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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  6 years $6k in repairs - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By goingforeign - December 17 - 12:04 pm

  This vehicle was excellent over the first 100k miles. After which, Ive had to replace the transfer case at a total cost of $1500. The airbag system failed due to a faulty modulator & master control switch and is $1400 to replace. Im now at 205,000 miles and have to get the rear differential rebuilt for a cool $1700, along with a failed control module adding another $700. All of this combined with several other trim and mechanical failures have me up in arms. I might as well have a car payment with as much as this is costing in repairs. I drive the heck out of this vehicle, but have the fluids checked/replaced on a monthly basis along with other scheduled/required maintenance. This stinks.

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  DONT DO IT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By unhappy camper - November 21 - 10:00 am

  i dont know who the people are writing these other reviews....but the envoy is a junker. it is an overpriced test car for GMC. I have had too many problems with this vehicle in the past 4 months. I wish I read some of the other reviews before buying. interior design, appears nice, but is inconvenient and cheaply made. constant service problems, that cannot be fixed.

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  Now Im stuck - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Brent - December 13 - 11:19 am

  I would love to trade this thing in but, the dealer just laughs and points at an endless line of used Envoys that theyre also stuck with. Now I know why they were giving these away. My motorcycle has less wind noise, and there is always some sort of rattle. There has been a clanking sound, like somethings loose under it ever since we got it and even with the numerous trips to the dealer for all the other problems they never found it. And now that its out of warranty every time you start it the reduced power light comes on and runs rough until you shut it off for a few minutes then start it again. I advise against buying an Envoy, but if you still want one I have one for sale real cheap.

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  Less for More - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Mike - November 12 - 8:48 pm

  Good Looking SUV. Poor mileage, poor fit and finish. Seat belt not adjustable, high tension. Noisy ride due to air leaks. Transmission shifts from 2WD or AWD into 4WD on its own. Seats are not as comfortable as in my 2003 Envoy.

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  Lousy suv - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By duped - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Having driven this car for 20k miles,Im getting rid of it. It is very uncomfortable, has poorly designed interior features, handles slugglishlyt and is lousy in deep snow and offroad. Many things have broken, fallen off, or were installed incorrectly. Quality is poor for the hefty price. Never again!

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  A Lemon - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Disgusted - June 10 - 10:35 pm

  This is the worst car/SUV I have ever had. Hands down. 6 MPG city. 10 highway. Is all over the road. Have had a Toyota Forerunner - Excellent a GMC Suburban - Excellent. This is simply a piece of junk.

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  A Horrible Experience! - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Turan Kul - April 11 - 12:10 pm

  This V6 Envoy turns out to be a lemon! From the beginning it had that terrible engine smell. My 3 year old goes promplty to sleep within minutes during the ride. However, we were alarmed about the noisy brakes, oil leaks & being a gas guzzler! (The old rental uses much less gas and has smooth brakes!) We took it to a shop and found out about the AC leakage. Probably thats why my son always ends up sleeping! The mechanic had to order a big part from GMC - I think its the transmission. Hell fix the gas guzzling problem too! However, Im afraid to be in this vehicle. I wanted a refund or a new vehicle.

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  2004 Envoy SLT 1SD - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By TexasZeus - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Stepped down from a 2002 to a 2004. Cruise unsafe going down hills. Ride has went from good to bad. Suspension not as firm as in 2002. Bose sound system is not worth the extra cost of the option package. Seems GMC is cutting corners for profit.

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  shady - 1999 GMC Envoy
  By esclade - March 31 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle looks good but expensive to maintain. if your headlight goes out you go to the store and buy a new one for about $12 i on the other hand have to go to a dealership and spend $2,000. thats for one. ive probably thrown $9000 into it since ive had it and i bought it off lease with only 22000 miles on it. there is some good features to the truck that you dont find on many. but theres no power drivers seat.

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  SERVICE 4WD LIGHT ON FOR FOURTH TIME! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By clovermg - March 27 - 2:00 am

  My 03 Envoys SERVICE 4WD light came on the 1st time at 574 MILES, 2nd time at 4242 MILES, 3rd time at 6490 MILES & 4th time at 9387 MILES. Its had 3 IGNITION SWITCHES in 1 WEEK & Ive only had it 9 mos. I contacted GM about this & was told about a repurchase then told no but never told why. The area rep doesnt have to give a reason why, he doesnt have to call me when Ive asked for him to & they wont give me his info. I told GM this was "UNEXCEPTABLE" and asked to speak with a supervisor & the supervisor HUNG UP ON ME! GM NEEDS TO GET THE ENVOYS ACT TOGETHER! I will NEVER buy GM again! Im on to NY state lemon law now. WISH ME LUCK!