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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THIS ENVOY IS TIGHT..... - 2002 GMC Envoy
By S.Fla. Envoy SLT - April 4 - 10:00 amI have to admit this is the best, most technologically advanced vehicle I have ever seen GM produce. Black, Dark Pewter leather, 4wd, running boards and 1SK-Professional Technology Package. The factory DVD player is awesome. The Bose system really sounds great. The vehicle handles great with the load leveling system. The quality of this vehicle is first class. Ive owned it since Sept, 2001 with no problems at all. I always look forward to driving it. I get a lot of compliments where ever I go.
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ENVOY - 2004 GMC Envoy
By ENVOY OWNER - February 23 - 2:00 amTHIS IS A GOOD VEHICLE IN MOST RESPECTS,IN CITY DRIVING I FIND NO PROBLEMS,THE ENVOY COULD USE A LITTLE MORE VIEW FOR BACKING UP.ENGINE LIQUIDS ARE EASY TO CHECK,THE BIGEST PROBLEN I FOUND IS CROSS COUNTRY DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS THE FUEL TANK COULD BE LAGER,AND THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO SWAY OR FEELS SPUNGY WHEN PASSING OR GOING AROUND CURVES WICH GETS TIRING AFTER 8 HOURS OF DRIVING, REGARDLESS OF TIRE PRESSURE.
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I love my truck - 2002 GMC Envoy
By KLS - February 21 - 10:00 amThe best vehicle Ive ever owned. Comfortable, stylish, nice ride, better turning ratius then the past years! I love it.
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My SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
By netnut - January 11 - 2:00 amI love this SUV. Although it is my first I am very happy with this one. I have the SLE with the B package and a power sunroof. It rides as smoothe as my 2002 Camry that I traded for it. I tried the Chev Trailblazer that my husband wanted and it was the bumpiest ride ever and cheapiest looking interior. Also it was the second Trailblazer that had a puddle of water in floorboard of driver side. One was a 2003 on a lot with only 6000 miles on it and on a different lot, different city a 2004 (NEW)with same problem, ..so beware of Trailblazers!! Overall stick with the Envoy for comfort and pleasureable driving.
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Living in the lap of luxury - 2003 GMC Envoy
By FC1 - January 3 - 10:00 amThis car is awesome. The amenities are enough to make your head spin. I only have 5 knocks on the car so far.... How could GMC forget to put a remote gas cap cover release, and a remote rear window release in a car that otherwise has every gadget ? How could they settle for sutch an oversize and ugly steering wheel ? Why cant they make ONSTAR an option and lower the price ?. Why cant they make running boards standard instead of ONSTAR ?.... How about replacing that ridiculous sounding horn with a better one ? Other than that I hope this one lasts me a long, long time...and from what Ive seen so far....it should.
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What a Ride ! - 2004 GMC Envoy
By Borgward - October 18 - 2:00 amHave only had this Envoy for 3 weeks but I am more than impressed with the ride and comfort. My last three cars were Mercury Grand Marquis and I must say the ride of this one is far superior. Im one of those guys who said Id never own an SUV, but after spending an hour with a demo I was smitten. Have two minor problems, one is I cant get any water to come from the rear window washer, and the other one of the turn signal illumination lights will not light. Im sure nothing major, just waiting for a few more miles to get that adjusted. Only other problem is a little wind noise around the drivers door.
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The BEST SUV - 2002 GMC Envoy
By Fourroses - October 16 - 10:00 amThis is the best vehicle I have ever owned and have bought many new vehicle such as Cadillac, Reatta, etc. There are absolutely none that can compare to the ride, comfort, handling, and options of 2002 GMC Envoy. This Envoy had every available option and would not own any SUV on the market today.
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Envoy: Spanish for garbage? - 2004 GMC Envoy
By crabman - August 30 - 2:00 amHeres a partial list of problems Ive had: Air conditioning went out. Stereo goes out intermittantly. The air shocks wont level, so the compressor runs constantly and when the car sits for more than an hour it lists like a sinking boat. (its been in the shop 4 times for this and still isnt fixed) Rear hatch moulding shrank into the inside of the door. I currently have a water leak in the driver side. (I live in Seattle, so its wet a LOT) The engine hood latch squeeks and must be lubed every couple of weeks. The car lurches occassionally at a stop light. The fit and finish of the vehicle is lousy. Body trim has had to be re- glued etc.
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Lemon Envoy - 2006 GMC Envoy
By Darwin M. - July 29 - 2:47 amDont buy this SUV, Had already bought before finding out that there are many many owners having the same problem with vehicle shutting down, left GMC dealer today after service request for problem with no fix as their mechanic said he cant figure out what electrical parts are bad as code did not tell him, He said he could start replacing electrical parts but no guaranty that the problem would be fixed. Called GMC customer complaint line and told to call National Traffic Saftey to register complaint, Everybody that owns an Envoy with this shutting down problem has to file a complaint with them before a recall can take place. Please call to file.
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new owner - 2004 GMC Envoy
By wheeler,m - July 18 - 2:00 amIm a first time GMC buyer and purchased the 2004 Envoy EX after driving multiple suvs in the same class. It is a quality suv and i am well pleased so far in all aspects. I was afraid it would be to big and bulky for every day driving but have found it to handle great in all types of road conditions. Does well in snow and rain. My grandchildren love the dvd and with their car seats placed in the 3rd seat i can see them well through the rear view mirror. This is a plus for me.
