor quality, the rear view mirror does not have the auto dim feature found in earlier Envoys and there isnt even a coat hook in the rear seat. GM saved nickels and dimes and raised the price by thousands. The older Envoys were a better buy, more comfortable and not gas hogs!

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  Pros and Cons - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By adidas4089 - June 13 - 5:09 pm

  This is an excellent SUV, however with all SUVs there is the drawback of horrible gas mileage. Although the Envoy isnt the worst in its class in terms of gas mileage, it doesnt impress in town. Highway gas mileage on the other hand, is quite bearable. My tank holds about 20 to 22 gallons, and I usually get about 350 miles to the tank on the highway.