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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Awesome - 2005 GMC Envoy
By taylor - August 13 - 2:04 amGot this vehicle in May of 08, cant be happier. Has the power I need, the 4wd option is great, and when I drive it nice I have gotten 23mpg with it. If you complain about the mileage, be easy on it. When I drive hard I still can get over 15mpg with it. Overall, the best decision I have ever made was to purchase this vehicle. Good Bose sound system, perfect amout of room, and overall an awesome vehicle!
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My favorite vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
By gigigran - August 10 - 10:31 pmI traded a Caddy Deville for the brand new 05 SUV and still love it after driving for 3 years. Its driven mostly around town with a few out of town trips. I am happy with the comfort, safety and style. The only disadvantage-the gas mileage of 15mpg. Other than that I can not think of any other drawbacks. It is absolutely a great vehicle to drive. If there are no big mechanical problems I plan to drive this vehicle for many many years to come.
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2003 SLT is excellent. - 2003 GMC Envoy
By steve - August 10 - 6:41 pmMy wife and I just bought a used SLT we cannot believe all of the features this vehicle has. Overall comfort is outstanding. It drives like a dream.
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Like My Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
By Rod - August 8 - 5:50 pmI have thoroughly enjoyed this mid-size SUV, my first such vehicle. I bought it because I needed to tow a fiarly heavy boat and the Envoy with its standard In-Line 6 engine and standard towing package would tow just over 6,000 pounds, and only a few hundred pounds less than choosing the optional V-8. Ive taken care of it and have driven only 10,000 miles per year, but it has rewarded me with no problems at all--not the first rattle or squeak. I beleive the style has "held up," too and even at 4.5 years it still does not look old.
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Great SUV 2003 GMC Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
By Dick - July 22 - 4:59 amBest vehicle Ive ever owned, it now has 135,000 miles on it. The brakes and tires have lasted more than 60,000 miles, Im on my second set of each now. The only thing Ive had to replace is the water pump at 120,000 miles, not bad at all. I get 16 to 18 mpg city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. Its a very comfortable ride and a very useful vehicle. I will buy another one when or if it finally gives up.
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GM Truck Division Winner! - 2003 GMC Envoy
By AZ TR - July 21 - 10:00 amRide is terrific with more than enough power on hand. The brakes are disc all around and excellent. Solid feel, quality switch gear and excellent displays.
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Good and Bad - 2004 GMC Envoy
By Ray - July 14 - 9:39 pmI have enjoyed a lot about this car. I got it Jan of 2007 and it has been in the shop 2 or 3 times totaling about $2000. Its fun to drive and looks great but has broken down on me enough that I am now shopping for something else. The first repair was $1000 to reprogram the computer something or other. Then the battery died. The rubber around the doors has almost all fallen off, the power seat control panel just fell of the other day, and the cd player does not work. All sorts of check lights go on and off in the dash all the time and I still cant figure out how to work all the lighting! Like I said, pretty car and fun to have! And not all bad but personally not worth the monthly note!
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2007 GMC Denali - 2007 GMC Envoy
By carlapappy - July 13 - 8:53 amI have to say, I went from a VW New Beetle to this beautiful GMC vehicle. Ive only owned Chevys in the past (excluding my short stint with the Bug), and I am so pleased that I purchased this SUV. No, the gas mileage isnt the greatest, but the satisfaction and pure enjoyment that I get out of driving everyday makes up for it. I hope to have this car well over the 100k mileage mark as I travel from duty station to duty station across the U.S. I am a proud owner of this GMC!
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A good SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
By jbmiller - July 7 - 3:00 pmI was leery of the I6 but it performs well at 275 hp. Gas miles are good for a vehicle of this size. If youve never had a information center option-get it, its great. Controls mirrors, seats, lights, headlights, tilt down rear view mirror, etc. Mine has leather but its not necessary. All in all the only problem I had was a bad temp sender for the driver/pass ac control. They fixed for no charge. Ive had a good experience with this vehicle.
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Is it just me? - 2006 GMC Envoy
By greg rosengren - July 4 - 2:55 pmLove the car/truck, nicest car Ive ever owned. At 58,000 miles Ive had to replace both the transmission and the motor. I didnt bother to get the extended warranty because of my false belief that I was buying a quality product that would last. GM has graciously picked up half the transmission cost ($1600) and all but $1650 of the new motor job. I have put 4000 dollars in repair costs into this car in the last 2 months. Not at all happy about this. Love the vehicle..just bummed out about the problems...will probably go foreign next time..Benz or BMW
