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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  Credit where its due - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By John Chang - December 19 - 10:00 am

  First off, Edmunds has an axe to grind against GM, and I cant fathom their poor review of this vehicle. This is a superb vehicle, and compares well against the truck-based and cross-over midsize SUVs. It looks sharp outside, drives strongly and smoothly and securely, and has a great looking interior. I have put on 11,000 miles in less than 5 months, and I have no reliability problems with this vehicle.

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  2002 GMC Envoy SLT - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mike h. - December 18 - 1:13 pm

  This is a big, nice riding, nice handling, very comfortable vehicle. The leather seats are plush, and the climiate control features are easy to use and nice. My wife loves the heated seats in the winter. You sit up high and can see very well out of all windows in this truck. Problems, well it has the famous GMC Envoy piston slap...tick, tick, tick..when you start it up. Espeically annoying noise in the winter when the noise is louder. Also make sure you own a gas station before buying an Envoy. 12- 14 mpg/city if you are lucky.

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  Looks can be deceiving! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Cordova Dave - December 17 - 8:03 pm

  On-Star stopped working, at night lights would dim to less than 30% if AC, radio, windows were used. Cracked oil pan lost 6 quarts of oil, nice addition to drive way! Transmission made lots of noise but went nowhere. The lights are fixed, the transmission works better, and On-Star works. 4 months later, engine seal is badly leaking. I have no faith in my dealership and GMC as a company. I think they employ the Cro-Magnon man to build their SUVs.

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  6 years $6k in repairs - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By goingforeign - December 17 - 12:04 pm

  This vehicle was excellent over the first 100k miles. After which, Ive had to replace the transfer case at a total cost of $1500. The airbag system failed due to a faulty modulator & master control switch and is $1400 to replace. Im now at 205,000 miles and have to get the rear differential rebuilt for a cool $1700, along with a failed control module adding another $700. All of this combined with several other trim and mechanical failures have me up in arms. I might as well have a car payment with as much as this is costing in repairs. I drive the heck out of this vehicle, but have the fluids checked/replaced on a monthly basis along with other scheduled/required maintenance. This stinks.

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  Dont get the Nav - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By Dont get the NAV - December 17 - 10:21 am

  Spent the extra money on a NAV system only to find out that to use the nav system a dvd has to be in your cd player anytime that you are using it. In other words FM or XM only while navigating. I have used many different portable navigation devices that are so much more user friendly than this one. It is all that I can do to figure this thing out, my wife gave up after several very frusterating attempts. Save the money and buy a garmin! Also cup holders are a joke in this thing.The money I saved still outweighs these setbacks. GM blew away competitors prices! If I had to do over again I would buy the same vehicle without the nav,We would miss the touch screen FM/XM that comes with the nav.

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  Love my GMC Envoy..but not the gas.. - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By bellasarah - December 15 - 12:44 am

  I love my Envoy, but want to just say that I filled it up to full just two days ago and only put 120 miles on it and am already on a half tank. I just bought this SUV and I knew that the gas wasnt that great, but at this rate I am going to be filling up probably every week just to get to work and back. If GMC came out with a hyrbid Envoy that would be awesome.

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  The Pick Of The Bunch - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Matty In California - December 14 - 9:26 pm

  The Envoy is great ride and good companion for the midern mom with kids. Even though it has it ups and downs.

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  Awesome! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By en4rcer - December 8 - 2:00 am

  This was my first SUV purchase and I am in love (or lust). I had test driven several other SUVs in its class including the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have had no problems with the Envoy and it is a fun vehicle to drive. I am about 15 years younger than the "average" Envoy driver - and it shows when people considerably older than me compliment me on the Envoy. Great ride, loaded with features, and has what seems to be a reliable and powerful engine.

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  Outstanding SUV! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Happy in Huntsville - November 30 - 8:18 am

  I bought this one used a year ago. I have driven it to and from work and on long trips several times and am very pleased with everything about it. After putting 20K miles on it - I have had zero problems. I average 18 - 19 mpg work and back, 21+ on long trips and 16 pulling a bass boat. Love the power and ride!

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  A-1 - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Ray/Gordon - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Due to the fact I live in a national forest next to a higher elevation mountain, and I can easily have snow and ice when the lower lands do not, I need 4wd. My Envoy is "peppy" and comfortable. There is plenty of room for driver, passengers, and baggage. I could easily rate my Envoy a 9.5.