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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  Envoy 2004 - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By rgdircks - November 7 - 5:49 pm

  I use the SUV as a around town car and a tow vehicle for an RV. Ease of towing was pprime reason for buying but I was pleasantly surprised when I started using it all the time. Ride is nice but firm enough for good control. Seat back has lumbar support for my bad back and is great. An all around great car for what I use it for. No problems with it at all.

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  Love my Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By ItsMeCyndi - November 7 - 10:13 am

  The best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Envoy of fun - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By ddodd47834@aol.com - November 1 - 2:00 am

  The Envoy is fun to drive with great looks, power and easy to get in and out of.

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  2004 Envoy SLT 1SD - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By TexasZeus - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Stepped down from a 2002 to a 2004. Cruise unsafe going down hills. Ride has went from good to bad. Suspension not as firm as in 2002. Bose sound system is not worth the extra cost of the option package. Seems GMC is cutting corners for profit.

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  Very comfortable - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Dancer1 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Both my wife and I are senior citizens, have back problems, have long legs and require seats that fit our bodies. I also do a lot of highway driving and need comfortable seating. The Envoy has the longest seat of any midsize suv (21.5 inches) fits our bodies better than any other SUV and is very comfortable. I have logged over 80,000 miles in my Envoy and changed the tires at 63,000, still have the original brakes and have not had to have it tuned. I am now getting ready to trade it in for a new 2004 Envoy SLT.

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  RE: 2005 GMC Envoy SLT - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Eyedoc164 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  GMC was always under the radar screen when I leased SUVs. Only test drove it because of a GM promotion. Have had the car for only 500 miles and am incredibly impressed with its size, comfort, carlike ride, and amazing luxury features. As a 15 yr lonstanding driver of Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer, can only say that this vehicle is in is every way comparable and more comfortable and fun to drive. With more bells and whistles than my Eddie Bauer: Onstar, XM radio/telephone, rainsensing wipers, headlight washers, cant think of anything they missed. Can only say that this is a " must see " if you considering a midsize SUV.

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  Great Value, Great Utility - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Frede2ROK - October 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle meets the expectation for a utility vehicle in that it serves many uses. It has the power to pull a trailer and the space to support a tailgate party at a ballgame. It is comfortable and easy to drive and park.

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  Cool - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By hotreese - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my Envoy. Looks great! I feel like the king of the road when Im driving it. However I have heard both the regular sound system and the Bose and I HIGHLY recomend the Bose! And I wish that I would have got the XM radio. But the Envoy is awesome, much better then the Trailblazer (Ive had both).

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  Overall performance - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Lorie Andrews - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Overall so far this has been a very nice SUV, It could get a little better mileage, had a couple of little things needing attention, seatbelts, leather split in back, also where the seats fold down on second row, not tightend down securely, been fixed, only thing I notice differently is the engine not being a V-8, had a Town & Country Chrysler Van, did get better Gas Mileage and seemed to have a little more go when going up hills, but with my busines I really thing it will do fine, love the body construction, only thing is, the make the trim out of this black hard rubber which kind of fades and looks a cheap, especially around the windows and the roof rack, love the "Moon Roof, otherwise OK!

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  Well Done - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By CTM2000 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Compare to all the cars that Ive drove.. MDX, Pathfinder, highlander, nothing near the power of the New Envoy. Its totally Roomy and powerful. I dont have the roof retrack option but that a brillian Idea. I love it