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 the Denali but not the Mileage - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By vallywally - November 8 - 8:47 pm

  Hwy mpg is OK but city mpg is very poor. The seat belt cuts into my neck and needs to be repositioned. Denali exterior is an eye turner but the plastic "woodgrain" console looks cheap and tacky. Seats are comfortable but would prefer a softer leather. When Im stopped for a light, after 10+ seconds theres a thud-like jolt & sound from under the car. Dealer has no idea what is causing this but has heard others complain about it.

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  I love my GMC Envoy Denali - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Pat - November 7 - 12:40 am

  I purchased my GMC Envoy Denali a year ago. I looked at the Acura, Lexus and other SUVs but decided I liked the extra room the Envoy offered. It had 20,000 miles on it and it came as a pre owned certified vehicle. I LOVE it so much. Theres not one thing that I dislike about it. Im so glad that I purchased the Denali model as it offers so many outstanding upgrades, its worth every dime that I paid extra for the Denali model. I have had no problems and love everything about it. I also love the OnStar option. It provides so much for the monthly cost, I could not live without that either!!

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  Good power but thats where the good end - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By Milez5858 - October 20 - 9:22 pm

  I bought the Envoy as the most powerful 6 cylendar for towing. I turns out I get better milage with an 8 cylendar truck. The air shocks were constantly pumping up, the fans for the climate control extremely loud, there is no vent setting so it was either blowing hot or cold air, wind noise was excessive, the gas tank is configured such that it always spilled over when filling no matter what gas station I went to. Passing gear was great but taking of from stopped was very slow for a 280 hp engine.

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  Great Vehicle! Glides on the Freeway - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By hockeyatd - October 20 - 2:52 pm

  Ive been looking for an SLT Envoy for about three months, and let me tell you they are hard to find. Only had it for a week but no problems thus far. Smooth drive, feels like it glides on the freeway. Feul Economy has been less than I had hoped, only getting 14 in town, 19 on freeway thus far. Test drove many 4Runners and Trailblazers and always came back to the Envoy.

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  Jakes review - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Jake Blazsek - October 2 - 10:00 am

  The best vehicle i have ever owned. Pick-up is excellent.

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  Best Buy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Americano - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Love My Envoy. Glad I purchased it. It is roomy enough for me, not too bog not too small, just right. Rides great. Handels like a car. Forget the Explorer this is the SUV to buy. Spend the extra money and get the SLT version. Forget the 4X4 if you absolutely dont need it. I purchased the 4X4 for just in case the need arises. Dont pay attintion to those writers that are complaining, they are working tfor the competition. Trust me on what I wrote it is the truth.

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  Lovin IT!! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Ivyrose - September 10 - 10:52 am

  I purchased a used Envoy in 07, no major problems at 96K, keep the oil change and enjoy the ride!

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  Electronic Nightmare - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Terry Jackson - September 6 - 11:25 pm

  The vehicle has been one electrical problem after another. I have had two starter ignition switches replaced, the starter, two batteries, the ACcontrol panel driverside thermostat is bad. Theres aclicking sound under the dashboard (have yet to troubleshoot that as well as a clicking sound on the right aft side of the truck when I turn the defrost on. This is the worst vehicle I have ever own and I swear I will never buy GMC again. The interior is cheaply put together rattles far too much and the interior lighting is poor lit.

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  Franks GMC Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Frank Ciasnocha - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Had problem after 5 months where air conditioning did not work. Ride is kind of rough, could be smoother although this is my first SUV. Gas mileage is alot less than I expected. Is only getting about 14 in the city and 19 on the highway, less than window said and I an not a lead foot driver.

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  I really cant complain! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Tony E. - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive just put my first 300 miles in my Envoy. I love all the features it has. My daughter just wished it had rear seat center arm rest thar my previous SUV had. I feel so comfortable on the plush leather seats. The power 6cylinder is there when I need it. I get nothing but compliments when people see it. It looks nothing like a "boxy" American cars. I also purchased the 4/60,000 mile top-of-the-line ext. warranty just in case.