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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  2006 Envoy Problems - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By LArnold - July 3 - 10:17 am

  I purchased my 2006 Envoy in April, 2006. Unfortunately, I have had numerous problems to have only had this vehicle right at two years. In fact, it is at the dealership today because all the controls on the drivers side door do not work. They have to replace some switch that is costing me another $350. The gas gauge sensor messed up, and I could never tell how much gas was in my car. After much controversy, they replaced the sensor without charge. It was going to cost me $2000. Then a belt was replaced, that led to the water pump having to be replaced. It has been a lot to replace, only having my new car for 2 years, and a lot of money. I will never buy a GMC again.

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  Big Positive Surprise - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By sisu - June 15 - 7:50 pm

  I would buy this vehicle again. The engine and transmission is smooth with good power. I can tell you, if you go easy on the gas, and travel down the highway you will get 20-23 mpg. I use a light touch and go 55-60 mph on cruise. I coast to stops around town. I use synthethic oil. I keep the tires properly inflated. Very good in snow and wet weather. Smooth excellent ride. No excessive bumping over rough roads R.R. etc. I have had no problem with the car. This car does not have enough ground clearance for a 4WD, on the beach I have problems with the ground clearance. A hand grab on roof for the driver, not there. More and better cup holders.

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  Best Ride of My Life - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By CharlieChan - June 12 - 8:31 pm

  We just bought this used 2005 Envoy-XL, we traded in our mini-van, which I have driven for the past 11 years with four kids and all. It was like a 360 change, I love the interior room for the kids, it rides smooth and quiet and looks sharp too. We love it!The gas was what we expected, but we had to compromise, either get another van to make all the room or pay for the gas and make use of what we want. All in all I am very pleased with our purchase and I swore I would never buy from GM again, was even looking at Honda or Nissan.

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  Perplexed - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Steve - June 12 - 8:29 pm

  Ran well for 1-1/2 years until the transmission needed a $1000 repair and the catalytic converter needed replaced. Since September 05 have replaced the catalytic converter 3 times - GM says nothing is wrong - I beg to differ. The car clunks despite changing stabilizer struts. The car rocks forward to back which is a little annoying. The 4WD service light is coming on intermittently. Gas mileage is okay until the catalytic converter goes bad then drops significantly. Enough wind noise that you cant talk to the third row of seats without yelling. The engine sounds like a diesel when it is first started and the transmission isnt very smooth, especially during acceleration.

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  NIce vehicle for the price - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By mph33 - June 10 - 9:11 pm

  This is the second Envoy we bought. My wife is the primary driver. The last one we had was the 4 wheel drive SLT. Very pleased with the pricing and is an excellent family SUV. The 8 cylinder gives it more power and does not really effect the gas mileage. Much better than the 6 cylinder in our last one.

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  Great SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By walt7873 - June 10 - 12:32 am

  Purchased my Envoy new late in 04. I havent had any major problems with my SUV. The engine was running rough at 40,000 and the dealership repaired no charge. (sensor failure) Other than that it has never been in the shop and we now have almost 60,000 miles. It is very versatile and functional vehicle. I am a homeowner and going to Lowes or Home Depot I can buy almost anything and dont have to think about how I can get it home. I love the back glass opening as it makes it easy to hual my surfboard without having to put it up on racks. When I go golfing I can put transport the whole foursome with clubs and everyone is comfortable. I love my Envoy!

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  The Envoy is Awesome! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By JWR1996 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  GM has really done a nice job with the Envoy. It seems as thought they are actually taking some of the foreign car interior features and combining them with the old GM American options. I think it has great styling and some really super features.

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  Love my GMC - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By SouthwesternNative - May 30 - 11:42 pm

  We werent even considering GMCs when we came across this SUV. We love it. We were actually test driving a Buick Rendezvous at the time. It is a heavy old-school SUV but for the price range it was very nice and solid inside and out. Gas is $4 a gal now and we are rethinking it but still a great car!

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  Better than what I expected - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Achris - May 25 - 2:10 pm

  Bought this Envoy used at 48K miles. So 10K miles later no complaints. Easier to drive than most other SUVs. Good acceleration, however dont expect a lot of MPG if you tend to speed. Though looking at these other reviews I get about 19mpg on this with normal driving.

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  2008 Envoy Denali - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By hiflier - May 7 - 6:17 am

  I got the Nav Package. In contrast to another review, I think it works great! Yes, there is a learning curve, but once you are proficient it works fine! Save for the XM traffic report - it does not have. I have owned previous Nav systems with this feature and it is great! We get comments all the time on how wonderful the vehicle looks - it looks like GM hit the mark on this vehicle. My wife drives is the primary driver and she absolutely loves this car over the Saturn ION we traded for it. Yes, the gas mileage went down with the trade, but the ride and the sense of feeling safe in a larger vehicle was worth the trade-off!