The GMC Envoy Review!
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 has 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 has since been thoroughly eclipsed by its rivals. Always a platform twin to the Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC’s Envoy rear air suspension is a traditional body-on-frame SUV offered in two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations. Apart from styling, there are subtle differences between the two, however. For example, the current Envoy can be equipped with an optional rear air suspension (which provides a more isolating ride and balances out heavy loads), while the TrailBlazer doesn’t offer this feature.
Among traditional midsize SUVs, the GMC Envoy gets lost in the pack. It has all the right features to compete in this segment, as well as a comfortable ride and decent power. But you have to weigh this against the Envoy’s sloppy handing and below-average interior build and materials quality. For some, the Envoy air suspension may still be an appealing choice, but most shoppers will be better served by its more refined competition. The GMC Envoy comes solely as a five-passenger SUV. In addition to the usual SLE and SLT levels, the Envoy is available in top-line Denali trim.
The current second-generation Envoy has been around since 2002 and hasn’t changed much, which should make your used-car shopping easier. Initially, it was offered only with the inline-6 engine, but in two body styles: regular five-passenger and extended-wheelbase Envoy XL, which provided seven-passenger seating and considerably more cargo capacity. The V8 became available on the Envoy XL in 2003 and on the regular Envoy suspension for 2005. That year also saw head curtain airbags replace the front side bags, while stability control and cruise control joined the standard equipment list for ’06. The Envoy XL was discontinued for 2007.
This entry was posted on Friday, June 26th, 2009 at 6:40 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.