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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final fix - 2002 GMC Envoy
By ron jones - October 23 - 2:00 amThe only thing we did not like about the vehicle was that the passengers seat belt would always lock up and not release. The dealer fixed this with a seat belt extension.
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GMC Envoy Review - 2002 GMC Envoy
By D.C. - October 23 - 2:00 amGreat SUV! Love the stereo system,and having kids the DVD system dramatically reduces the "Are we there yet?" questions.
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Love this SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
By miltonw - October 12 - 10:00 amI bought my Envoy in October. I got a great deal on it and even used my GM Visa credits ($1,750) additional discount. I LOVE this SUV. Its quiet, smooth and handles great! Only thing I dont like is the gas mileage. My short mileage trip to work nets me about 13+ MPG, but its rated at 16 in the city.
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Love my ENVOY. - 2002 GMC Envoy
By Barbara Sarco - October 11 - 2:00 amI have 24,000 miles on my Envoy. On long trips its a dream (speaking from experience with toy. 4 runner that shook my liver out) Comfortable ride. Great exterior looks.
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Buy Buy Buy - 2002 GMC Envoy
By malibuss - October 10 - 2:00 amGreat handleing and driving vehicle. Tows a trailer with ease and still stops great. Great performance and great build quaility. I cant wait to get a 2003 XL for the extra room.
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can you say lemon????? - 2002 GMC Envoy
By sugarmag - October 4 - 2:00 am$32,000 down the drain!!!! have been working the last few weeks trying to get a buyback from GMC. this suv has been in the shop at least once a month since i bought it...all for the same problem. they can not seem to fix the problem (service engine light is on) ive drove a loaner for 8 days in 3 weeks....picked it up again today. im tired of spending at least one day a week at dealer... i spent over 32,000 on a car i expect it to work! i expect that they will know how to fix it. i would NEVER EVER buy another GMC again.
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Reliable family truckster w lots of nickel & dimes - 2006 GMC Envoy
By JJ Bookman - October 3 - 12:26 pmEngine and tranny are very reliable but the exterior trim and interior bits require a lot of fixing, typical GM. Body is still holding up well, rear deck lip is getting rusty but still looks good for a 10 year-old car. We drive the hell out of it and it has not let us down yet. Lots of DIY fixing if you are a handy man or shade-tree mechanic. Part are abundant and cheap, something else broke? ebay here I come!
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Would I buy another? NOT - 2002 GMC Envoy
By envoyenvy1 - September 29 - 10:00 amSorry I dont buy the first year vehicle excuse. This is a bad reason for poor quality build. While I like the vehicle overall, there have simply been too many problems. weather trim falling off, transmission problems, incredible wind noise problems, etc...and a geat deal of excuses from GM. Oh its suppose to make that much wind noise...Right Im sure the designers set out to accomplish that very fact!
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Totally Disatisfied!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 GMC Envoy
By James Mello - September 23 - 2:00 amTotally disatisfied with our 2002 SLT Envoy. We have had recalls on the fuel filter, transmission, transmission locked into gear, Air conditioner works when it wants to and a repeating noise in the front end that the dealership can not fix.
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We LOVE this SUV - 2002 GMC Envoy
By Hardhwak - September 19 - 2:00 amWe LOVE this SUV. We have had it over a year and have had no significant problems with it. Yes, a few little minor issues arose, but those were taken care of quickly and easily by our dealer. If it were stoled or destroyed tomorrow, we would get another one just like it.
