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:

• 

  DONT DO IT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By unhappy camper - November 21 - 10:00 am

  i dont know who the people are writing these other reviews....but the envoy is a junker. it is an overpriced test car for GMC. I have had too many problems with this vehicle in the past 4 months. I wish I read some of the other reviews before buying. interior design, appears nice, but is inconvenient and cheaply made. constant service problems, that cannot be fixed.

• 

  Good old "JIMMY" - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Jolly Roger - November 15 - 2:00 am

  IM printing about a 1996 Jimmy. I have been driving for 64 years and, in that time, have owned an awful array of vehicles. My present vehicle is a 1996 Jimmy. Without reservations, I can say it is the finest piece of machinery I have ever owned!! It has never failed me or my wife. We would like to buy another "JIMMY" but are worried that it would not match the one we own.

• 

  Happy In California - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By bobo - November 10 - 10:59 am

  The Envoy performs very well. It is Great on handling and is roomy. The Navi and back seat radio and air conditioning only make it better.

• 

  Luxury and power for a great price - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Ray - November 9 - 8:23 pm

  The Envoy Denali is a pleasure to drive because of its luxury and performance. Build quality is outstanding and the option packages include the DVD and Nav systems. Even though the Envoy is going to be replaced by the Acadia, its still a great vehicle at an affordable price. I love the creature features and the safety and security of the front and side air bags.

• 

  Love My Envoy! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By envoyowner - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a true luxury SUV for the same price as the mediocre ones. You get features with this vehicle that I couldnt have even imagined a few years ago. We love the memory seats and mirrors! We have had no problems like those mentioned by others...maybe GM has worked out the bugs on the later models. I also drove the Durango, and this SUV is much more refined and a lower price! I feel like a millionaire driving it...no wonder it beat out even the Mercedes SUV in the motortrend competition!

• 

  Better than the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By alventura160 - November 6 - 8:14 pm

  I was very hesitant to purchase the Envoy because I was driving an extremely reliable 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser at the time. The FJ Cruiser was a fun vehicle to own, but there were a lot of design flaws I could not get past. Most of all, the suicide doors made it very difficult for people to get in and out of the back seat. The Envoy provides such a quiet and comfortable ride. My wife and I carpool to work most of the week, and we look forward to our morning and afternoon drives in our Envoy. I am fairly sure that the next car I purchase will also be a General Motors vehicle. I encourage anyone that is shopping for a safe and comfortable SUV to test drive the Envoy.

• 

  Reliable - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Mark - November 3 - 4:27 am

  Reliable, fun to drive. Excellent in the snow. Only problem so far was a flasher module that was covered under warranty. Great truck. Take it anywhere.

• 

  2006 - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Ron - October 19 - 4:42 pm

  Very comfortable on long drives. V8 has lots of power and good gas mileage for the size. Been averaging 22 highway and 18.5 overall. Back seats could be set further back to allow more room for passengers, and would allow seats to fold flat with front seats back.

• 

  Could be better - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By bellms - October 14 - 1:54 pm

  Overall, a pretty good SUV. The cabin is comfortable. Although not super quiet inside. The front seat sits a little high and the back does not tilt. The pickup on the road is decent but underpowered at times of steep incline. I definitely believe there should be a V8, but there is not. The gas mileage for the daily traffic is horrible in town. Usually 12-14 at best. Highway, impressively up to 22 at times. The Envoys center of gravity is righ at the armrest, which makes for good turning. Last but not least, not very good use of space for seating.

• 

  One of the best I have ever owned - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By luvmytruck - September 21 - 2:57 pm

  I bought mine 1 year ago and now have 31000 miles on it. I have had all kinds of cars and one other SUV in the past 25 years ranging from Fords to Mercedes. The comfort is fantastic. The ride is solid, secure, sure,and quiet. You get behind the wheel and you feel safe, confident, and in command. It is not fun but I do not think it was meant to be. It is hardly a sports car. But, if you want something that is comfortable on the road for long stretches, solid, safe, roomy, powerful, versatile, this is it. Even my dog loves riding in the back (sometimes with one of his friends). I recently drove it from NY to NC and back with my fiancee and her son. The drive was so easy. I just love it.