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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  Love it! - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Angela - July 20 - 2:03 pm

  I picked out this SUV for my husband. He had an old Chevy Blazer in high school that he really loved and missed it. The Envoy was the closest thing I could find that would suit both our needs. We test drove it and immediately fell in love with it. Drives just as smooth as the Chevy Impala we had and the engine was quiet yet powerful. Very comfortable and the interior design was exactly like the Impala as well. So we didnt have to get used to finding everything. I recommend this SUV to anyone whos looking for a powerful engine that gets great gas mileage and is reliable, comfortable, and sporty.

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  XUV ENVOY-A RARE ONE - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By william mattingly - July 18 - 11:41 am

  I bought my XUV used w/32000 on the clock. So far, its been a fine one. I used it for hauling things to Goodwill, etc. For road trips, I drive my Bimmer so the XUV doesnt see many freeways. Of course, its no Porsche so I have to take it easy on crooked, hilly streets here in Sou. Cal. Overall, I like it! Also, the used price of $12,000 was fine!

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  Explorer to Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By happy in Jax - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Brand new, but so far we have enjoyed the handling and performance. We have gone from RAV 4 to Explorer now to Envoy and this is the best of the lot. We are high mileage users and the gas mileage is outstanding

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  GMC XLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Tony Wasilefsky - July 11 - 2:00 am

  My first SUV, What a great car. Comfort, great ride, Mine is loaded, from onstar to xm. Love the fold down rear seats, great for my business.

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  Pretty Damn Nice Car - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Chris Da Greek - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car recently and I looked at the other cars which caught my eyes. Went to Nissan, Ford, Cadillac, and many others. Everything was either too pricy for nothing, or nothing in it. Since i had this car everything has been better for me. The ride is smoother, it didnt put a major hole in my pocket, and it fits me and my friends comfortably. The only downfall is, it drinks a good amount of gas. Thats the price you have to pay for reliability and a great SUV.

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  2004 Envoy SLT 8 cyl 4wd - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By sgtmom167@aol.com - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a mid size SUV with adequate head and leg space for my husband and boys who are all tall. The Envoy has substantial space suprisingly in all 3 rows. I found the vehicle to handle exceptionally well, and the V8 has a lot of power in comparison to to the V6. We had 7 family members including adults for a short trip and there was plenty of room for everyone. I did a lot of comparisons with other mid size SUVs and I am very happy with my choice.

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  THE GREATEST IN ITS CLASS - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Evan5555555 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  We just picked up the Envoy, and it is wonderful. It handles like a dream, and has a preformance some V-8s can not match. Its is a great vehicle, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in a mid-size sport utility vehicle

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  Great car! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By jday - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought an envoy to replace 2001 Pathfinder....Great vehicle. I loved my Pathfinder and thought I could not get better, but this one has a better ride and better features. I am also getting good gas mileage although I had read how poor it was. I got the loaded W/everything...I would suggest this as this is one thing that makes the automobile GREAT.

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  Wind Noise - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By TrAvIs - May 15 - 2:00 am

  The only problem with this SUV is the wind noise. It is very very loud. But the digital almost everything is good.

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  Disatisfied buyer - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By gtp - May 3 - 9:40 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. From simple door locks to noisy windows to steering columns, transition 5 times, hatch shocks, ignitions, electrical, engine (multiple times)....It has left me stranded many times. On windy days it will switch lanes with out you even realizing it. I was disappointed in the power of the 4.2L V6. It works way to hard. Get the V8 (Gas mileage will even out). It does however handle well in the snow. I couldnt even sell this to sum one I would feel guilty knowing its a piece.