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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  Explorer to Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By happy in Jax - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Brand new, but so far we have enjoyed the handling and performance. We have gone from RAV 4 to Explorer now to Envoy and this is the best of the lot. We are high mileage users and the gas mileage is outstanding

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  GMC XLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Tony Wasilefsky - July 11 - 2:00 am

  My first SUV, What a great car. Comfort, great ride, Mine is loaded, from onstar to xm. Love the fold down rear seats, great for my business.

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  2004 Envoy SLT 8 cyl 4wd - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By sgtmom167@aol.com - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a mid size SUV with adequate head and leg space for my husband and boys who are all tall. The Envoy has substantial space suprisingly in all 3 rows. I found the vehicle to handle exceptionally well, and the V8 has a lot of power in comparison to to the V6. We had 7 family members including adults for a short trip and there was plenty of room for everyone. I did a lot of comparisons with other mid size SUVs and I am very happy with my choice.

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  THE GREATEST IN ITS CLASS - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Evan5555555 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  We just picked up the Envoy, and it is wonderful. It handles like a dream, and has a preformance some V-8s can not match. Its is a great vehicle, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in a mid-size sport utility vehicle

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  Great car! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By jday - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought an envoy to replace 2001 Pathfinder....Great vehicle. I loved my Pathfinder and thought I could not get better, but this one has a better ride and better features. I am also getting good gas mileage although I had read how poor it was. I got the loaded W/everything...I would suggest this as this is one thing that makes the automobile GREAT.

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  So far so good - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Sherry - April 8 - 9:25 am

  I bought this from the original owner, so far i love it i previously owned a equinox and the ride is so much better in this the interior is awesome and the leather seats are very comfortable, the only things i find could be improver is where the front cupholders are at and the back seat should be further back cause theres not much leg room back there.

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  been a good vehicle - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Anthony - March 13 - 11:00 am

  I got my envoy around 3 yes ago and it only had one problem was the water pump but other then that it rides god and does everything thing I use it for and my 4 kids like it and hasnt let me down.

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  Love it! - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By loveit - March 13 - 1:57 am

  Love my envoy,but after 2 months of owning it the connector rod for the heating/a/c went out and needed to be fixed but that was only minor at $216. This is the most comfortable car i have owned and the fastest car, it has great pick up power and for gas mileage its really not that bad for the size of this vehicle. I would recommend it to anyone. Matter of fact i let my co-worker drive and she went out and bought one 2 weeks later.

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  This vehicle saved our lives - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mommyof2boys - February 18 - 8:00 pm

  We bought our Envoy when I was expecting our 2nd child. I am so thankful we did. In December of this past year we were in an accident. My Envoy was totaled but we all survived. My 4 year old had to have 3 stitches above his eye and my 7 year old walked away without a scratch. I had internal bruising from the airbag. We hit at 50MPH. It was a front impact then the other car spun around hitting my 4 year old directly in his door. This vehicle crumbled, but the inside structure stayed perfectly intact. Only 1 door would open. It was a bad wreck. We knew we wanted another vehicle like this and searched until we decided on an 06 Trailblazer EXT. I pray its as good as the Envoy.

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  I love my Envoy! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By bella1576 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2004 Envoy SLT 4wd and I have never loved a vehicle more! I disagree with edmunds review about the steering. The ride is so smooth you forget you are in a truck. The leather interior is beatuful and it has so many options after a month I am still discovering them. In the snow it handled perfectly. I highly recommend this SUV for someone who wants power with refinement.