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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  Needs alot of work - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By beachbun - February 20 - 2:00 am

  If i had read the reviews before hand I would never got one. The engine blew at 7000 miles and continued to give me problems after being replaced. The ses light is always on with the reduced power light on also. The transmission blew at 18000 miles and was replaced.The car has been in the shop over 50 days.I am in the process of trying to get GM to buy back the car. Never another ENVOY.Its just one thing after another the rear window has leaked since my purchase and has been replaced.Many other problems also but I dont have enough space. GM should fix problems not run from them as they have.

• 

  Not so good - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By hlj - December 3 - 2:00 am

  In to the dealer for sensors in AC, Emissions system, and a couple other minor problems. Performance reminds me of driving a Japanese SUV instead of American Iron. Should have got a 5.3 V8 as is in my Sierra or better yet, a Yukon. I call this my "Graco" (baby carriage).

• 

  Lemon - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mike288 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought in June 2001. One of the first of a new model. Bad idea... Have had many problems in the shop many times... A/C still doesnt work right. Cools great when moving but if im stopped i.e. traffic, light etc. it stops cooling. Brutal in Boston traffic in the summer! Poor quality workmanship... Does look nice though but now that its out of warranty Im getting rid of it. Oh one of the other many problems is t he mirrors they never worked right even after to new motors.. memory!

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  dont buy this car - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By nperry - October 23 - 2:00 am

  i will never buy a gmc again replaced 1 headlight 900.00 new starter 300 new flywheel 150 new altenator 300 driver side wheel beering 300.00 new brakes and rotors 300.00 ive owned for 2 years seems like its in the shop atleast once a month for something.

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  1998 envoy - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By TEX - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Was very disappointed to find it takes $700.00 to replace a headlight, you MUST replace bulb, ballast, everything. Interior molding is very cheap for this vehicle, held on with velcro, and it doesnt do a good job at all. Several pieces off, and wont stay on before 30,000 miles. Passenger seat adjuster broke right off on letting the seat back, thank goodness it was in the upright position already. Everything Ive replace on this vehicle has been high dollar. Nice, pretty, but not well designed. No wonder they didnt make this style very long.

• 

  A GMC YUCKVOY - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Yuckvoy - August 2 - 2:00 am

  HATE IT, HATE IT, HATE IT !!!!!, OK Ill give the style and looks an 8. I should have stuck with a foreign manufactures vehicle and not gone back to American made. Bad gas mileage, too many recalls, too many times in the shop. A/C has never worked properly when you first start the vehicle and 3 dealers have no clue how to fix it. More paint chips than chips ahoy cookies

• 

  Good by GM - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By port1988 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I have bought 8 new vehicles in the last 5 years, 3 of them from GM , all of them have been nothing but trips back to the Dealer. My new Envoy $37,325 peice of junk, wipers stopped working twice in the middle of a snow storm (replaced censor) the front bumper had to be reattached the AC stopped working. The rattles underneath sound like the truck is old. (4800)The front drivers seat Squeeks and now a recall that the engine block could crack and the electrical system (dash board) could fail, Two recalls in the same month. I have only 4800 miles on this truck and I just sold it for a TOYOTA, never again GM.

• 

  lemon - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mike gas - March 10 - 2:00 am

  So far my truck has been in the shop a total of 14 times. 2xs for bad transfer cases and 4xs for the mirror memory mod.Very unhappy with the truck and with GMC because they are not standing behind their prod. I also had a faulty seal on the windshield and a kinked gas line. There has also been other problems and the list goes on and on. I just wish GMC would do the right thing which their not beause I have made repeated calls to cust. service and have received no response.

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  Im not sure about this one... - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By ZeeGee - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I really wanted to like this truck. The size was right, I liked the I-6 engine config and it seemed as though GM had turned the corner on the quality and design of their products...but it appears they havent. Get the car up to speed (btw, it seemed as if it had 170hp not 270) make a pseudo evasive maneuver and the Envoy falls all over itself, it actually swam side to side when I test drove it! Far worse than the larger Tahoe or Suburban in fact. The brakes are mushy and the small 2nd row seats giggles like a kids amusement toy. The salesman told me they were really discounting this car and now I know why. Too bad.

• 

  can you say lemon????? - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By sugarmag - October 4 - 2:00 am

  $32,000 down the drain!!!! have been working the last few weeks trying to get a buyback from GMC. this suv has been in the shop at least once a month since i bought it...all for the same problem. they can not seem to fix the problem (service engine light is on) ive drove a loaner for 8 days in 3 weeks....picked it up again today. im tired of spending at least one day a week at dealer... i spent over 32,000 on a car i expect it to work! i expect that they will know how to fix it. i would NEVER EVER buy another GMC again.