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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  My 2003 Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Amy Ouellette - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Envoy. Wonderfully smooth drive with the most incredible turning radius Ive ever experienced. I have never been more satisfied with a vehicle.

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  Could be better.... - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By volvo2robot - December 28 - 6:41 pm

  i am impressed with the v8 like engine and rain sensing wipers. The stability control proved it self very useful when it saved me from a 60mph accident... it handles superbly on the snow and mountains with minimal engine groans... i happened to lean on the center console and the whole thing came up and dislodged itself i simply clicked it right back. i HATE the rear seats there is very little leg room and are very inconvenient to fold. after a year of owning it, we heard an odd buzz we took it to a dealer and it turned out to be a sensor. Another complaint is that the power adjustable seats broke down on the drivers side and the doors screech and the lift gate window opens when it wants to.

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  Overall - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Paul Johnson - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I find the MPG very dissapointing. The tank is too small for this MPG. Light trailer pulling (under 2,000 lbs)VERY disappointing. Like a dog...passing gear most of the time. A 6,000 lb hitch is a joke for this poor power plant. Style,design and comfort is great.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By jaduca - December 12 - 6:09 pm

  Very smooth ride! I also test drove the Equinox Trailblazer and XTerra but the envoy had my vote from the first. Very comfortable very roomy. My dog likes it and he hates road trips. Definitely wouldnt trade it for anything else on the market.

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  Fun SUV - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By sunrig - December 12 - 3:50 pm

  Had to replace throttle body at 38,000 miles. Had a 2003 Yukon Denali. Nicer rig but Envoy is a great rig. My wife loves it, as nice as her BMW.

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  Envoy Review - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By puppetkat - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2003 GMC Envoy. The only thing I would change is the fuel economy and the design of the front bumper, I dont like the big gap between the front of the vehicle and the front bumper. But other than that everything is awesome. It is very comfortable to ride in and fun to drive. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  ENVOY 2002 REVIEW - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By DKW - November 22 - 2:00 am

  GREAT RIDE AND APPEARANCE. REALLY HAPPY WITH OVERALL LOOKS AND HANDLING. A LITTLE POOR ON THE MPG BUT THE OVERALL DRIVING EXPERIENCE MAKES UP FOR THIS. I WILL OWN ANOTHER ONE FOR SURE.

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  loved it, now just like it - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By LAE - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Envoy SLT in Jan 2002. It is loaded. We really shopped around and I liked the looks and ride of it the best. It is a real fun car to drive and handles well. Have almost 7k miles with a few problems and holding my breath. Love the seat recall as my husband is taller than me, Bose system is great! Like the dash, very functional.Smoothest ride around.Turning radius is great.

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  We are testing Envoys for GMC - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By GCrim - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I was seriously considering buying an Envoy XL but the problem I have with American manufacturers, GMC included, is the fact they offer a new designed vehicle to the public for us to test it. We are paying to test vehicles for them. Has anyone wondered why Honda and Toyota have such high quality vehicles? Envoys get bad gas mileage, small fuel tank, wind noise, rattles, too much body roll in turns, etc.. Even the Idler Arm brackets that control the steering were breaking causing loss of control and possible crashes. Foreign mfgrs test their vehicles first before selling them, therefore they are quality deluxe! Im reluctant to buy an Envoy now.

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  Starting problem - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Dan Charron - November 10 - 9:18 am

  I do not know if there is a recall on the ignition.I turn the key and all gauges on the cluster go crazy.I got to turn the key to off and keep on trying until it catches then its good to start. Also i had to replace all seals in the rear-end,some how water got in it with the other owner and around later November of 08 i started to hear a loud noise,i took it to the garage and they found i nice chunk of ice the belly of the rear-end. It cost me $1200.00 to replace all seals.I had to change both front wheel bearings and a left tie-rod at 89,000KM. I love my Envoy but they are very costly to repair..