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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I Love My Truck! - 2004 GMC Envoy
By Nicelilfox - April 3 - 2:00 amI traded in a 2003 Durango less than a yr old. A gas hog and rode like a tank. I drove and researched SUVs for 3 months. Hands Down this truck takesem ALL :)Its gas mileage is 16-18 city/20- 24 hwy
and handles like a charm expecially in deep snow and mud. I havent had any problems and Im looking forward to future models. I can only imagine it gets better from what Ive read so far. YOU GO ENVOY!!! -
Envoy XL - 2004 GMC Envoy
By ryco - April 3 - 2:00 amEvery happy with the extra row of seats. Easy to fold seats in all parts of the vechile. V8 makes the truck. Auto-load leveling great when towing.
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THE LITTLE KILLERS - 2004 GMC Envoy
By zbobgo - April 3 - 2:00 amTHE ENVOY HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR MORE LITTLE THAN THE LAST 5 NEW VEHICILES THAT I HAVE OWNED COMBINED. GRAND AUTO IN DENVER WAS THE WORST DEALER TO HAVE BOUGHT THE ENVOY FROM. THIS PAST YEAR THE PAINT BEGAN TO PEEL ON THE FRONT BUMPER. THE DEALER THAT I HAD TAKEN IT TO FOUND THAT THE BUMPER HAD BEEN PREVIOULY DAMAGED AND GRAND AUTO ACTED AS THOUGH THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY DAMAGE AND REFUSED TO TAKE CARE OF A POOR REPAIR JOB THAT THEY HAD DONE.
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Recommend Envoy - 2007 GMC Envoy
By Shuttle Bus - March 30 - 8:15 amI would absolutely recommend an Envoy. The guy on the next review who cant figure out the NAV should take a second and read the owners manual. My 8 year old read the manual and figured out the NAV in 10 minutes. I have not had one problem with my Envoy. The quality is outstanding and it drives excellent. Compared to the Toyota, my Envoy is affordable, looks great, and I feel very safe driving it. GMC gives me a 100,000 mile warranty, and sends someone to fix my flat tire, for free! Now thats professional grade.
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Wind Noise - 2006 GMC Envoy
By colorado nurse - March 26 - 10:25 pmI have owned this vehicle for 6 months now. I have returned it to the dealership 3 times with complaints of excessive wind noise on the driver side. No matter what is done to it, it seems the noise level increases. I have been told that this is an inherent quality of large mirrors. I traded my Yukon Denali with large mirrors. I did not have this problem with the Yukon. I would like to know if other owners of this vehicle are having the same issue. I am at wits end! PS- What happened to a courtesy light under the hood and in the glove compartment?
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Wish It would work - 2002 GMC Envoy
By Envoy_User - March 18 - 5:43 amWhen traveling over 60 mph My truck has alot of wind noise. The biggest problem I have is the ABS, Break light, and Traction Off light will come on while driving about 4 times a week. I keep hearing a rattle from the passenger side of the truck that the dealer cannot find. When the truck is running right I do enjoy the ride even though I only get between 12 and 15 miles per gallon on the high way.
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Yeah, I found what I was looking for! - 2007 GMC Envoy
By Linda - March 1 - 6:13 pmCompared Rendezvous, Buicks new Acadia, and TrailBlazer. I was looking for smooth ride, and a vehicle that felt like if I step on the gas I wasnt taxing the vehicle. \As soon as I test drove this I said "this is it!" Traded a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE with 30000 miles, dont miss it at all! Tried some foreign models, never felt like I had a solid car. You must try this vehicle if you are looking for a SUV. Not too big, not too small. My husband liked it so much, he traded his 2006 Ford for a new GM Sierra. We will keep these for a long time. Both have the solid feel 40 somethings are looking for. Paid about the same as low and mid end foreign vehicles. Got better ride and quality.
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The White Knight - 2004 GMC Envoy
By macatguy - February 20 - 2:00 amA comfortable car with a very good ride on open highways, not bad on secondary roads. Good acceleration. some wind noise at high speed. Versatile. Good in snow. decent handling. My primary disappointment is resale value
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Pleased since I bought it. - 2002 GMC Envoy
By smavrides - February 19 - 3:54 pmI bought the vehicle 3 months ago and havent had to look back since. The vehicle has been reliable with virtually no problems aside from basic wear and tear. Ive put a little over 5,000 miles on it since I bought it and it was well worth it. I recommend it.
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Running into electrical problems - 2004 GMC Envoy
By dburch - January 25 - 9:10 amWe have had our Envoy for about 2.5 years. We started noticing electrical issues last summer. We noticed the lights dimming and blinking and one day completely dead, just a click. They towed it in and replaced the battery. We still had the blinking lights and eventually replaced the alternator after initially telling it was a normal condition? All OK untill this week when it was dead again. We had noticed blinking lights a couple weeks ago, also. The dealer had it 3 days and couldnt find anything wrong. I picked it up last night and in the dealer lot the lights went dim, also this morning. We love the way it rides but reliability? Dealer admitted theyve had lots of problems with these.
