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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  BUY ONE NOW!!! YOULL LOVE IT!!!!! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By SKIP - September 10 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED! I HAVE HAD ABSOLUTLEY NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT IN THE SEVEN MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. I WORK IN THE AUTO MOTIVE FIELD AND AM VERY PARTICULAR ABOUT CERTAIN THINGS. I SEE THE REVIEWS ON OTHER MAKES IE: BMW X5 4.6is AWD WITH A 340 HP MOTOR THAT HAS A MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY OF 6000 LBS. MY LITTLE INLINE SIX IS RATED @ 6100 LBS!! THE ENVOY IS BIGGER INSIDE AND OUT YET HAS A CURB WEIGHT THATS 224 LBS LESS, HAS A LONGER WHEELBASE , BUT HAS A TIGHTER TURNING RADIUS!! SURE ITS NOT GERMAN ENGINEERED ALL THIS AND I STILL SAVED $35,000 OVER THE BEEMER. AM I A HAPPY CAMPER??? YOU BET!!!-

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  2002 GMC Envoy SLT 4WD - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By sam martien - September 2 - 1:53 am

  Great Engine, great electronics. Smooth quiet ride. Fun to drive.

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  Tons of Fun - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Eagle400 - September 1 - 2:00 am

  XL is super. Have justs returned from trip to Florida for a month. 950 miles each way and drove straight thru with comfort. Pulled 6x12 trailer back fully loaded with furniture and no effort. 4000 miles so far and many "nice suv" comments.

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  SUV of the year - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By KenB - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Great power and with good MPG. Getting 20MPG and thats with the 4.10 gears. 4WD is excellent in snow even with factory tires. Interior styling rivals the Infiniti and Lexus SUVs at a lower price. Only problem so far is memory mirrors that cant find the same position twice. I will probably purchase a second one this year for my wife.

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  EVoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By nickyboy - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I just been driving My 2004 SLT for a month now, Great handling, smooth and quiet, I have lots of comments on the looks, Carbon black, Chrome wheels. The satellite radio is great ,(No commercials,) The radio controls on the steering wheel are great, Good pick up, comfortable ride, The SLT eats gas

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  GMC. A Move To The Future. - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By frederic - August 12 - 2:00 am

  With its powerful inline 6 engine, the Envoy is able to compete with its big V8 brothers. It is a very smooth ride, and aestetically is well above the competition.

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  Envoy - nice purchase - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By pieman - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Nice styling. Good price - with rebates. Quiet ride for an SUV. Plenty of options. Give it a test ride.

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  So far so good... Love my Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By John26830 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Only have had it a short time but love all aspects of it, Test drove 5 other suvs and this one fits my needs, The deal went smooth and I will watch out for the things others have been having trouble with, but none so far, Power and the handling are as expected, interior is very comfortable,The standard options are aplenty.

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  2004 Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Fatima - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my 04 GMC Envoy & its great. I work for a rental car company and its far more comfortable and handles better than any other Midsize SUV I have driven.

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  THIS ENVOY IS TIGHT..... - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By S.Fla. Envoy SLT - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I have to admit this is the best, most technologically advanced vehicle I have ever seen GM produce. Black, Dark Pewter leather, 4wd, running boards and 1SK-Professional Technology Package. The factory DVD player is awesome. The Bose system really sounds great. The vehicle handles great with the load leveling system. The quality of this vehicle is first class. Ive owned it since Sept, 2001 with no problems at all. I always look forward to driving it. I get a lot of compliments where ever I go.