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:

• 

  Awesome Vehicle!! - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By horseygirl - March 14 - 2:00 am

  This Envoy has been one very nice vehicle. Very versatile, nice lines, high intensity headlamps are awesome! The vehicle is loaded with many fine features. Programmable buttons for the garage door and security gate are a nice extra. All leather interior is standard and there are lots of plugins for all sorts of gadgets (cell phone charger, fuzz buster, etc), air compressor in the rear is also very convenient. I would definitely buy another!! This vehicle comes equipped with every feature imaginable and thats standard!

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Stanman626 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding engine performance especially in the mid range. Interior and seating are comfortable for someone my size (6’2” – 220). It made its way through our last 8” snow storm with no problems and has handled some light off road snow covered trails with ease. The only improvements would be to have Heads Up Display (HID), which should be on every GM product with a base price over 28,000 and have the CD options on the steering wheel instead of the HVAC controls. Most drivers change their radio stations and flip through the CD tracks far more often than changing the HVAC settings. GMC Professional Grade?, close but not there yet.

• 

  lemon - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mike gas - March 10 - 2:00 am

  So far my truck has been in the shop a total of 14 times. 2xs for bad transfer cases and 4xs for the mirror memory mod.Very unhappy with the truck and with GMC because they are not standing behind their prod. I also had a faulty seal on the windshield and a kinked gas line. There has also been other problems and the list goes on and on. I just wish GMC would do the right thing which their not beause I have made repeated calls to cust. service and have received no response.

• 

  Total Comfort - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By wxb - March 7 - 2:00 am

  We have driven a Ford Explorer for the last 8 years. We recently purchased the GMC Envoy after test driving 10 other models and we have found a winner. The ride is smooth, interior is quite, acceleration is excellent.

• 

  Good so far! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Hartfordguy - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Priced well among same size competitors. Engine is very reactive which is always nice. Fuel capacity is poor as usual. Never understood why they make a car that gets poor gas milage with a 16 gallon gas tank! Interior: Good, only one mistake. For such a roomy interior, they cheaped out on the technology for cup holders. There are 2 cup holders, one undersized jammed in between the console and the shifter, the other behind the shirfter....in the way of the arm rest. other than that, good!

• 

  Love It! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Envoy Mama - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I searched for a long time to find the perfect replacement for my minivan and I found it! I needed the convienence of the third row seat for carpool,etc but I also wanted to find something that wasnt quite as "mom-mobile" as my van. Needless to say, the sleek looking XL grabbed my attention and won me over when I drove it. There isnt really anything I can complain about. I feel secure, my kids have ample room and the cargo space is generous when all 3 rows are in use. I would have liked arm rests and a larger storage compartment between the seats (which my husband has in his Sierra) but as far as all around looks and function..I am one happy Mama.

• 

  03 Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By skydo - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this Envoy. It looks great and has a Cady ride. I do agree the it is a bit "tippy" feeling when cornering hard but it is a SUV after all. The I-6 power is great and doesnt have a soft spot. The 4WD system is easy to get to when needed.

• 

  No regrets - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JayDee - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a Ford Expedition for the Envoy - no regrets. The Envoy rides great, is the right size, and is much more comfortable on long trips. We haul lots of "stuff" and a big labrador in the back, and have plenty of room. Unlike some other reviews, I am getting 23 mpg on the highway at 75 mph, compared to 16 mpg for the Expedition. For a 4000 lb. plus car, thats not too bad. So far, no problems with the car. I do think GM builds a "looser" car than Ford or Chrysler, which I think are "tighter". But I had GM products before, so was aware of that up front. All in all, we really like our Envoy, and would recommend it to others.

• 

  Im not sure about this one... - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By ZeeGee - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I really wanted to like this truck. The size was right, I liked the I-6 engine config and it seemed as though GM had turned the corner on the quality and design of their products...but it appears they havent. Get the car up to speed (btw, it seemed as if it had 170hp not 270) make a pseudo evasive maneuver and the Envoy falls all over itself, it actually swam side to side when I test drove it! Far worse than the larger Tahoe or Suburban in fact. The brakes are mushy and the small 2nd row seats giggles like a kids amusement toy. The salesman told me they were really discounting this car and now I know why. Too bad.

• 

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By jlem - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first SUV six weeks ago and opted for the Envoy SLT, fully loaded, mostly because I liked its lines, but also because of what Id read about it. Test-drove it and found it comparable or superior to other SUVs I tested, including Land Cruiser. Its solid on the road and quiet, even at 80 mph, a very comfortable. The only negative, a small complaint, is the poor city gas mileage - about 14 mpg, sometimes less. But on the highway, I get better than 20 mpg, even at sustained high speed.