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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  Happy with the Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By DBerkner - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Handles smoothly, takes corners tightly.

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  Stuck with Envoy - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By P witkewiz - December 2 - 2:04 pm

  Envoy Denali features are nice but the products reliability and GMs lack of support is disappointing. After 36,000 miles, the steering rack and front transfer case failed leaving me with substantial expense and GM only partially helped - not nearly to my satisfaction.

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  Im in love! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Echo - November 26 - 8:04 am

  Ive gone from a Ford Probe to a Saturn SC2 Coupe to an Impala. What took me so long to find this one? I love they way I can actually see the road. Im in the nosebleed section! Love it!If someone had said Id own an SUV, Id have laughed. Im a convert. I love the Envoy and all it has to offer. Comfort and parking lot friendly. The color is beautiful, too. My only complaint? The seat belt hits my neck, but then again, they all do...Im short.

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  Nice Value SUV - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By bigb4334 - November 18 - 5:50 pm

  I love the power that the V8 offers in this size of an SUV. I would agree with some that turning is very soft with this vehicle, but some like the smoothness that it gives you. I have yet to tow something with it, but cant wait. Bose stereo is great, and OnStar turn by turn is also great. With the pricing that they have for these vehicles right now, there isnt a better deal.

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  ready to drive or tow - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By john price - November 9 - 2:28 am

  This SUV is setup for possible towing, with electrical connections at front and an air to hydraulic braking system used with motorhome with air brakes (all connections are mounted at front with towing plates mounted.)

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  Good for the family - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Dustin W. - November 1 - 11:48 pm

  Good reliable SUV overall. Works well for hauling the kids and getting groceries. Tows well, very happy with the 4 wheel drive system. Fuel mileage decent for mid sized SUV. Nice leather interior, easy to use instramentation. Only downfall is poorly fitted shell and bumper, lots of air noise at higher speeds, not very exciting to drive. It a great family car to get you from point A to B, but the trip between is predictible and boring.

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  Love My Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By vickiIL61 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my envoy!! I thought about an Escape, but I dont think it even comes close.

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  GMAC Envoy SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By kts - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable ride. Rides more like a car then a truck. Extremely reliable - no problems at all!

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  Envoy Road Hog in The Wind - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Dennis R. Perkins - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I just took my first real trip on my new Envoy to southern Virginia on Interstate 95 and was exceptionally pleased with everything but the mileage, it was 14 mpg. I-95 is known as a very hard drive from Washington south, sometimes with 4 lanes of big trucks and everybody is running 70+. The Envoy had plenty of road acceleration to get up and go when needed and the vehicle handled very smooth among the big trucks and speedway drivers. Very pleased, but GM has got to get me more than 14 mpg on the highway.

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  Not too bad. - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Denali - October 22 - 5:24 pm

  Ive had my Envoy for a little over a year. Definitely the perfect family car for long trips. Smoothest car Ive ever driven. Gas mileage is surprisingly decent for a V8 SUV (highest is 20+ on highway, average is 16) Definitely a smooth smooth ride but a little sluggish accelerating off the line. Stabilitrak is an amazing option in the rain. Downsides: narrow spaces between console and door and the seats. Center console is very sub par and constantly loose or breaking off entirely. Low ground clearance makes it look minivan-esque. Nav system is so so and cant listen to a CD while using it. Slow windows and moonroof when closing. Resale value is awful. Plan to keep this car for a while.