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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  Giving More Cash - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By lsrry - December 16 - 12:00 pm

  Dont buy it worst piece of junk I will never by another Chevy as long as I live I was a Chevy man never my envoy I replaced the engine pulleys ,fuel gauges, Windows modulated dont work after recall,nine recalls and the vehicle still garbage

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  What a piece of junk - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By VeryUnhappywenvoy - December 15 - 10:00 am

  -Seven recalls -Chronic electrical problems -Lowest quality car ever owned, basic functions adn features that fail -Wind noise like a sieve, back to the dealer 3 times and no relief.

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  Beat up by GMC - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Tom Murphy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I am havong major problems with my Envoy. It started from the day I drove off the lot. The envoy is sitting in my back yard and has been for close to a year. GMC will not perform ant warrenty work on it. They also will not perform any recall work on it. The complete experiance has been awfull. I have a folder at home that is about3/4" thick of all the paper work that tall this has created. I dont know what to do at this point.

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  Junk, plain and simple, AVOID THEM. - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Citizen Z - September 2 - 9:11 pm

  This is a classic "throw away" vehicle, it is not built to last longer than the factory warranty period. When it does have a failure it is always Major and cost a fortune to fix. With 150,000 it needs a new engine, the VVT solenoid and sprocket have both been replaced, the oil pressure sending unit has been replaced (it still will not hold oil pressure at idle), the oil pan seal (silicon, no gasket) is a $500 repair, the valve cover gasket is a $400 repair, front wheel bearings fail every 50,000 miles and are a $500 job, the transmission slams into gear after coasting for a bit which makes me suspect that it is failing too. It averages 8-13 miles per gallon, which is beyond a gas guzzler. The check engine light is always on for something different(not a "loose gas cap") and the cruise control will not work if the check engine light is on. It rattles, creaks, pops, squeaks, and has major major wind noise. Fix one thing, and something else fails within a couple of weeks.

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  Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By cowboy - July 29 - 7:46 pm

  Marshmallow springs, licorice whip sway bars...maybe with hot fudge it would be a treat, but for driving down the interstate or up a two-lane mountain road, this thing is scary.

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  WORST SUV EVER OWNED - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Anincrv - November 17 - 7:07 pm

  BEING A LONG TIME OWNER OF SUVS I find my new envoy to be the worst one yet. The front bumper cover doesnt sit straight,back to dealer 4 times in less than a month for that. It rattles and makes all kind of strange noises. It is really underpowered with that 4200 6 cyl. that feels like a 4 cylinder under my foot. It is being serviced more than it is in my garage ! all this trouble and only driven it 275 miles and owned it less than a month. I am VERY disappointed with it and my selling dealer will do nothing about it !!

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  Lemon Envoy - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Darwin M. - July 29 - 2:47 am

  Dont buy this SUV, Had already bought before finding out that there are many many owners having the same problem with vehicle shutting down, left GMC dealer today after service request for problem with no fix as their mechanic said he cant figure out what electrical parts are bad as code did not tell him, He said he could start replacing electrical parts but no guaranty that the problem would be fixed. Called GMC customer complaint line and told to call National Traffic Saftey to register complaint, Everybody that owns an Envoy with this shutting down problem has to file a complaint with them before a recall can take place. Please call to file.