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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For American Tastes - 2003 GMC Envoy
By dxcruz - August 31 - 2:00 amIf you want something tighter and more Euro.. check out the Jeep Grand Cherokee.. It handles like a sports car with a view.. Mine still looks and feels like new with over 60k miles and flawless mechanical performance. If you want something that feels like a Lexus.. check out the Acura MDX. Its about the same price as the Envoy (before GM knocks off several grand to give it away), But will most likely hold its value for a long long time. I have no idea how Honda gets so much more out of a smaller engine!
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Learned the hard way on new vehicle - 2002 GMC Envoy
By ENVOY IS A LOSS - August 28 - 2:00 amKick myself for buying this expensive SUV. It looks great, is comfortable, but the service aspect is horrible. 1.5 years and 10 trips to service. GM should be paying me for my time at this point. A/C broken, Constant Rattles under, Squeeks, Parts wearing out. I didnt pay 30k + to have to deal with this...foreign suvs here I come. Dont forget. Gas tank, size of a geo metro! Cup holder, not enough and in worst possible places.
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Dont Make My Mistake - 2002 GMC Envoy
By Tom Simon - July 30 - 2:00 amI like the styling & handeling of the vehicle. Quality wise, its the worst vehicle Ive owned since my 1974 Maverick. Ive had more things replaced/repaired then I have space to list in this review. GMC customer service says there sorry. Dealer says there sorry. I dont think either are as sorry as I am for buying the heap of scrap.
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NEW ENGINE AT 3000 MILES - 2002 GMC Envoy
By PHANTASM - July 23 - 2:00 amI BOUGHT THIS ENVOY IN JULY 2001, THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD IT IN THEIR GARAGE AS MUCH AS IT HAS BEEN IN MINE. AFTER 6 MONTHS AND 3000 MILES GM FINALLY DECIEDED TO PUT A NEW ENGINE IN AFTER FINDING 2 DEAD CYLINDERS, NOT TO MENTION THE COUNTLESS TIMES IT HAS BEEN IN FOR GAGE PROBLEMS,BUMPER,ELECTRICAL,THE DEALER HAD IT FOR 5 MONTHS WAITING FOR GM TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO! AFTER BEING A LOYAL GM FAN FOR 17 CARS, NO MORE GM. THAT WAS MY LAST ONE!!!!
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Great Truck when its not Broken - 2003 GMC Envoy
By disapointing envoy - June 16 - 2:00 amLove everything about this truck. Comfort, features, ride, power all good. Problem is its broken more than it runs. Dash died. Key wont come out of ignition. Heat died. 4x4 transfer case died. Ignition system failed. Now having tranny problems and dealer says sorry you can take a loss and trade it in or deal with the loss of time every month when it breaks. 35K and this is not acceptable! Would buy another if someone could convince me all the bugs were fixed but havent found that person yet - looks like time to find a new brand and dealer.
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Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
By DGF - June 6 - 2:00 amQuality of products used for the interior are poor. Handeling is poor.
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NEVER AGAIN - 2003 GMC Envoy
By Not for me - April 17 - 2:00 amThe engine is great but the mileage is awful. Fun to drive but you cant talk to the person next to you because of all the wind/road noise. The stereo is pitiful especially if you have a window open. CD was eaten by player, lites flashed on/off first week, had to have door realigned , seatbelt locks up, ticking from tailgate unfound,loose weatherstripping and sagging headliner around sunroof....all this for too much money!! I am off to the Honda dealer for an Odessey or Pilot. Sorry America, I tried.
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ok... - 2003 GMC Envoy
By er - April 7 - 2:00 amwow this vehicle had the horsepower of a yukon and the size of a honda it was great and fantastic i coulndt believe this vehicles preformence but i think the milege is horrible
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GMC Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
By sweigand - April 6 - 3:00 amThe 2003 GMC Envoy is an insuperior product and value in comparison to the competition. The engine has large amounts of vibrations that come through the foot pedals and give your feet a tingling sensation. GMC claims this to fall within specification on the Envoy and cannot eliminate the vibration. The fit and finish on the vehicle is also poor. The average MPG I have been getting with the truck is 14 to 15 MPG which GMC also claims to be within specification. I would highly recommend checking out alternatives to the GMC Envoy when purchasing this class of vehicle.
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Nice Drive but.......... - 2002 GMC Envoy
By Seadog - January 29 - 2:00 amSince purchasing our 2002 Envoy over 14 months ago, I would say it has been a pleasure to drive.The only thing I dont really care for is the computer controls on the steering wheel. BUT, the quality and break downs have been more than one would expect. I have had my Envoy in the dealership to replace the following failed items. 1. Rear air suspension 2. Front bumper brackets 3. Memory module for seats and mirrors 4. 4 wheel drive module 5. Horn I am still waiting for some more parts to come in for some of these repairs. I plan to sell or trade in my Envoy as soon as these are fixed.
