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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  A Lemon - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Disgusted - June 10 - 10:35 pm

  This is the worst car/SUV I have ever had. Hands down. 6 MPG city. 10 highway. Is all over the road. Have had a Toyota Forerunner - Excellent a GMC Suburban - Excellent. This is simply a piece of junk.

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  Denali - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By GREGORY WESTER - June 3 - 9:16 pm

  It is a great SUV. Gas mileage is fair with DOD fuel management but it is an SUV so what do you expect? Great interior and exterior and is very fun to drive. Love the sunroof, DVD player, Bose system, NAV and CD player. I just wish that it came with a CD changer with the navigation system.

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  ENVOY GMC - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By MULL - June 1 - 10:00 am

  THE STYLING IS GREAT INSIDE AND OUT. I HAD A 99 JIMMY BEFORE AND IT IS A DEFINETE IMPROVEMENT. I DO WISH THERE WERE SIDE POCKETS ON THE REAR DOORS AND THAT THE OUTSIDE TEMP WAS ON THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. ANOTHER SUGGESTION WOULD BE THE HEADS UP DISPLAY LIKE SOME OTHER GM VEHICLES. THE POWER IS IMPORVED AND WITH THE ALLWHEEL OPTION, THE HANDLING IS VERY GOOD.

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  Marine Can Do Attitude - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Eric - May 20 - 9:27 am

  With full size SUVs costing an arm and a leg and gas prices just as bad. Our family looked to the GMC Envoy XL with 3rd row seating and was sold on it the moment we sat in it. Great interior quality with the leather package. Performance, it is not a race car but can handle any of the riggors found within the city limits with ease. I found no problems with the steering, its just very easy to manuever. This quality has sold me on the Envoy and GMC as a whole and will be looking at them for my next vehicle purchase.

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  2006 GMC ENVOY SLT - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By CJAvon - May 17 - 2:31 pm

  Have been driving my Envoy for three months now, had Jeep Gr.Cherokees for the last three years so thats my basis for comparison (maybe a bit unfair). The Envoy has a smoother ride but the difference in power vs the V8 Jeep is like night and day, towing my 2500 lb boat was sluggish. Head room is tight with the sun roof, only 1/2" headroom (i am 6 foot)with the seat down full. Very comfortable to sit in and visability is good. The floor mats are on the cheap side. 2nd row legroom is better than the Jeep. I get 18.7 mpg average with 85% highway driving. Considerably less expensive than the Jeep so if you can do without the towing power I would recommend it.

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  Transmission - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By brent - May 14 - 11:05 am

  I went thru 2 transmissions in one year and GMC claims there company to be professional grade. More like Fisher Price grade to me. Thank God for warranties!

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  GREAT SUV! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By mkquigs - May 11 - 2:37 pm

  I have had my Envoy for about a year and other than one glitch with the fuel gauge, it has been a pleasure to own. It drives great, looks awesome, has great space and the fuel consumption really isnt that bad. Note to people who want great fuel efficiency: Dont buy an SUV!! Duh! I love my Envoy and would recommend one to anyone. This is coming from a guy who swore he would never buy an American car!

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  One of the best mid-sized SUVs out there - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Sniles32 - May 8 - 2:42 pm

  Had my Envoy less than one month, but thus far it is performing wonderfully. Acceleration is much speedier than expected, and the ride is smooth, particularly when compared to the Jeep I traded in for this. Yes, the gas mileage isnt stellar, but what SUV (excluding hybrids) has great gas mileage? Its right on par with similiar vehicles, so dont let people fool you when they say it gets bad gas mileage. The handling is a bit mushy -- definitely watch it on corners -- and the backseats dont fold completely flat for loading, and there isnt much center console space, but all in all this is an excellent SUV for the money and I look forward to driving it for many years to come.

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  Envoy - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Joe M. - May 1 - 5:47 am

  My Envoy rides and drives great. I owned a Trailblazer before the Envoy. The In-Line 6 cylinder is peppy, not a gas hog and great on the highway.

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  2003 GMC Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Patricia - April 28 - 9:12 pm

  I bought this truck new in 2004. It is roomy and comfortable in the front, as well as the rear. Heating and cooling are excellent, with a back vent in the console. 4WD makes it great in the snow. It has a lot of amenities for a truck!