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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  Fun SUV - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By sunrig - December 12 - 3:50 pm

  Had to replace throttle body at 38,000 miles. Had a 2003 Yukon Denali. Nicer rig but Envoy is a great rig. My wife loves it, as nice as her BMW.

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  ENVOY 2002 REVIEW - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By DKW - November 22 - 2:00 am

  GREAT RIDE AND APPEARANCE. REALLY HAPPY WITH OVERALL LOOKS AND HANDLING. A LITTLE POOR ON THE MPG BUT THE OVERALL DRIVING EXPERIENCE MAKES UP FOR THIS. I WILL OWN ANOTHER ONE FOR SURE.

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  loved it, now just like it - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By LAE - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Envoy SLT in Jan 2002. It is loaded. We really shopped around and I liked the looks and ride of it the best. It is a real fun car to drive and handles well. Have almost 7k miles with a few problems and holding my breath. Love the seat recall as my husband is taller than me, Bose system is great! Like the dash, very functional.Smoothest ride around.Turning radius is great.

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  Starting problem - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Dan Charron - November 10 - 9:18 am

  I do not know if there is a recall on the ignition.I turn the key and all gauges on the cluster go crazy.I got to turn the key to off and keep on trying until it catches then its good to start. Also i had to replace all seals in the rear-end,some how water got in it with the other owner and around later November of 08 i started to hear a loud noise,i took it to the garage and they found i nice chunk of ice the belly of the rear-end. It cost me $1200.00 to replace all seals.I had to change both front wheel bearings and a left tie-rod at 89,000KM. I love my Envoy but they are very costly to repair..

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  Love the Denali but not the Mileage - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By vallywally - November 8 - 8:47 pm

  Hwy mpg is OK but city mpg is very poor. The seat belt cuts into my neck and needs to be repositioned. Denali exterior is an eye turner but the plastic "woodgrain" console looks cheap and tacky. Seats are comfortable but would prefer a softer leather. When Im stopped for a light, after 10+ seconds theres a thud-like jolt & sound from under the car. Dealer has no idea what is causing this but has heard others complain about it.

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  Best Buy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Americano - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Love My Envoy. Glad I purchased it. It is roomy enough for me, not too bog not too small, just right. Rides great. Handels like a car. Forget the Explorer this is the SUV to buy. Spend the extra money and get the SLT version. Forget the 4X4 if you absolutely dont need it. I purchased the 4X4 for just in case the need arises. Dont pay attintion to those writers that are complaining, they are working tfor the competition. Trust me on what I wrote it is the truth.

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  Lovin IT!! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Ivyrose - September 10 - 10:52 am

  I purchased a used Envoy in 07, no major problems at 96K, keep the oil change and enjoy the ride!

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  I really cant complain! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Tony E. - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive just put my first 300 miles in my Envoy. I love all the features it has. My daughter just wished it had rear seat center arm rest thar my previous SUV had. I feel so comfortable on the plush leather seats. The power 6cylinder is there when I need it. I get nothing but compliments when people see it. It looks nothing like a "boxy" American cars. I also purchased the 4/60,000 mile top-of-the-line ext. warranty just in case.

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  ok by me - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By luvmyenvoy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  overall i love it.

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  94000 miles of no repairs - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By ron9311 - August 17 - 11:15 pm

  Bought it new, 94k+ miles and no repairs 1st set of brakes @ 60K, 1 battery, 2 trans flushes. Its seen the dealer once for a small recall item and headlight bulb replacement. This vehicle has a dual personality. The body is a rugged truck-like body on frame design but the in-line 6 is more like a BMW engine. Its smooth and docile until you punch it. Once it downshifts all hell (and the 290 hp)breaks loose. Unlike most SUV engines its torque peaks @ 4700 rpm and it loves to rev. All and all its been a great vehicle.