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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  My new fun vehicle - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By lorene braun - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving my envoy very much. I like the feel of being a little higher than someof the other vehicles and I think it handles very well.I have had 3 new pontiac Bonneivilles with all the bells and gadgets. I enjoyed them very much, but there wasnt enough room to take what I needed to with me to winter in Florida. I really feel my Envoy compares with my previous cars very well. I hope I have as good luck with this vehicle as I did with my Bonnevilles. I like this one very much.

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  Envoy has no equal - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By mpensing - August 31 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I love our Envoy! Its the sharpest looking SUV on the road and the inline 6 cyl. engine has great power and excellent performance. We tried the Explorer and 4 Runner, and there is really no comparison. The fit and finish on the Envoy is far superior and the interior really sealed the deal for us. Im sure well get another one when the lease runs out.

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  The Envoy is Awesome!!!! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By igoldberg - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I have dirven my new Envoy for one week now, and could not be happier. Prior to my Envoy I have owned Jeep Grand Cherokees. There is simply no comparison. The ride is smooth, the seats have great support, and the features are extremely well thought out. In fact, to date I have yet to listen to any local radio station because I have been enjoying XM that much. Oddly enough, I havent experienced the windnoise that other reviewers have mentioned. I strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone shopping for an SUV.

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  Great SUV! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Lula - August 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Envoy. Great handling, super comfortable ride, plenty of interior room, and decent gas mileage kept me from buying any other SUV. Lots of extras like woodgrain interior and soft leather seating puts it right up there with the luxury vehicles.

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  envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Timothy Lingle - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV for Families of 5. It is not a monster truck so it is easy to reach the 3rd row from the rear door and easy to drive and park if you live in a big city. They put a shelf in the cargo area which doubles the limited space. The seats flip and fold easily the kids can do it themselves. I love the way it drives and the handling is great but the brakes could be a bit tighter. Overall its fun to drive.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By stacey32 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my new Envoy. Having driven a car prior to this I feel much safer - yet I did not have to lose the sportiness and handling that I had liked in my car. I receive many compliments on my vehicle and I love having so much room to haul everything around. Great job on this GMC!

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  Impressed - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Kimbrough - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing our Envoy, I have been very impressed how quiet the SUV is in the city as well as on the highway. Plus, with a chrome grill guard and PIAA lights, its a great looking ride.

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  Had the 03 4Runner and the 04 Emvoy WINS - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By fdw - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased for the wife in July $9000 off MSRP what a deal, only wished we werent upside down in 4Runner. My wife loves her NEW 04 Envoy and hasent looked back at the 4Runner "sorry Toyota". The ride is so much better "sorry Toyota"

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By KBuchanan - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I just love our new Envoy! This is a great SUV for the price. I compared the 4 Runner, which was easily more expensive and found this to be much more comfortable, especially for longer road trips. The interior feels plush and the exterior is gorgeous. I couldnt be happier about my choice.

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  Encvoy -- a delight to own and drive - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JP Hoover - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned an Envoy for nearly three years and as a former Bronco and Toyota owner I remain as pleased with it as when we bought it. I has plenty of power, rides like my brothers 03 Cadillac, and handles better than most other 4x4s. Except an inconvienent front cup holder (in front of the shift) and a gas tank that is too small (18 gal), it a treat to drive or ride in on long trips whether on long straight-aways in Arizona and Texas, the rolling hills and curves of Oklahoma and Arkansas, or the twisting mountain roads of Colorado. The GMC Envoy is a definite "two thumbs up" vehicle!!