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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  ok by me - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By luvmyenvoy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  overall i love it.

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  94000 miles of no repairs - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By ron9311 - August 17 - 11:15 pm

  Bought it new, 94k+ miles and no repairs 1st set of brakes @ 60K, 1 battery, 2 trans flushes. Its seen the dealer once for a small recall item and headlight bulb replacement. This vehicle has a dual personality. The body is a rugged truck-like body on frame design but the in-line 6 is more like a BMW engine. Its smooth and docile until you punch it. Once it downshifts all hell (and the 290 hp)breaks loose. Unlike most SUV engines its torque peaks @ 4700 rpm and it loves to rev. All and all its been a great vehicle.

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  Reliable - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By kww8732 - August 8 - 2:24 pm

  Ive never had any problems with this vehicle with the exception of several minor recalls. Ive been very happy with this SUV. Have averaged about 17 miles/gallon of mixed driving with 16 in the city and 21 on the highway.

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  Poor GM Customer Support - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Tom - August 4 - 10:47 am

  The Envoy looks nice. Looks can be deceiving. Fuel gauge quit working. Expensive to repair. Water pump gone out. Expensive to repair. GM is aware of the problem history with these vehicles but puts the burden on the owner. GM knew these parts were not performing up to par and chose to still use them. Defective parts equals lots of repair bills at the dealerships! No reliability + no responsibility = No General Motors!

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  easy now - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By chris - August 2 - 8:15 pm

  Love the GMC Envoy. 02 couple of things! great seating, comfy ride, Bas location was the cup holders in front passengers and the rearview mirror, Had to replace all ball joints, and bushings, now the water pump needs replaced, Also the mirrors make a whistling noise when driving. Other than that vehicle is great.. routine maintenance is all thats had to be done. no major engine problems. knock on wood..

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  Love My Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Jane - August 1 - 8:56 pm

  This was my first SUV and after test driving it, I was hooked. The ride is so smooth and it handles so well. Parking in tight places was very hard to get used to, and I usually park way out from where I am going to keep other people from banging it with their doors. I am very protective of it because I love it.

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  gmc Professional Grade? ? ? - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Jim Garrett - July 27 - 1:30 pm

  Drastic improvements needed with cup holders - terrible wind noise - larger brake pedal - seat belt B pillar should be adjustable. Good power good audio difficult GPS system throw it out and start over. Use Mapqwest as a model. Nice interior fit and finish. Easy to drive and park. Inadequate sn visor size Use same as Tahoe. In general its a pretty good car with all the goodies but definitely NOT professional grade.

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  GMC wanna be - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Marty - July 23 - 3:32 pm

  After year 3 an oil pressure sensor went out, idling issue, not sure why. Dealer could never tell me why either. Since there is no fuel filter, i am wondering if there could have been something restricting the fuel flow!!!. Year 4, tensioner pulley bearing went out, Year 4.5 traded the Envoy in for a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Probably never buy this model again, it was transportation and cheap. Sticker was $29,500, after discounts and rebates i paid $19,500. it was a good price on a SUV to haul my kids around.

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  2008 envoy - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By alc13 - July 22 - 10:03 am

  Not sure if I have the SLE or SLT. I rated the gas milage poor because it is extremely inconsistant. I travel 6 hrs interstate/highway time per week and I go the same speed every time. Some trips I go through a little over a 1/4 and sometimes I go through a whole tank. Thats a huge difference! Also, it should get better milage than a truck 17mpg just doesnt cut it for its size. I rated the interior design poorly also because there is only one cup holder, back seats dont really fold down, console is tiny, and the computer system randomly turns on and off the change oil light. As far as build quality stuff I had to have the powertrain completely replaced when I first bought it.

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  Love My Denali - 2009 GMC Envoy
  By Shay - July 21 - 11:41 am

  We had a 2007 Envoy Denali and liked it so well that when our lease was up we purchased a 2009 Envoy Denali - Cream of the crop - dependable, decent gas mileage and ride. No problems here!