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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  One of the best, the Envoy. - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By BMK - September 16 - 3:06 pm

  The GMC Envoy is, in my opinion, one of the best SUVs on the market today. It has great interior and exterior styling all around. It has a very powerful, yet fuel efficent, Inline 6cyl. Engine. It has plenty of cargo room for all your needs, and the four wheel drive works excelent for where ever, or whatever the conditions maybe. The Envoy is also an excelent SUV to drive in the city, where you can just buzz right around with-out feeling like your driving a bus! The only downfall of the SUV is where the seat belts are located in the front two seats. They are hard to reach.

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  Benjamin Iowa State - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Benjamin - August 31 - 7:31 pm

  Attractive features: This 2002 GMC envoy (blue) with just less than 150,000 miles and 270-horse power has several features which drivers of all ages would find appealing. This vehicle includes 5 available seats, 2 front heated seats, an automatic transmission, and a 6-cylinder engine that offers a quiet and comfortable ride. The dash interior comes with a stock CD changer; two power outlets, no sunroof included in the specific model, but does come included with power-adjustable seats. Review: I have no problem giving this vehicle five stars out of five stars. This early 2000’s model gives back seat riders a great amount of legroom, and is a wonderful vehicle to take the whole family in on long car rides. In between the two front seats there’s two cup holders. The back seat also includes two pull down cup holders that will hold any size cup or drink. I purchased this SUV with just over 100,000 miles on it and I’ve never purchased a more reliable vehicle. This vehicle has never been in an accident and does have two dents in the rear trunk door; otherwise there is no cosmetic damage. The SUV comes with a ball and hitch and is very good for towing. When not towing, this vehicle will get around 22 miles to the gallon. When towing, depending on the size of your load, the vehicle can get anywhere from 13 to 18 miles per gallon. The four-wheel drive comes in very handy if you live in an area where it snows in the winter and even without the four-wheel drive on, it does pretty well in snow. The size of this vehicle is smaller than your standard pickup truck, yet big enough to haul a trailer or small family with room to spare. The back seats fold down to allow the entire trunk to become open which you can use to transport numerous items that wouldn’t fit otherwise. Many consumers worry that the SUV is a 6 cylinder and not a V-8. In my opinion, the 6 cylinder has enough power and as a result, produces an extremely smooth ride. The main console is a bit undersized but the vehicle has no other major inconveniences. Although this model was discontinued in 2009, I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase another one with less mileage on it.

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  Beat up by GMC - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Tom Murphy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I am havong major problems with my Envoy. It started from the day I drove off the lot. The envoy is sitting in my back yard and has been for close to a year. GMC will not perform ant warrenty work on it. They also will not perform any recall work on it. The complete experiance has been awfull. I have a folder at home that is about3/4" thick of all the paper work that tall this has created. I dont know what to do at this point.

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  Best I have owned - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By driver - August 14 - 4:06 pm

  Overall, very satisfied. I travel a lot on business and put 25-30 thousand miles a year on my car. Biggest problems: replaced compressor at 60K miles and at 90K a brake caliper fell off and damaged the rim. No complaints otherwise. It is the most comfortable and smoothest ride I have owned, surpassing my 93 Buick Lesabre. With 4WD it will go anywher I need it to go in any weather. And the versatility of an SUV body is great. Good sound system and A/C. Good driver visibility.

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  BUYERS BEWARE - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Marc Ferguson - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The GMC Envoy is great, so we though. Our Envoy is now 11 months old with 11900 miles on it. It is NOT reliable at all. its in the shop for the second time this week for the same problem. It doesnt start, and when it does, the headlight sprayers spray by themselvs, the clock resets and the engine was roaring and the car would NOT accelerate. Decreased Engine power light comes on and we can NOT drive it at all. The electronic mirrors that adjust to your driver settings never work, the door locks have broken several times, and the suspension is pretty bad at times. Overall, the car is VERY unreliable

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  I love my Envoy! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By NVmy ENVOY - August 11 - 9:42 pm

  Ive owned my Envoy for about 2 years now and I couldnt have picked a better car! I drive from Ohio to Georgia a lot and that long drive is tolerable because I am comfortable! I only fill up once to start, then once on the road and still have some gas left over when I get home. Great purchase!

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  Great Car - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Pauld - August 10 - 8:44 am

  Coming from a Honda fan, I couldnt have been more surprised to how much I have grown to love this vehicle. I purchased it when you couldnt pass up the deals and I have been glad ever since. Only back to the dealer once for a very small squeak that was taken care of. Tows our travel trailer as if it wasnt there. Quiet, smooth, powerful, very comfortable, good looking. I believe GM has won me back for future consideration of cars.

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  I absolutely Recommend the Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Colombiano - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Rides great. Looks great. Fun to drive. Had two problems and dealer fixed both repairs with no problems to me. Feels and looks like it is built tough and sturdy. The gas mileage is bad. GMC states it gets 15/20, but I get only 12- 13 driving around my town and 15-16 on the expressway to work. Insurance is cheap. I feel that Onstar is too expensive. Would like to use it and the telephone , but it is cheaper to just have a cedular phone instead. GM should lower the prices for everthing related with Onstar and I am sure they would get more customers. Wind noise not that noticable.

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  Love it! - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By jap - August 1 - 2:13 pm

  After many weeks of searching the internet for the perfect vehicle for me, I finally chose the GMC Envoy. Not only did I love the looks, but the ride is very quiet and smooth.

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  A long 5 years - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Maryland - July 30 - 9:10 am

  I bought this in late 2002 new with a custom Denali grille. I had to choose between the Envoy, Acura MDX and Honda Pilot. I decided I did not want to buy that Asian rubbish and went for the Envoy. At 4500 miles I had severe engine failure. I needed a rental for four months. After that, everything was fine. On premium gas all I was got 11mpg! The interior is not that functional especially the seatbelts. Windnoise is tremendous. Ride is very comfortable though. I would not consider it a bad experience, I would gladly take this over an Asian car. I finally traded it in for a BMW X3 which is also a great car.