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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shady - 1999 GMC Envoy
By esclade - March 31 - 2:00 amthis vehicle looks good but expensive to maintain. if your headlight goes out you go to the store and buy a new one for about $12 i on the other hand have to go to a dealership and spend $2,000. thats for one. ive probably thrown $9000 into it since ive had it and i bought it off lease with only 22000 miles on it. there is some good features to the truck that you dont find on many. but theres no power drivers seat.
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SERVICE 4WD LIGHT ON FOR FOURTH TIME! - 2003 GMC Envoy
By clovermg - March 27 - 2:00 amMy 03 Envoys SERVICE 4WD light came on the 1st time at 574 MILES, 2nd time at 4242 MILES, 3rd time at 6490 MILES & 4th time at 9387 MILES. Its had 3 IGNITION SWITCHES in 1 WEEK & Ive only had it 9 mos. I contacted GM about this & was told about a repurchase then told no but never told why. The area rep doesnt have to give a reason why, he doesnt have to call me when Ive asked for him to & they wont give me his info. I told GM this was "UNEXCEPTABLE" and asked to speak with a supervisor & the supervisor HUNG UP ON ME! GM NEEDS TO GET THE ENVOYS ACT TOGETHER! I will NEVER buy GM again! Im on to NY state lemon law now. WISH ME LUCK!
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GMC ENVOY - 2004 GMC Envoy
By J. Rauch - March 25 - 2:00 amIf you are looking for a really nice, fun SUV - the ENVOY is for you. My husband and I looked at many comparable SUVs like the 4Runner, Explorer, and the Cherokee, but noticed that they did not have the "nice" and "high-end" look that the ENVOY does. None of the other SUVs listed above had an interior that even comes close to the ENVOY. It is way more classy and stylish too! Another thing that I like about the ENVOY is the fact that it is the only SUV that does not come with a roll-over warning on the visor (which makes me feel a little safer), is has great pick-up on the go, a super quiet engine that you cant really hear and a really smooth ride.
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Love the Envoy! - 2004 GMC Envoy
By rednekdiva - March 24 - 2:00 amThis SUV rides better than any other Ive driven in its price range, even better than the Intrigue or Regal! Tons of power. Gas milage is more than I expected, though...about 16-21/gallon. Looks sharp, built tough, and very family friendly.
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GMC Envoy SLE - Great SUV! - 2004 GMC Envoy
By Sportsnut - March 24 - 2:00 amI researched over and over again looking for the one SUV I wanted. The Envoy was my first choice and even though my attention would sway to others, this is the one I got. Yea, I also read others have a better resale value like the Toyota 4 Runner but you cant beat the deals GMC is offering. I got a great vehicle $7000 less than the sticker MSRP. Im very happy with my purchase.
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POOR FUEL ECONOMY - 2004 GMC Envoy
By B JOHANSON - March 23 - 2:00 amWE PURCHASED OUR ENVOY IN JANUARY THINKING WE WOULD GET AT LEAST 15 MI TO THE GALLON CITY AND 19 HIGHWAY. TO DATE WE HAVE ONLY BE ABLE TO GET 11 TO 13 CITY AND 15 HIGHWAY. A COMBINATION CITY AND HIGHWAY YEILDED ONLY 13. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE RATED 15 CITY AND 19 HIGHWAY WAS BASED ON 55 MPH. I HERE TO TELL YOU THAT WE DO NOT ABUSE OUR MPH OR SIGNAL TAKE OFFS AND IT STIL SUCKS ON MILEAGE. NEXT STEP IS BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN FOR SOME HELP. SO FAR WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS VECHICLE.
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Buy Envoy - you wont be disappointed. - 2004 GMC Envoy
By Steve 90008 - March 21 - 2:00 amTraded a 99 Tahoe for the 2004 Envoy. Big improvement in handling. I dont know what the so called experts at Edmunds are complaining about regarding the soft handling. For an SUV handles like a dream. I guess they have to find some reason to justify their recomendations. Only owned it a month but so far I am very impressed. Great dealer - with a purchase gives out gas discount card, unlimited free car washes, free first ding repair, free rental car, discount on movie tickets and other discounts.
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Love It - 2004 GMC Envoy
By Rivi - March 20 - 2:00 amNot much to say at the moment, only had it for less than a week. What I can say is that it has alot of power.
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Shirleys Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
By dacotahkid - March 16 - 2:00 amBeautiful vehicle with one major flaw. When you get in a strong cross wind your wind noise can drown out a cell phone and render your onstar phone useless while traveling. Also at very cold temperatures the footfeet freezes. That is a simple fix if you warm up the vehicle and restart the engine.
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My Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
By Kenneth Grant` - March 14 - 10:00 amThe handling of the suv is great ,fun to drive,& plenty of power.
