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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  2005 Envoy Denali - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Theroider - November 30 - 9:32 pm

  Drives like a dream. Solid ride. Extremely quiet at cruising speed. Very agile to maneuver. My wife, who never thought she would care for a truck, now only drives the TRUCK! I cannot get her out of it. It is extremely stylish and not very common on the road (Denali version). Interior design is exceptional. Its not typical GM plastic on top of fake wood. There is actually real wood on the steering wheel. Nice touch!

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  Great car -- just got my second one - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Jerry G - November 22 - 4:57 am

  My new 2006 Envoy replaces my 2003 Envoy which just come off lease. I never took the 2003 back to the dealership for ANY type of repair. The styling is great and the ride is very comfortable. I drive 99% on open roads and want a vehicle that rides smoothly, which the Envoy does. I also own a 2005 Corvette (I know - a bragger) but I just want to say I often use the Envoy because its just easier and more relaxing to drive. GM might go Chapter 11, but they are making very good cars!

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  Beautiful Ride - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Spratke - October 28 - 11:10 am

  Enjoy each time I step in and turn the key.

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  One of the best SUVs out there - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Mike - October 4 - 3:12 am

  I love my Envoy Denali. It not only looks great, it rides extremely smooth. I recently was involved in a car accident, a car ran a red light and smashed up my front end. My SUV spun 90 degrees and I felt completely safe. The moment I sat in the drivers seat at the dealership, I fell in love. The interior, design and looks, sold me not to mentioned the 300hp engine. I could not have ask for more in my first SUV purchase.

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  2003 GMC Envoy SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By M Proctor - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The GMC Envoy is responsive to cornering yet offers a very smooth and quiet ride. The engine is strong and carries 5 persons with no problems. We made a 5 hour trip and everyone was comfortable and not fatiqued. Options are well designed and easy to use. It is a big improvement over our last SUV - an Isuzu Trooper. Gas mileage is OK at 19-21 MPG.

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  My Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Teri Cobb - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle on Saturday 10-18-2003 and so far I love it!

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  2005 Envoy Denali XL - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By ehackerson - September 20 - 2:01 am

  We have had this truck for one month now and love it. There is plenty of room for the three kids and it drives like a dream. I was nervous about moving from a wagon to an SUV, but the Envoy XL is so easy for me to handle...it drives more like a car than a truck. The third row of seats is large enough for adults so plenty of room for the kids as they grow. There are so many conveniences for the driver: the passenger side mirror automatically adjusts during back-up, can set pedals for comfort, the seats are super comfortable. The best thing is that it is not guzzling a lot of gas...the Displacement on Demand must be working!

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  Envoy enjoyment - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By charle a duke - September 15 - 8:07 am

  This is my second GMC Envoy purchased since it was first introduced. The 2005 offers exellent ride qualities and performance. The 4.2l i6 is smooth and quiet with acceptable fuel economy. The Bose sound system eliminates any wind/road noise that may exist. The self leveling rear suspension works great, but the compressor sounds somewhat strange while outside the running vehicle. I have changed the SLE grille to 2006 Denali version for an added styling que. GM has done a great job as far as Im concerned. Due to a hard to find package I was trying to locate, I compared the Ford Explorer and found that the Envoy is by far the best bargain in its class.

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  I love my GMC Denali Envoy - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Cyndycyn - September 6 - 11:15 pm

  This is the 5th SUV that I have owned and by far the best. The ride and way it handles far outclasses any other SUV I"ve had. Its a gorgeous looking car also. So far though, Ive only been getting 12 mpg and was told that I"d get 15-17. I"m not happy about that.

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  The Envoy SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Raleigh - August 29 - 4:59 pm

  This is a solid, body-on-frame truck -- no jacked-up-car SUV wannabe. I also think it is one of the best looking SUVs on the market. GM went to great lengths to create a soft ride, but with the result that it compromises handling. I installed aftermarket shocks, springs and sway bar to lower it and give it the handling it should have had from the factory (see what Saab has done with its version). The engine and transmission are great, but do not work as well together as they ought to. Im looking forward to a Hypertech or Superchips programmer. So far, however, I have had zero problems and this is a very comfortable, entertaining vehicle. My dogs love it!