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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  PREEMO RIG or Caviar driver - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Steve Groff - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have purchased 10 new vehicles,This is the finest I have purchased or driven

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  best deal - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By bargen shopper - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this suv as a lost leader for 20,770.+ tax etc. I compared the highlander/trailblazer/expedition/rodeo. For less than 775.00 more than the lost leader highlander I got 4-wheel anti- loc,120 more hp.side air bags,tow pac, roof rack,tinted windows,rear air, cruse,keyless,dual climate control, 17" alloys,and a much smother ride on better looking, softer seats.

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  Overall, a good thing - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By meqa - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I love the look (inside & out) of my 2003 Envoy. The gas mileage is alright. However, coming from a 2000 Expedition, I miss the room. We only have two kids so the room is adequate, but I miss the width of the Expedition. But I do have a lot of trunk space now. I get a lot of compliments on the look of my Envoy. I also love driving with the sunroof open, the Bose stereo on and the woodgrain look accents and the leather interior. It is indeed a fine looking vehicle. I have read reviews about the ride being like that of a truck, but I think the ride is pretty smooth. Overall, I think the Envoy is a good thing!

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  Not happy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By GMaxson - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Weve had nothing but problems with the driver 1 and 2 mirror settings working correctly. It has been in at least 6 times for this and has never been fixed. We also get a clunking noise from the rear differential that they can not diagnose. This vehicle is about 20 months old and has been into the shop at least 10 times.

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  Love it! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Norma - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Have had no problems with this SUV. Only returned to dealer because of a recall notice. Mileage is what I expected. Traded in an Olds that left me stranded twice-I am thrilled. I have had this Envoy for 6 months without a care.

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  Excellent SUV - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By dvtester - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Having owned several SUVs, I am glad to say this one is the best I have driven. The 6 cylinder engine has the power of a V8, yet much smoother. It handles well, but has some body roll when cornering. However this is to be expected of a large vehicle. I have to agree with many of the comments that the personalization buttons dont belong on the steering wheel, dedicate them for CD functions. I have had some problems with the memory features, and had to turn them off.

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  I love the Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Mgadson99 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I am home health professional. I drive more miles than most people. The Envoy is a pleasure to drive. It is quick, quite and has all the toys I love to play with. As I compare it to other SUVs it appears to overshadow them. The style is "All That" and when my Black Envoy is clean! It is a show stopper.

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  True Love :) - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By kaitlyn - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I love it!

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  Last Time to Purchase a GMC Envoy XL SLT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By S Livingston - August 4 - 2:00 am

  luv my Envoy, but w/all the problems, Im ready to disown. Liftgate panel broke in wk. Brake knock & let go on roads under construction or uneven. SVS says OK. Feel uneasy when braking, might hit something/someone. Sensor in driver panel had buzzing noise. Took 2X for repair. Rotten mildew odor in the AC. SVS says to turn off recycling however been doing their way & still smells. Looking for another dealership. Lining around the windows are starting to sound like the windows are open, so when driving at 65 mph sound like an open window and you hear that annoying wind sound. I should be picky for the kind of money spent on this vehicle.

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  A GMC YUCKVOY - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Yuckvoy - August 2 - 2:00 am

  HATE IT, HATE IT, HATE IT !!!!!, OK Ill give the style and looks an 8. I should have stuck with a foreign manufactures vehicle and not gone back to American made. Bad gas mileage, too many recalls, too many times in the shop. A/C has never worked properly when you first start the vehicle and 3 dealers have no clue how to fix it. More paint chips than chips ahoy cookies