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:

• 

  2003 Envoy review - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By gord - October 10 - 7:18 pm

  At the end of the warranty, I had the car checked and all was fine. I was told nothing to worry about. 6,000 miles later and after the warranty expired, that same dealer provided me with an estimate of almost $2,000 to repair an oil seal, the links, brakes, etc. The SUV runs well, is a smooth running vehicle, but does not seem to be that reliable. Most of my mileage is highway between Canada and Florida, so we do not travel on rough roads that could affect this vehicle. Except for some trim problems at the beginning, a seat module control that had to be replaced (Cost of this module was (900$, but covered under warranty, and an oil leak, I have had no other problems with this vehicle.

• 

  The Best Mid SUV From GM! - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By BJR - October 5 - 4:19 pm

  I have owed 4 Chey TrailBlazers and the Envoy beats it hands down. The ride is beyond smooth and it drives and handles like a car. Chevy needs to learn from their sister company GMC. This SUV sticker shows 21 mpg on the highway, but mine averaged 26.5mpg over 20 miles at 55 on cruise control. You cant beat that TrailBlazer.... GMC great job!

• 

  Great ride except for long trips - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Jim - October 2 - 5:01 pm

  I special ordered this vehicle with specific intent to travel with it. To avoid extreme temperature changes, we ordered cloth interior with dual power seats. I have this vehicle over 2 years and have not had one thing go wrong with it, even one rattle. I average 19.5-20MPG with even a little more on long trips. The power reponse and ride is excellent for a truck. My biggest complaint is that the seats are just not comfortable at all. We tried both the leather and cloth and thought the cloth was more comfortable.

• 

  luv my truckette - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By tallgrass - September 17 - 2:23 am

  took this suv off the floor and drove for 2300 miles in 5 days. Mileage as high as 23.5 and low of 18.4 with a strong head wind. Came from a suburban since 86 and was sceptical. Other than storage room, it is great for the 2 of us. Love the gadgets, ride and comfort. It has everything but the dvd and we took the mood roof. Rides great, quiet and very good torque.

• 

  Very happy 2003 GMC Envoy Owner - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By BMBowen - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Excellent ride. Great handling. Very well thought out interior. Roomy. Versatility.

• 

  Junk, plain and simple, AVOID THEM. - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Citizen Z - September 2 - 9:11 pm

  This is a classic "throw away" vehicle, it is not built to last longer than the factory warranty period. When it does have a failure it is always Major and cost a fortune to fix. With 150,000 it needs a new engine, the VVT solenoid and sprocket have both been replaced, the oil pressure sending unit has been replaced (it still will not hold oil pressure at idle), the oil pan seal (silicon, no gasket) is a $500 repair, the valve cover gasket is a $400 repair, front wheel bearings fail every 50,000 miles and are a $500 job, the transmission slams into gear after coasting for a bit which makes me suspect that it is failing too. It averages 8-13 miles per gallon, which is beyond a gas guzzler. The check engine light is always on for something different(not a "loose gas cap") and the cruise control will not work if the check engine light is on. It rattles, creaks, pops, squeaks, and has major major wind noise. Fix one thing, and something else fails within a couple of weeks.

• 

  Lousy suv - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By duped - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Having driven this car for 20k miles,Im getting rid of it. It is very uncomfortable, has poorly designed interior features, handles slugglishlyt and is lousy in deep snow and offroad. Many things have broken, fallen off, or were installed incorrectly. Quality is poor for the hefty price. Never again!

• 

  Too expensive to fix - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By frank - August 4 - 2:21 pm

  My Envoy just burned up -- fuel leak. Previously had transmission problem (went dry), but it was covered out-of- warranty because the dealer had just serviced it, and they probably didnt fill it right or left the plug loose. Right headlight went out 3 years ago. Two part light, $375 per part but not sold seperately. Got a junk yard (only one of two in the country at the time) for $500 plus an hour of labor. GM did not help, dealer or corporate. When burned, the left headlight was out, not available in junkyards at the time. I also lost the third brakelight, costing ~$500 and not properly repaired.

• 

  I Love it! - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Bunnie - August 3 - 4:00 pm

  I am so thankful that I purchased my Denali! I went from a convertible which was fun to drive to an SUV overnight! I compared so many and found it to be priced very well, appointed luxuriously, & easy to drive. I have to admit, I was nervous about the fuel economy, but with the V8 and fuel displacement, it is not bad at all! I drive a lot of miles and this car makes my commute so much nicer.

• 

  Second Review - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By POPO Rivi - July 31 - 3:49 am

  Ive had this Envoy with V6 engine SLE for over 2 years. The ride is still smooth as butter. This vehicle suprisingly, still handles the bumps very well. Like if Ive just purchased her yesterday. Havent had any major problems with her. Being a home owner, Im constantly making trips to Home Depot and Im glad I have the Envoy. The snow is never a problem for the Envoy. The running boards are a big plus to have. Did I mentioned the power...love the power she has. Ive driven other SUVs and so far, none can compare to her power.