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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  Totally Disatisfied!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By James Mello - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Totally disatisfied with our 2002 SLT Envoy. We have had recalls on the fuel filter, transmission, transmission locked into gear, Air conditioner works when it wants to and a repeating noise in the front end that the dealership can not fix.

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  BEWARE - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By finnj - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2002 GMC Envoy. The vehicle has been brought into the shop 4 times so far for a loud engine noise issue. They can not fix it. The vehicle is terrible on gas as well. Can not recommend this car..it looks nice, but does not perform well and GM can not seem to fix problems they know exist.

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  MEDIO-CAR - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By BUCK bARKER - December 13 - 3:26 am

  Front drive requires a lot of maintenance. uses more oil than it should Brakes are inadaquit for a car this size, especially loaded. load leveler goes crazy once in a while.-

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  Owning An En voy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By buy-it-now - December 11 - 2:00 am

  It was great to have a new vehicle. But this one is less than perfect. We have yet to reach the fuel economy they promote. City or highway dont come close to the advertised mpg.

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  Egg shell front - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By commander - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I was very disappointed in the survivability of the front bumper and grill. If you check the grill is held in by two plastic snap-on clips. I accidentaly hit a bird at 60 mph and the grill came apart. Very poor design. No...it was not a frozen chicken! So much for GMC Truck like ruggedness.