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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  Owner - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Ralph - November 30 - 9:30 pm

  An excellent all around vehicle. Very nice ride and very comfortable. Rides like a luxury car

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  Florida Envoy SLT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Bill C - November 28 - 8:31 pm

  SLT/2WD has been a great option for 4 years now. Oil and tires changed/rotated every 3000 miles. 48000 now on original tires! Battery went Dixie after 38 months. Trip gas mileage has been respectable with the vehicle loaded at 22-26 MPG. All in all have been very happy with our Envoy!

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  Affordable comfort and luxury - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Cindy Barranco - November 25 - 5:46 am

  It took me 3 years to find an SUV with the right price, comfort level, features, interior and exterior appearance and driving experience, but when I did, I knew that this was the car for me. Not once have I ever had buyers remorse. I hope this GM vehicle continues to make me proud.

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  Its fair for the price - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By willie - November 18 - 4:49 pm

  I got it on the 23rd of Dec. So far so good. Handles great. A little transmission problem but changed to oil. Also in the summer mounths it shifts really hard, but not in the cold months

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  Less for More - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Mike - November 12 - 8:48 pm

  Good Looking SUV. Poor mileage, poor fit and finish. Seat belt not adjustable, high tension. Noisy ride due to air leaks. Transmission shifts from 2WD or AWD into 4WD on its own. Seats are not as comfortable as in my 2003 Envoy.

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  Envoy Piston problems??? - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By newbee envoy owner - November 10 - 9:53 am

  Just a few weeks into buying an envoy, the piston cracked and the whole engine and new style of piston had to be replaced. 2 weeks in the shop already. Anyone else had this problem? Like the truck, except the cheap fake wood grain dash.

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  Outstanding Quality and Safety - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Dave - October 31 - 9:00 am

  The Envoy Denali is far better than the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot that I drove for years. The Highlander and Pilot are so ugly, and the quality was questionable.. I thought Toyota and Honda were supposed to have good quality? The Envoy Denali has superior performance. The wood trim looks far more premium and the chrome looks fantastic! I will never go back to a Japanese vehicle again.

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  Good Overall - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By nick - October 30 - 7:41 pm

  Since I purchased this SUV in March of 06 I really have enjoyed owning it. Yeah the gas mileage in city driving is horrendous (12mpg going easy on the gas pedal and the brakes), but you cant really expect much more from a 275 HP 6 cylinder. Gets about 17 on the highway. I really like the the comfort of this vehicle. Lots of room, great ride, and very quiet. It looks really nice as well. The power is also more than I expected it was going to be. Passing isnt a problem. Overall a really sound SUV.

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  Happy with my Envoy Denali - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Peter - October 16 - 6:12 pm

  Tows my boat and my trailer with no problem. I believe the 6000 lbs load capacity. Originally I wanted a Denali Yukon but the Denali Envoy fits better in my garage - a key purchase decision by the way. Lots of power and with a family of five with two big dogs, the trips to the cottage are easy. Fuel consumption is fine. I get the same mileage as I got on my 2000 Ford Windstar. The DOD works as advertised. I would buy this vehicle again.

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  Great SUV. Bad Options - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Salex - October 11 - 9:16 am

  You hear all the hype about GMC being "Professional Grade", dont believe it. I purchased an 07 Envoy with a Nav System. This Nav system is a waste of money. It is DVD based like most, but the one thing that GMC did that all other makersdecided not to do was to only allow the in-dash unit to accept one disc at a time! For a $2000 option, dont waste your money if you want to Nav and listen to your CDs! Get the 6-disc in- dash and buy a TomTom or Garvin that rides on the dash. It is cheaper and better that way!