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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  2004 GMC Envoy SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Lori - April 9 - 11:13 am

  Love this vehicle! It rides like a car and is big enough to make me feel safe while driving it while not be a huge gas hog. Granted, its not great, but not that bad. Love the leather and the XM radio, and the heated seats rock! So happy I went with this after looking at TrailBlazers, Equinox, Tahoes, etc.

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  Love my 2008 GMC - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By mmchis - March 30 - 5:48 pm

  It rides very smooth. I enjoy the comfortable seats. I like all the extras! The wood grain center console and steering wheel are beautiful. I would like more storage available in the center console. I like that the vehicle uses 4 cylinders, until it needs the full 8. It helps with gas mileage.

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  Smooth & Quiet - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By WD - March 23 - 7:14 pm

  I previously owned other SUVs which road like trucks and were noisy on long rides. The Envoy has great power and better than the sticker fuel economy, 18 average, 20 or better on a trip. Seating is comfortable and OnStar works well.

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  Great Truck - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By 215Denali - March 9 - 1:09 pm

  An excellent truck for the price. The Denali trim level looks great, we get compliments all the time. Great looking interior, we have the black leather with wood grain.

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  First SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By USAFmilitary - March 2 - 2:00 am

  My first SUV, took me over 6 months to decide. Test drove:Toyota 4-Runner (2003),Honda Pilot(2003), Infinity (QX4),Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep and Ford Explorer. Envoy.. best buy. Get the SLT (leather,woodgrain,major controls on sterring wheel,driver/passenger temp control etc). Love the way the SUV handles. Family more protected..side airbags and turn signals on the mirrors. DVD entertainment..overpriced. ONSTAR system.. overpriced. Free(yeah) for the first year. I choose to take the phone service in case of emergencies and no towers (reception for celluar phone was poor). Dont really know if I will use the Onstar system after the first free year.

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  Great SUV!! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Happy Driver 4U2C - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this 2003 SLT to replace my 2000 "Exploder" and what a difference between SUVs! The Envoy drives so much smoother with none of the wind or engine noise like the "Exploder". We bought it in Atlanta and drove to Michigan and back, through the snow, and the Traction Control made it handled like a dream, even without 4-wheel-drive. Average gas mileage was over 20 mpg! The heated seats also made it more comfortable!

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  Great American Vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Ken - February 18 - 3:16 pm

  This is a great American made SUV. V-8 Horsepower is tops. Great MPG around town and on the road. Drives like a dream and turns on a dime

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  A very well built ride - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By ultrakim - February 6 - 8:24 pm

  We have put 40000 miles on our 2003 SLT 4wd since buying it used.The only problems we have had are a tailight bulb and one service engine soon light. the light turned out to be letting us know it was time to do a transfer case lube change. We love this truck and it looks fly with 20 s on it. Bose system stock is better than most aftermarket systems with subs and amps etc that I have put in. The in town mileage is about 15 but it is a very solid and heavy, safe vehicle. I feel like we have thousands of more miles to put on it yet.

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  Envoy - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By DWinMN - February 6 - 11:26 am

  I purchased the Envoy after driving my 99 GMC Jimmy nearly 200000 miles. After test driving competitor models, I returned to GMC for a vehicle with more features and more for my money. The Envoy has been flawless in performance. The mileage isnt the greatest but accelerating easy has me exceeding the estimated mpg. I am getting 16.5 mpg city and 22-23 highway. The Envoy has good visibility and drives off road reasonably well. I am still impressed by how comfortable the seats are. Storage and space is impressive. GMC just needs to add some of teh features of the Acadia and they will have the perfect mid size SUV.

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  Awesome ride! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By LFerr - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Wow! What a comfortable ride in this SUV! As soon as I test drove (24 hour GM test drive special) the SLT model of the Envoy, I was in love. SLT model had some incredible bells & whistles. Although, we chose the SLE b/c we wanted cloth interior. Have been really impressed w/ the quality of interior & ride. Seats have confort & pleny of room for cargo & kids.