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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  Problems, Problems 2004 Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By SMosley - February 4 - 10:38 pm

  I purchased this car new and it has been nothing but problems. Every month their is some problem. The sensors are always going out. The lights has went out. Right know, another sensor has went out and know there is a crack in the gas tank. The service engine soon light stays on, for any reason. If you dont have the gas cap screwed on the right engine soon light comes on, if you leave the car running and put gas in the check engine soon light will pop on. Oh and yeah the fuel pump is going out also. I wish that I had taken out the extended warranty you will really need it. I did not think that you would considering this is suppose to be a top level vehicle. My Kia was better.

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  Good Experiences ? - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Angie - January 15 - 7:31 pm

  "service engine, service 4wd, change oil".......my dash looks like a lighted christmas tree and no one can find anything wrong. Door moldings falling off. Rear wiper washer broke. Knocking noise underneath. Shifts hard and clanks often. No recall for hole in gas tank or cracked gas cap compartment. Fuel mileage stinks. NEVER AGAIN. Going back to a Nissan or Toyota!

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  Could be better.... - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By volvo2robot - December 28 - 6:41 pm

  i am impressed with the v8 like engine and rain sensing wipers. The stability control proved it self very useful when it saved me from a 60mph accident... it handles superbly on the snow and mountains with minimal engine groans... i happened to lean on the center console and the whole thing came up and dislodged itself i simply clicked it right back. i HATE the rear seats there is very little leg room and are very inconvenient to fold. after a year of owning it, we heard an odd buzz we took it to a dealer and it turned out to be a sensor. Another complaint is that the power adjustable seats broke down on the drivers side and the doors screech and the lift gate window opens when it wants to.

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  Overall - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Paul Johnson - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I find the MPG very dissapointing. The tank is too small for this MPG. Light trailer pulling (under 2,000 lbs)VERY disappointing. Like a dog...passing gear most of the time. A 6,000 lb hitch is a joke for this poor power plant. Style,design and comfort is great.

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  We are testing Envoys for GMC - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By GCrim - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I was seriously considering buying an Envoy XL but the problem I have with American manufacturers, GMC included, is the fact they offer a new designed vehicle to the public for us to test it. We are paying to test vehicles for them. Has anyone wondered why Honda and Toyota have such high quality vehicles? Envoys get bad gas mileage, small fuel tank, wind noise, rattles, too much body roll in turns, etc.. Even the Idler Arm brackets that control the steering were breaking causing loss of control and possible crashes. Foreign mfgrs test their vehicles first before selling them, therefore they are quality deluxe! Im reluctant to buy an Envoy now.

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  Good power but thats where the good end - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By Milez5858 - October 20 - 9:22 pm

  I bought the Envoy as the most powerful 6 cylendar for towing. I turns out I get better milage with an 8 cylendar truck. The air shocks were constantly pumping up, the fans for the climate control extremely loud, there is no vent setting so it was either blowing hot or cold air, wind noise was excessive, the gas tank is configured such that it always spilled over when filling no matter what gas station I went to. Passing gear was great but taking of from stopped was very slow for a 280 hp engine.

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  Franks GMC Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Frank Ciasnocha - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Had problem after 5 months where air conditioning did not work. Ride is kind of rough, could be smoother although this is my first SUV. Gas mileage is alot less than I expected. Is only getting about 14 in the city and 19 on the highway, less than window said and I an not a lead foot driver.

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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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  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.