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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My Envoy Rocks My World! - 2004 GMC Envoy
By CallMeDrew - April 20 - 2:00 amI purchased my 04 Envoy to replace a 1998 Chevy Blazer with 154,000 miles. What a trade-up! I cant believe the difference in comfort, ride, options, and especially handling. The Envoy corners smoothly and, due to its tight turning radius, I no longer have to look for "double-wide" parking spaces. Both the front and back passenger seats get bonus points for roominess. I have been nothing short of delighted with this vehicle!
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Good - 2003 GMC Envoy
By charlesB - April 16 - 2:00 amRides Good and Handles Great
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Nice SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
By Jefferson1964 - April 11 - 2:00 amI traded in my 2003 Grand Cherokee Limited V8. Of course i was upside down, however, the incentives GM offered put me in the green due to the $8,000 off sticker. The ride is very smooth, handling is a little soft but not bad. The engine is very quiet with strong and smooth excelleration. The dash layout makes all knobs easily accessible. I wanted to trade my grand because i felt like i was being beaten up driving it as it truly was made for offroad use which i never was able to do anyway.
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POOR FUEL ECONOMY - 2004 GMC Envoy
By B JOHANSON - March 23 - 2:00 amWE PURCHASED OUR ENVOY IN JANUARY THINKING WE WOULD GET AT LEAST 15 MI TO THE GALLON CITY AND 19 HIGHWAY. TO DATE WE HAVE ONLY BE ABLE TO GET 11 TO 13 CITY AND 15 HIGHWAY. A COMBINATION CITY AND HIGHWAY YEILDED ONLY 13. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE RATED 15 CITY AND 19 HIGHWAY WAS BASED ON 55 MPH. I HERE TO TELL YOU THAT WE DO NOT ABUSE OUR MPH OR SIGNAL TAKE OFFS AND IT STIL SUCKS ON MILEAGE. NEXT STEP IS BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN FOR SOME HELP. SO FAR WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS VECHICLE.
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Buy Envoy - you wont be disappointed. - 2004 GMC Envoy
By Steve 90008 - March 21 - 2:00 amTraded a 99 Tahoe for the 2004 Envoy. Big improvement in handling. I dont know what the so called experts at Edmunds are complaining about regarding the soft handling. For an SUV handles like a dream. I guess they have to find some reason to justify their recomendations. Only owned it a month but so far I am very impressed. Great dealer - with a purchase gives out gas discount card, unlimited free car washes, free first ding repair, free rental car, discount on movie tickets and other discounts.
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Good, but could be better. - 2002 GMC Envoy
By harrydownsouth - March 5 - 2:00 amI am a commuter who drives 35 miles each way for work. I like the size of the car and that it has room to carry most items but is small enough to look sporty and it gets acceptable gas mileage. The interior is fine except for one area, its arm rests are hard plastic and are very uncomfortable during long drives. The model has had several recalls, none of which were serious for me. I am able to use regular gas without problem. I am concerned about the long term expectency of the aluminum alloy engine. GMC did OK but the hard plastic arm rests and the recalls make me think they were not as professional as they claimed and could be better.
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Good Truck So Far - 2004 GMC Envoy
By aclark - March 1 - 2:00 amI havent had any real problems from it so far. Purchased 9/28/03. I have taken it in because the service 4wd light kept coming on & turn signal freezing. Outside of those 2 things its worked fine. Youd also expect a car thats $33k+ to come with more standard features ie lighted vanity mirrors& a light in the glove box. Also, gas mileage wasnt a shock to me because my Grand Prix GT cost about the same to fill up. All around its a nice truck and I get many compliments. I love the 4wd in the snow. Its very responsive to hwy acceleration. I may try another when my lease is up, probably the SLT XL model unless Buick offers a bigger Rainier.
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GMCEnvoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
By Bosco 39 - February 8 - 2:00 amGas tank to small therefore need extra stops at gas stations to refill. Have I known about the gas tank size and miles/gal I probably would have gone to another SUV. I am geting around 18 miles/gal when new I was geting 20 to 21 miles/gal. Have taken it to dealer and he cant solve the problem. Front trim does not have enough fasteners so it makes noise on rough roads.
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verdict not in - 2003 GMC Envoy
By gameface - January 26 - 2:00 amdont like the fact that all model dont come standard with rear defogger or power mirrors
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poor gas mileage - 2003 GMC Envoy
By elvis presley - December 20 - 2:00 amterrible when air is on for long trips.
