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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  My favorite in the price range - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By choppers70 - April 22 - 6:36 pm

  I drove just about everything I thought I could get off the lot in the low $20Ks. Everything felt like plastic junk. When I got in the Envoy I knew it was the one I wanted. Felt like luxury but in my price range. So far so good. Some minor issues with rattling noises that need fixed but other than that Im pretty happy with it.

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  Good old 2004 Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Dennis - April 8 - 5:28 pm

  This has been a good experience from the get go. No problems, followed GM maintenance schedule, not dealers. It is high enough that you get good visibility, comfortable ride and interior and exterior paint have held up very good. The gas mileage could be better but it gets 20mpg on a highway trip. Not great but acceptable. Around town, rural area, it gets 17-18 mpg.

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  Not your quiet ride - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Lynda Smith - April 2 - 3:55 pm

  I bought this SUV because I was really drawn to the style and outside appearance of the vehicle I also fell in love with the interior. I have leased Nissan vehicles in the past and my husband talked me into looking at GMC. I thought it was everything I wanted in an SUV so we purchased the SUV instead of leasing. I travel on the highway 90% of the time and I was so disappointed in the wind noise of this vehicle I knew something had to be wrong. Why would you make such a classy vehicle and forget about quality. After taking it to the dealership three time we were told nothing is wrong with the vehicle that is just the quality of GMC.

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  Best Vehicle Investment Ive Made - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By dingo6120 - February 14 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle when there were no others on the road. I was 1st impressed with its individual styling. Very soon after I was delighted with its interior appointments and comfort. I now have 125,000 miles and still no mechanical issues what-so-ever! This SUV (other than gas) has been the most inexpensive vehicle 2 own. I am not even close to looking 4 another SUV because most, even 5yrs later, are not as well appointed as mine. Neither do they have the comfort I am used to. The power I get from this inline V6 is remarkably strong. I can drive in any situation w/confidence enough to lead the pack if the law would let me. I hope to keep my great looking GMC 4 another few year

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  Happy Driver - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Jim - February 11 - 10:29 am

  Drive mostly around town and occassional highway trips. Handles very well for a 4WD SUV and is excellent on the highway. Ride is more car-like than Tahoes I have ridden in. Im very happy with this vehicle after 40,000 miles and will keep it several more years.

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  Edmunds is Harsh - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By craigcar - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is an excellent vehicle; I am baffled by Edmunds harsh review. The engine and transmission are great, the ride very "Cadillac-like", excellent interior room. I traded my 02 Trailblazer with 60K miles on it (and no problems in that time). I am pleased to have purchased an American vehicle that stands up to the rest (admitting my other vehicle is a 03 BMW convertible)

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  Credit where its due - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By John Chang - December 19 - 10:00 am

  First off, Edmunds has an axe to grind against GM, and I cant fathom their poor review of this vehicle. This is a superb vehicle, and compares well against the truck-based and cross-over midsize SUVs. It looks sharp outside, drives strongly and smoothly and securely, and has a great looking interior. I have put on 11,000 miles in less than 5 months, and I have no reliability problems with this vehicle.

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  2002 GMC Envoy SLT - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mike h. - December 18 - 1:13 pm

  This is a big, nice riding, nice handling, very comfortable vehicle. The leather seats are plush, and the climiate control features are easy to use and nice. My wife loves the heated seats in the winter. You sit up high and can see very well out of all windows in this truck. Problems, well it has the famous GMC Envoy piston slap...tick, tick, tick..when you start it up. Espeically annoying noise in the winter when the noise is louder. Also make sure you own a gas station before buying an Envoy. 12- 14 mpg/city if you are lucky.

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  Looks can be deceiving! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Cordova Dave - December 17 - 8:03 pm

  On-Star stopped working, at night lights would dim to less than 30% if AC, radio, windows were used. Cracked oil pan lost 6 quarts of oil, nice addition to drive way! Transmission made lots of noise but went nowhere. The lights are fixed, the transmission works better, and On-Star works. 4 months later, engine seal is badly leaking. I have no faith in my dealership and GMC as a company. I think they employ the Cro-Magnon man to build their SUVs.

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  Dont get the Nav - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By Dont get the NAV - December 17 - 10:21 am

  Spent the extra money on a NAV system only to find out that to use the nav system a dvd has to be in your cd player anytime that you are using it. In other words FM or XM only while navigating. I have used many different portable navigation devices that are so much more user friendly than this one. It is all that I can do to figure this thing out, my wife gave up after several very frusterating attempts. Save the money and buy a garmin! Also cup holders are a joke in this thing.The money I saved still outweighs these setbacks. GM blew away competitors prices! If I had to do over again I would buy the same vehicle without the nav,We would miss the touch screen FM/XM that comes with the nav.