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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So far so good - 2002 GMC Envoy
By Ed - August 14 - 9:00 amI bought a 2002 Envoy SLT at 93K miles. So far Ive put 3K miles on it and have been very pleased. I use it mainly for towing a travel trailer and with the powerful V6 it does a good job. Interior is great, very comfy leather seats and I love the stereo. The ride is smooth and great acceleration. Gas mileage (without towing) is surprisngly good too. Highway only driving is about 22MPG, city about 15. Not great but not bad for a powerful SUV. I was hesitant to buy a used GM vehicle. But so far after 3 months and 3K miles driven, Im happy with the purchase.
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Awesome - 2005 GMC Envoy
By taylor - August 13 - 2:04 amGot this vehicle in May of 08, cant be happier. Has the power I need, the 4wd option is great, and when I drive it nice I have gotten 23mpg with it. If you complain about the mileage, be easy on it. When I drive hard I still can get over 15mpg with it. Overall, the best decision I have ever made was to purchase this vehicle. Good Bose sound system, perfect amout of room, and overall an awesome vehicle!
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Good and Bad - 2004 GMC Envoy
By Ray - July 14 - 9:39 pmI have enjoyed a lot about this car. I got it Jan of 2007 and it has been in the shop 2 or 3 times totaling about $2000. Its fun to drive and looks great but has broken down on me enough that I am now shopping for something else. The first repair was $1000 to reprogram the computer something or other. Then the battery died. The rubber around the doors has almost all fallen off, the power seat control panel just fell of the other day, and the cd player does not work. All sorts of check lights go on and off in the dash all the time and I still cant figure out how to work all the lighting! Like I said, pretty car and fun to have! And not all bad but personally not worth the monthly note!
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A good SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
By jbmiller - July 7 - 3:00 pmI was leery of the I6 but it performs well at 275 hp. Gas miles are good for a vehicle of this size. If youve never had a information center option-get it, its great. Controls mirrors, seats, lights, headlights, tilt down rear view mirror, etc. Mine has leather but its not necessary. All in all the only problem I had was a bad temp sender for the driver/pass ac control. They fixed for no charge. Ive had a good experience with this vehicle.
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Is it just me? - 2006 GMC Envoy
By greg rosengren - July 4 - 2:55 pmLove the car/truck, nicest car Ive ever owned. At 58,000 miles Ive had to replace both the transmission and the motor. I didnt bother to get the extended warranty because of my false belief that I was buying a quality product that would last. GM has graciously picked up half the transmission cost ($1600) and all but $1650 of the new motor job. I have put 4000 dollars in repair costs into this car in the last 2 months. Not at all happy about this. Love the vehicle..just bummed out about the problems...will probably go foreign next time..Benz or BMW
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The Envoy is Awesome! - 2003 GMC Envoy
By JWR1996 - June 2 - 2:00 amGM has really done a nice job with the Envoy. It seems as thought they are actually taking some of the foreign car interior features and combining them with the old GM American options. I think it has great styling and some really super features.
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Love my GMC - 2006 GMC Envoy
By SouthwesternNative - May 30 - 11:42 pmWe werent even considering GMCs when we came across this SUV. We love it. We were actually test driving a Buick Rendezvous at the time. It is a heavy old-school SUV but for the price range it was very nice and solid inside and out. Gas is $4 a gal now and we are rethinking it but still a great car!
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Better than what I expected - 2005 GMC Envoy
By Achris - May 25 - 2:10 pmBought this Envoy used at 48K miles. So 10K miles later no complaints. Easier to drive than most other SUVs. Good acceleration, however dont expect a lot of MPG if you tend to speed. Though looking at these other reviews I get about 19mpg on this with normal driving.
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Professional Grade - 2006 GMC Envoy
By Rick - April 28 - 11:00 amI have owned my GMC Envoy for over 2 years now. I drive my truck usually on weekends and for road trips. I had only 3 problems so far. The first was the wiring harness going to the left tail light, the center 12 vdc adapter blew a fuse. Thirdly, my gear shifter handle became loose. This will be my last american vehicle that I will buy.
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My $5700 bargaine - 1999 GMC Envoy
By bigbux98 - April 25 - 10:05 amI paid $5700 for my Envoy, with 77,000 miles on it. It was in very good condition and so far, I have had to replace one ball joint. Other than that, it has been dead reliable. I pray I never get to see a $2000 headlight replacement.
