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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excellent - 2002 GMC Envoy
By april ravipong - May 28 - 2:00 amI love my Envoy. It is very spacious, and I can manage the vehicle very well. The style of the vehicle is good. Not to big and not to little.
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LOVE IT - 2003 GMC Envoy
By Vroom - May 28 - 2:00 amI was into imports before I bought my Envoy. All I can say is that I LOVE IT. Nice smooth drive and very comfortable. The optional DVD is great for keeping my lil brother quiet on long trips. Very nice interior.
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great features - 1999 GMC Envoy
By esclade - May 27 - 2:00 ama lot of features on this truck make it stand out from the rest in its field for instance power folding driver and passenger mirrors, built in 6 disc changer up front, a built in air compressor in the back, and you cant forget about the headlights.
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An SUV that rides like a car! - 2003 GMC Envoy
By Susie Q - May 27 - 2:00 amMy GMC Envoy is awesome, it rides exactly like a car. I recently traded in my 2000 Toyota 4Runner for a GMC Envoy SLT and boy what a difference. Bye, bye to that rough truck ride and hello smooth sailing. You cannot beat the 0% financing..... You definitely get more for your money when you buy American!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Beauitful - 2003 GMC Envoy
By Beautiful - May 16 - 2:00 amMy husband was the one who made the final discission to buy this car. I did not care what SUV I got only that it was a new one. After driving this car I can only say one thing "beautiful". I dont only mean how it looks...but how it rides. The ride is so smooth, its like riding on air. I dont know if its just that I have not been driving my Jeep Cherokee for so long I never knew that a SUV could be so smooth. I can only say that I feel beautiful when I am in it. What a CAR.
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Best Ride So Far - 2002 GMC Envoy
By Hornedfrog - May 15 - 2:00 amI have owned many types of automobiles. 68 Corvette Convertible, 91 Lincoln Continental, 93 Toyota Camry V6, and I traded a 99 Jimmy SLT in for the Envoy. This is the best ride I have ever experienced. The Engine is strong across the band width and quite. The ride is as smooth if not smoother then the Continental and it has a turn radius so small (my wifes Rav 4 does not turn as tight) it is scary. The only complaint I have is the fuel tank size and I wished I had waited for the XL for the extra people hauling. I have not had one problem and believe it or not, not a single GM rattle has popped up. So far this SUV has been flawless.
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my toy envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
By gtb32 - May 11 - 2:00 amiv always drive sedans ,this is my first time in suv ,so its been almost two year"s this june. love to drive it im retired and take all over town.so let me say love to drive .
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2003 GMC Envoy SLT - 2003 GMC Envoy
By joy41 - May 11 - 2:00 amThis is the best suv i have bought. I wanted leather and 4wd . We looked at every mid-size except ford We love this auto
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"Tippy" ??? That is crazy!!! - 2003 GMC Envoy
By Uncle Chuck - May 7 - 2:00 amThe Envoy is a very stable and safe feeling drive. At no moment have I ever felt it to be "Tippy". Perhaps who ever described it that way was referring to an older model like a 2000. If you are reading this, call Allen GMC in Laguna Niguel, CA for a test drive. Im sure you will agree with me.
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Envoy Better take a ride - 2003 GMC Envoy
By paulmc - May 5 - 2:00 amJust a marvelous ride...Everything works and it is truly a great SUV.
