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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  Never, ever again - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By vhanek - November 29 - 4:20 am

  Thanks to my cheap mentality I was looking for cheap, nice, quality SUV. I purchased used 2002 GMC Envoy with 50,000 miles on it for "only" $17,000. What a mistake! This truck has terrible wind noise around its doors. It literally souds like driving with an open window. The wipers dont work well in cold weather. The heat stops working from time to time. The engine makes unhealty noises. The memory mirrors never go back to their set positions. The heated mirror function does not work. I get a maximum of 18 mpg on the highways. This truck is vibrating at highway speeds. Ive only had it for a few months and I an already looking to sell it even if I have to lose money. If you read this review because you are considering buying one, please, think again.

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  GMC Envoy Minor Annoyances - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By driver48 - November 27 - 3:15 pm

  The electronics on the GMC Envoy are not to be trusted. I have had two warranty repairs of the electronic dashbord. The mirrors have been never been right. I have had them in five times an the "curb view" still does not work correctly.

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  Wind Tunnel - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Wind Tunnel - September 15 - 2:00 am

  please NOTE: I have the GMC Envoy XL V8. Plenty of power, smooth V8. There is a wind noise problem. Inside the Envoy it sounds like you are riding in a Wind Tunnel or a convertible with the top down. It starts to get"windy" at 50 mph and by 65 to 70 the wind noise is unbearable. Only the Bose stereo can drown it out and it needs to be "crankin". You can hardly hear yourself talk or think. GM cant fix it. The Dealer has tried a bug deflector, but that did not work. Poor design in and around the windshield area.

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  SHOULD HAVE SHOPPED AROUND!!! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By NANCY CLARK - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I LOOK AT VEHICLE ADS IN NEWSPAPERS AND SEE 2004 ENVOYS FOR JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE THAN WHAT I GAVE FOR MY 2002. MY FAULT FOR NOT SHOPPING AROUND.IM ALSO NOT TO IMPRESSED WITH THE GAS MIL- EAGE.I WISH I WOULD HAVE TEST DRIVEN A SANTA FE,I HEAR THEY GET GOOD GAS MILEAGE.

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  gmc quality where is it? - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By mrcoolaid - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I have the envoy for just two weeks and the computer has already gone out. Should have brought the honda polit.

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  disappointed - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By wally42 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has good features for the price. It is comfortable to drive and all the switches and controls are within easy reach. Does not corner well. There has been numerous rattles and noises. The fit is poor. I would not buy this if I had to do it over again. Plastic trim is hard to keep clean. Too bad, could have been a nice truck.

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  Gas Mileage Suck, So Suck! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By yz123 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Inside comfortable, ride as an premium car. But gas mileage 12.1 M/gallon, Sticker says 15-21, what a lie!!! Turn and accelarate sluggish, 4X4 cant back up while turn! But price cant beat. I paid $26800 brand new with leather,sunroof,running board, side airbag,etc. Think twice if you really need a heavy truck like this for your day-to-day life. Then consider budgets.

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  Immensely Disappointed - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By 02 Envoy Owner - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased loaded SLT/4WD vehicle hoping the quality of this American made SUV would finally challenge its foreign competitors.BOY WAS I WRONG!At 20,000 miles, Continual transmission problems,shifts into neutral while driving, quite unnerving experience at highway speeds,fails to shift into reverse.Dozen visits to dealer for trans alone.Heating/air cond,control modules,actuator motors,rear dif,lifter noise,seat belts,air suspension,and electronic problems.Horrendous exterior wind noise at highway speeds.Vehicle computer fails to indicate faults.If you enjoy problems,this ones for you. BMW X5 here I come !

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  Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By 5boys - October 11 - 2:00 am

  In the 5 months I have owned this vehicle I have had to have it serviced 13 times, only once has been for an oil change. The other 12 have been service problems. I am currently still having problems with the A/C, the 4WD, and the transmission. The overall design of the vehicle is wonderful, but not worth the hassle of continual maintenance.

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  lots of shop time - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Yankee - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Within the past two years and 30,000 miles: Transmission started clunking because of a leak due to a bad seal (repaired). No 4WD due to a bad computer (replaced). No go due to a bad battery (replaced). No go due to a bad starter (replaced). Brake pulsation due to corroded rotors (all four replaced!) Roof rack came loose, door weather seals came loose. Disappointing fuel milage. Hate the front seat belts (they wont release).