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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  So far, so good - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By bigtalllefty - September 12 - 2:00 am

  After 11 months of ownership, complaints are minor. Top of seat back is too low for 65" driver. With tilt steering wheel in comfortable position, cant read speedometer (blocked by top of steering wheel). Initially, fuel economy was horrid improved to reasonably close to EPA ratings after a few thousand miles. CD/cassette stereo and limited slip only options on our Envoy. No mechanical problems. Dont break a fancy headlight: cost a fortune to replace! Oil changes are expensive: SEVEN quarts of oil!

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  Everything I dreamed of but mileage! - 1999 GMC Envoy
  By Molefi - August 3 - 2:00 am

  When I got it there was two minor problems. One the gas gage stopped moving at 3/4 tank, there was also a leak in the rear gear box. Both were fixed cheerfully. The ride is smooth and even though its a six there seems to be plenty under the hood. I still would like an 8. I bought it and I cant keep it from the wife, shes as happy as I am.

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  behind the mask - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Zorro - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I assume you are looking here because you are considering an Envoy..well I snuck in here as I own the Envoy twin, the Olds Bravada..5700 carefree miles and the 60,000 mile warrranty is the Big difference over the Envoy, not to mention the Olds dealers are selling them at invoice since they arent as popular nameplate as GMC "suv of the year"..Youll love the ride and quietness over the Explorer!

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  GMC Jimmy Envoy 2000 - 2000 GMC Envoy
  By Ladystrdst - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Exellent vehicle, handles well, quiet smooth ride. This is my third Jimmy, previously owned a 95. The 2000 has come a long way compared to the 95.

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  Poor defroster , could use better cup ho - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Allen Witmer - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The overall performance is not bad, but I feel GM still has room to improve. The foreign auto industry is making a much better SUV overall. The defroster system is poorly designed, during a recent snow storm and cold weather I could not keep my windshield clear of icying up. The defroster vents are only positioned in the center of the windshied, poor design. The cup holders are poor also, this is the second GM product I purchased in the last 4 years where the cup holders were of a poor design and not enough of them. Would I buy another GMC Envoy again, probably not. I will look at other auto makers.

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  great suv - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By scwood16 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a 03 envoy..great ride...great suv

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  Whacky mirrors - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By sable - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I really love my car. There are a few things that constantly bug me. Once is the mirrors. I love the fact that they adjust to the ground when you backup. What I dont like is that Ive been to the dealer 3 times to get them fixed. The setting doesnt hold. The second is it sounds like a truck when you first start it up. Especially when its cold. I think a new vehicle should not sound like a used vehicle when its only 1 year old. The third is the gas mileage. Im only getting 15.9 when its advertised 18mpg in the city.

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  ENVOY - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By ENVOY OWNER - February 23 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A GOOD VEHICLE IN MOST RESPECTS,IN CITY DRIVING I FIND NO PROBLEMS,THE ENVOY COULD USE A LITTLE MORE VIEW FOR BACKING UP.ENGINE LIQUIDS ARE EASY TO CHECK,THE BIGEST PROBLEN I FOUND IS CROSS COUNTRY DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS THE FUEL TANK COULD BE LAGER,AND THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO SWAY OR FEELS SPUNGY WHEN PASSING OR GOING AROUND CURVES WICH GETS TIRING AFTER 8 HOURS OF DRIVING, REGARDLESS OF TIRE PRESSURE.

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  Living in the lap of luxury - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By FC1 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. The amenities are enough to make your head spin. I only have 5 knocks on the car so far.... How could GMC forget to put a remote gas cap cover release, and a remote rear window release in a car that otherwise has every gadget ? How could they settle for sutch an oversize and ugly steering wheel ? Why cant they make ONSTAR an option and lower the price ?. Why cant they make running boards standard instead of ONSTAR ?.... How about replacing that ridiculous sounding horn with a better one ? Other than that I hope this one lasts me a long, long time...and from what Ive seen so far....it should.

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  Disappointment - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By JJF2 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I really fell in love with this truck when I bought it. Its loaded. $40k sticker. But Ive had nothing put problems. 4-wheel drive sensor broke second day out, front-right sway bar ends broke at 5,000 miles, defective weather-stripping, driver-side window ratttles when cold, rear suspension compressor cycles on and off when car is off...can run down battery (dealer cant diagnose this!). Check Engine light came on and resulted in replacing gas cap. Owned for 11 months and been in dealership 6 times. Worst build quality of any car Ive ever owned. GM service worst of any company. Will never buy GM again.