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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  Wind Noise - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By colorado nurse - March 26 - 10:25 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 6 months now. I have returned it to the dealership 3 times with complaints of excessive wind noise on the driver side. No matter what is done to it, it seems the noise level increases. I have been told that this is an inherent quality of large mirrors. I traded my Yukon Denali with large mirrors. I did not have this problem with the Yukon. I would like to know if other owners of this vehicle are having the same issue. I am at wits end! PS- What happened to a courtesy light under the hood and in the glove compartment?

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  The White Knight - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By macatguy - February 20 - 2:00 am

  A comfortable car with a very good ride on open highways, not bad on secondary roads. Good acceleration. some wind noise at high speed. Versatile. Good in snow. decent handling. My primary disappointment is resale value

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  Pleased since I bought it. - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By smavrides - February 19 - 3:54 pm

  I bought the vehicle 3 months ago and havent had to look back since. The vehicle has been reliable with virtually no problems aside from basic wear and tear. Ive put a little over 5,000 miles on it since I bought it and it was well worth it. I recommend it.

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  Very Happy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Steve - December 29 - 2:30 pm

  Bought our Envoy in September and have loved it ever since. It has lots of power and great acceleration, and has no problem towing our boat and snowmobiles. Very comfortable interior with more space than our old Venture in the rear seat. The Envoy seems to be very quiet driving, all though it has a beautifull growl when you really floor it. Auto 4wd is great in the snow. The only problem is that the Envoy is a pig on gas, were only getting approx 14mpg and thats stretching it. Overall we are very happy with our Envoy.

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  Beats the Explorer by 1.1 mile - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Polu - December 16 - 7:33 pm

  The Envoy obviously has the zest when accelerating, but did not feel too responsive in city stop and go. There is also a noticeable body lean driving around corners. However, overall performance, handsome looks, and the loaded features out weights all this; especially the Explorer.

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  Happy Driver - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By love it - December 7 - 12:22 am

  I love my Envoy. For a truck the handling is wonderful. Great pick-up in the 6 cyl and a very comfortable drive. I splurged on top of the line interior and it is well worth it. My biggest complaint is the very noisy air conditioning system. Unless you have it on low it is very noticable and annoying. Also the back windows cannot be opened unless the front are also open or you have a very uncomfortable air compression going on. Small problems to put up with compared to the very positive performance, style and comfort. I love the OnStar feature. Well worth the small cost.

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  Florida Envoy SLT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Bill C - November 28 - 8:31 pm

  SLT/2WD has been a great option for 4 years now. Oil and tires changed/rotated every 3000 miles. 48000 now on original tires! Battery went Dixie after 38 months. Trip gas mileage has been respectable with the vehicle loaded at 22-26 MPG. All in all have been very happy with our Envoy!

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  Its fair for the price - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By willie - November 18 - 4:49 pm

  I got it on the 23rd of Dec. So far so good. Handles great. A little transmission problem but changed to oil. Also in the summer mounths it shifts really hard, but not in the cold months

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  Good Overall - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By nick - October 30 - 7:41 pm

  Since I purchased this SUV in March of 06 I really have enjoyed owning it. Yeah the gas mileage in city driving is horrendous (12mpg going easy on the gas pedal and the brakes), but you cant really expect much more from a 275 HP 6 cylinder. Gets about 17 on the highway. I really like the the comfort of this vehicle. Lots of room, great ride, and very quiet. It looks really nice as well. The power is also more than I expected it was going to be. Passing isnt a problem. Overall a really sound SUV.

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  Happy with my Envoy Denali - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Peter - October 16 - 6:12 pm

  Tows my boat and my trailer with no problem. I believe the 6000 lbs load capacity. Originally I wanted a Denali Yukon but the Denali Envoy fits better in my garage - a key purchase decision by the way. Lots of power and with a family of five with two big dogs, the trips to the cottage are easy. Fuel consumption is fine. I get the same mileage as I got on my 2000 Ford Windstar. The DOD works as advertised. I would buy this vehicle again.