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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  nifty ride best vehical I ever owened - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Rich Streeter - February 8 - 1:55 am

  tried bmw mercedies the denali was and is smoother quieter and more truck than any I have driven, that is why I still have it.

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  Strength, Power, Luxury, and Style!! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By George Mulder - January 23 - 11:56 am

  What a great surprise! After having a Jimmy and being bored to tears by the Ford Explorer, the Envoy is such a refreshing change. Great luxury car appointments, powerful engine, good handling, and now more stylish than the Jimmy or what is available today in other SUVs. Feels and handles like a car but gives the highup ride advantages, and though I will probably never use all the capacity can tow 2,500 lbs about 2,000 pounds more than the Explorer. Fit and finish is great, the interior is very stylish, yet sporty, love the wood trim everywhere! Thanks GMC, Ill hate letting this one go at lease end! Truly the Cadillac of Midsized SUVs!!

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  Love our new Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Rick Hobbs - January 5 - 4:43 pm

  Great comfort and reliability!

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  GM does produce winners - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By TNPifher - January 5 - 1:07 am

  This vehicle is a Quality product with the right accessories, with excellant fit & finish. Unlike the GM of yore the product is better than the perceived quality.

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  GMC Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Vern Rinus - December 21 - 8:41 pm

  A very reliable SUV. Comfortable ride, smooth handling, excellent pick-up. Excellent exterior design. Overall fantastic vehicle.

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  Envoy SLT Excellent - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By jan sankey - December 16 - 12:49 pm

  I have been driving my Envoy since August and even though it was used when I bought it, it performs and looks like a new Envoy. It is a delight to drive and the ride is fabulous. I will never buy any other brand of SUV. It is A+++

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  I LOVE MY NEW ENVOY!!! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By I LOVE MY NEW TRUCK - December 13 - 3:53 am

  This truck is just plain amazing. It just moves going uphill with the excellent 275hp engine. It accelerates ammazingly. The interior design is awesome, very roomy for my kids and the front passengers. I also love the bose system. My two teenage sons love the bass the speakers give out! Excellent exterior design as well and is great for storing cargo.

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  Smooth Quite Ride - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By B. Lowery - December 10 - 12:05 am

  After much research I selected the Envoy SLE,enhanced package with almost every feature I could get without leather. Very quiet, smooth ride. My wife was hesitant having never driven an SUV. It was to be her vehicle. She loves it and already feels very comfortable and secure driving it. It has good visibility,a very short turning radius like a car,and she indicates it feels like it hugs the road well. Great pick up, with the 4.2L very comfortable interior with all the amenities. No squeaks,or rattles, very tight. Able to hear rear seat passengers conversation well when traveling. Plenty of leg room for rear seat passengers. Solid sounding doors when closing. Not one problem to date. Would recommend it.

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  2000 GMC Envoy - 2000 GMC Envoy
  By Mike - December 7 - 12:02 am

  The 2000 GMC Envoy has good quality throughout and a very comfortable ride. It drives more like a car than a truck. I have not had any reliability issues in the five years and over 100,000 miles that I haev owned it.

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  2005 is a good year for Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By dougp - November 30 - 12:06 pm

  Ive only had my Envoy SLT vehicle for a short time, but, am very pleased. I looked at the Explorer (small inside), 4-Runner (rough ride at lower speeds), MDX (nice but very pricey), & Trail Blazer (didnt care for). Maybe its personal preference, but, these other vehicles dont even rate in my eyes. Both luxury & performance in the Envoy are exceptional. Beyond the MDX there is no comparison between the Envoy & the others. If Edmunds feels the interior is cheap or full of plastic then they better go look again. I saw exactly the opposite with my evaluation. The ride (on roads) is very smooth and the vehicle turns quite nicely I dont off-road.