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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  MEDIO-CAR - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By BUCK bARKER - December 13 - 3:26 am

  Front drive requires a lot of maintenance. uses more oil than it should Brakes are inadaquit for a car this size, especially loaded. load leveler goes crazy once in a while.-

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  best suv ever? - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By gwreman - December 11 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is terrific and the dealer was even better. No problems with the vehicle and the Envoy has met all of my expectations. The dealer has checked with me repeatedly to make sure I am happy. This Envoy is a real winner!

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  Owning An En voy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By buy-it-now - December 11 - 2:00 am

  It was great to have a new vehicle. But this one is less than perfect. We have yet to reach the fuel economy they promote. City or highway dont come close to the advertised mpg.

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  envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By williav - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is one the best driving suvs I have rented several types 6 different models and this drives like a luxury car.

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  ENVOY SLT REVIEW - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By LEFTY55 - October 22 - 10:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE TOPS IN ITS CLASS THAT IVE SEEN SP FAR. THE TURNING RADIUS, THE HORSEPOWER, THE COMFORT, IT ALL ADDS UP TO "A+" IN THIS MANS EYES.

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  The Best Mid Size SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Shakira - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my suv. However, I do have aleak in the front passenger side of the car. Whenever it rains water leaks into my car! I also had to take it in afeter only 2 months. The heat off switch had t be replaced. Otherwise I love my vehical!

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  Egg shell front - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By commander - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I was very disappointed in the survivability of the front bumper and grill. If you check the grill is held in by two plastic snap-on clips. I accidentaly hit a bird at 60 mph and the grill came apart. Very poor design. No...it was not a frozen chicken! So much for GMC Truck like ruggedness.

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  I love this car - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By muycutie - June 9 - 2:00 am

  The ride is incredibly smooth and quiet. Its the perfect height, not too high but sits up just enough. Its very comfortable as well.

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  Never buy American Again!!! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Never Again GMC - April 14 - 2:16 pm

  I looked at every make and model of SUVs, and sadly ended up with the Envoy. We did not even have the vehicle 24 hours and the power seats stopped working. Then we had to return to the dealership twice because the engine was leaking oil. Third, the weather stripping in the rear doors fell completely off. Fourth, the cruise control went out. This also caused the tail/brake lights to short out. Finally, we had to take it back because the windows did not seal properly.

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  exellent suv better then the explorer - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By lenny levy - March 30 - 2:00 am

  i think this suv it has the saftey features not like the ford explorer this has on star which i can use if i get into an accident i now that on star automaticly calls for help and they know your exact location this compared to the ford this is like gold and the ford is like dirt and also the ford dealers dont care about there customers they will just sell you the car and never speak to you again.