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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WE LOVE IT - 2003 GMC Envoy
By RAY EVANS - November 13 - 2:00 amWE LOVE IT FUN TO DRIVE. FATHER IN LAW BOUGHT A NEW TRAILBLAZE.IT DOES NOT COMPARE.
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LOVE IT - 2004 GMC Envoy
By POPO - October 19 - 2:00 amCant say much right now. Just bought the Envoy a couple of days ago. What I can say is that so far, I LOVE IT!!! The ride is smooth, the power is there when you need it. The trim level I got is the SLE. There are two cup holders in the front and two for the rear. Mine came with onstar, which at first I really didnt care for it until I first heard how clear the onstar rep sounded. My Envoy came with the V6 Vortec engine. However, it eats up a lot of gas, but I wasnt looking for economy on fuel, so I got over that real quick. My Envoy came with running boards, a big plus with the height of the Envoy. And a power sunroof.
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Love my Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
By Telle - October 9 - 2:00 amI love this vehicle. I wasnt even considering an Envoy and my uncle made me look at it. I got in to test drive it and didnt ever want to get out.
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excellent - 2003 GMC Envoy
By davidj - October 8 - 2:00 ami loved this vehicle.
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My GMC ENVOY - 2003 GMC Envoy
By booboo - October 2 - 2:00 amThis is the only vehicle that I have purchased in my life time that I have bonded with. I love my GMC
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I Love This Car! - 2003 GMC Envoy
By Mycoolride - September 27 - 2:00 amWe bought this SUV last October when we received an offer in the mail from GMC that we couldnt refuse(Think "The Godfather" lol). GMC would pay our last 5 lease payments on my 2000 Jimmy and there were like $3,000 in rebates. So, we went up to the same salesman/dealership where we leased our Jimmy before the end of the month and took home our new Envoy. It was my first buy after years of leasing. I loved my Jimmy, but I really love my Envoy! The power, the handling, the roominess along with style...awesome!
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Excellent Quality / Reliability! - 2002 GMC Envoy
By David K. - September 21 - 2:00 am30000 trouble free miles. Excellent build quality and functional design. This has been a great all-around vehicle. Averaged 18.5 miles per gallon.
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My baby - 2004 GMC Envoy
By smarti - September 19 - 10:00 amFour Words I love my SUV!
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Good, but not the best - 2003 GMC Envoy
By Mr Ed - September 19 - 2:00 amOverall we are happy with purchase. However, it has been back to the leaker twice for warranty repair. One repair was for the high-pressure A/C switch inoperative and the other incident was for the engine fan clutch stating engaged all the time{ sounded like a jet engine under the hood}.
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Envoy Rocks! - 2002 GMC Envoy
By adadude - September 18 - 8:06 pmThis vehicle is wider and taller than the prior model year, and the interior is as comfortable as you could ever expect in an SUV. The performance is fantastic, given the inline 6s output above even the V8s offered in this class. Turning radius is astonishingly small. The inline six allows this as the engine takes less room than a "V" configuration. I recommend the Envoy. The SLT model has every luxury appointment you could ask for, shy of an LCD screen navigation system.
