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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  2007 Envoy 6 cycl - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By j_eng - February 15 - 1:36 pm

  There is no label for XT, SLE, or the other ID for the same 6 cyclinder Envoy. The 6 cyclinder provides the power and towing ability, gas mileage that I expected. I get 18 city 21 on level highway. With 3 people ski gear, driving up mountains in thinner air it drops to 15.5 - 17MPG and that is with 4 snow tires. With 1 person and reducing weight by never carrying over 1/2 tank of gas and 35 PSI in the summer tires the mileage goes up. Loosing 4-6 MPG and gaining the power and towing ability for mulch, logs, motor boat is worth it. The Suburu and Toyota Highlanders rating was false. with the weight of people, air drag it proved to be 25 MPG, never in the 30s.

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  Gas Gauge Issue - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By mdelatorre - August 23 - 12:29 pm

  I have reviews several reviews and know that I am not the only one experiencing this issue. I have a 2007 Envoy and have had issues with the gas gauge for a few months now. The gas meter will indicate that I am empty but I will have gas in the tank. I have determined that once i get about 1/2 a tank it tells me i am empty. Are thier any plans on recalling this problem that several of us are experiencing?

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  2007 GMC Envoy Fuel Gauge - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By nettieg - March 25 - 6:33 pm

  I have driven (and love) my 2007 Envoy. The truck is so comfortable & it has been 100% reliable for me. I currently have 35,600 original miles on it. It is a total disappointment to me that GMC refuses to pay for a replacement fuel gauge. I sure cant afford to pay half ($325.00) for a new gauge anymore then anyone else can. I tried to appeal to GMC because I am 60 years old & on Social Security Disability, but to no avail. The company evidently does not care what sort of "American made (???)" parts suppliers it deals with. So for now, with gas at $3.95/gallon, I just top off the tank every 5 days. I hope that at some point, a GMC executive drove the Envoy & ran out of gas.

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  Great car, few major issues - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By tilave - January 29 - 2:05 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for about six years now, I really have grown attached to it and cant seem to get rid of it. Over the years it has not given me any major issues except for two things. One being the starter switch which I replaced three times and the other being the air suspension which started leaking at about 80k miles. Other than those things the car is rock solid. Great for camping and long trips.

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  Good, but more couldve been done from 02-09 - 2009 GMC Envoy
  By wns808 - August 30 - 4:55 pm

  Used to have an 09 Envoy SLE 4 wheel drive, loved the car but due to financial reasons I traded this vehicle in for a more affordable, efficient vehicle. The drive was smooth, Bose stereo was good, even a Hitch came standard although I never used it.

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  Great Car for the first 3 years - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By envoydenali - March 1 - 5:10 pm

  This was a great car for the first few years. I bought it new a month or two before the 2007s came out and got it for right around invoice price. The interior is nice, performs well, tows well (but Ive never towed anything super heavy). However I started having problems shortly after the warranty ran out. -At 40K the fuel level sensor went out, the dealer wanted $700 to fix. I had it done with a $35 part from ebay and $200 labor. -At 72K the transmission went out, $2300 -At 92K the engine had to be replaced, $6700 -At 93K the throttle sensor had to be replaced Even though it was great at first, the last 1-2 years have made me regret buying this car.

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  Nothing but problems - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By emelton - March 23 - 2:50 pm

  I have a 2002 Envoy SLT beautiful with all the bells and whistles. I have had nothing but problems since I purchased the truck in 2004 with 30k miles. It has been at the dealership 18 times in the last 3 years. I am finally getting it fixed for the last time to trade it off. So many problems too many to mention. It has been a money pit for me.

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  satisfied owner - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Les - February 22 - 3:36 pm

  The handling and operation of this car is intuitive requiring little getting used to. I have little to complain about, except for the past two summers, the AC unit would mot cool, but actually produced heat (Maximim). After shutting down for a period, the control returned to normal like something had to be reset by going back to zero on restart. Has anyone else beside me experienced this? I have not had the car to the dealer,as the original warranty has run out and it has not proven to be a continuing problem.

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  Good SUV - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Reggie - February 18 - 5:29 am

  This is my first GMC, and it is better than i expected. I owned a Nissan Pathfinder for 18 yrs and I hope this one can last like that. I am very pleased thus far.

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  Got my moneys worth - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By BeSwift - January 19 - 2:42 pm

  Bought new. Outstanding reliability. Now is 8 yrs old, has 203k. Up til now, NO major problems (starter, battery, etc). Now stuff is starting to go up, but heck, with 200k plus miles, it SHOULD! I maintain my vehicles and am looking for a low milage used replacement for it now. Best vehicle Ive owned.. Not perfect, but pretty damn good!