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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What Gives - 2002 GMC Envoy
By samo - January 12 - 2:00 amI purchased my 2002 GMC Envoy SLT in 11/2002. It has made over 12 visits to my local dealer in a year. My memory mirrors, never remember. My seat tried to kill me by going fully forward while I was driving. There is a constant squeak coming form the dash, exterior temperature sensor broke, rear wiper and defroster broke, I could go on. I will never, give another GM car a chance to make me bitter. $35,000 and it cant stay out of the shop for 30 days. Also, what gives with the horrible road holding performance? This thing handles like a wet pig. Honestly, I fully regret purchasing this automobile, and will probably not own it for much longer.
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Envoy for sale ! - 2002 GMC Envoy
By JTEnvoy - December 17 - 2:00 amThese are the most uncomfortable seats ever! What about the 16 gallon tank? great idea! After 500 miles, the check engine light Then 1,000 miles later, the driver seat started coming apart. Then my family noticed that the passenger doors had to be slammed in order to close properly. GMC fixed the seat, could not fix the doors. Until once again something went wrong. The driver side seat belt became jammed. I brought it in again! They now have a new one on order for me. Wonderful right? I have more.... Now, EVERY DAY at 1800 RPMs, the engine makes a "whinning" type sound This is not normal. Im done with this LEMON.....Its now for sale.
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NOT SO PROFESSIONAL GRADE - 2002 GMC Envoy
By envoyjewel - December 13 - 2:00 amIve had my envoy for a year now, and it has been in the shop more times than Ive ever visited a dealer in my whole life with other cars. Ive had noise problems, fan clutch problems, loud noise in the motor area, it turned off on me on the freeway. Ive also had sensor lights for SERVICE ENGINE and AIRBAGS come on a couple of times. I also wonder if the paint quality is not that great. I have more chips on this brand new car, than on my previous 13year old car.
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2000 Envoy - 2000 GMC Envoy
By DAPAR - December 2 - 2:00 amBeautiful interior /exterior, all the little extras on this model made it seem almost too good to be true. Unfortunately performance hasnt been that great. When I bought the vehicle I thought it only needed a front end alignment and was given $30 by dealership to fix, I bought it out of state). I found later it really needed upper & lower ball joints, idler arm and front end alignment (cost over $1000). After having it under 5 weeks the transmission went out... very disappointing. Doors also should lock when in motion, but dont. Temperature control needs improvement - doesnt seem to reach temperature setting inside vehicle.
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Great Idea, built on a Friday - 2002 GMC Envoy
By Moquin - November 8 - 2:00 amWe have had a lot of problems with this vehicle. From the windows getting scratched from opening and closing them to the power mirrors not going into place or moving on their own. The rear passenger window had to be fixed/would not open. The hatchback handle has been replaced. The rear end differential ruptured and needed to be replaced.
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Never Again.!!!! - 1998 GMC Envoy
By confused - April 25 - 2:00 amThis vehicle had been a finacial nightmare for this family.Within one week the Cat covert. had to be replaced.Now the Valve Body in the Trans has gone bad.!!40,000 miles.!! Make sure you are aware of any problems before you get out your check book. We have had this SUV for less then 6months.......Beware.!!!!!
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Envoy: Spanish for garbage? - 2004 GMC Envoy
By crabman - August 30 - 2:00 amHeres a partial list of problems Ive had: Air conditioning went out. Stereo goes out intermittantly. The air shocks wont level, so the compressor runs constantly and when the car sits for more than an hour it lists like a sinking boat. (its been in the shop 4 times for this and still isnt fixed) Rear hatch moulding shrank into the inside of the door. I currently have a water leak in the driver side. (I live in Seattle, so its wet a LOT) The engine hood latch squeeks and must be lubed every couple of weeks. The car lurches occassionally at a stop light. The fit and finish of the vehicle is lousy. Body trim has had to be re- glued etc.
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Envoy 2004 SLE - 2004 GMC Envoy
By TBSR - March 12 - 2:00 amLove the way it drives and looks, BUT, very bad wind noise on highways goign over 55, does anyone have this problem? Didnt know if it is the car or a bad seal?
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Never buy American Again!!! - 2002 GMC Envoy
By Never Again GMC - April 14 - 2:16 pmI looked at every make and model of SUVs, and sadly ended up with the Envoy. We did not even have the vehicle 24 hours and the power seats stopped working. Then we had to return to the dealership twice because the engine was leaking oil. Third, the weather stripping in the rear doors fell completely off. Fourth, the cruise control went out. This also caused the tail/brake lights to short out. Finally, we had to take it back because the windows did not seal properly.
