2002 GMC Envoy Review

Rivals of General Motors haven't seen much innovation from the auto giant since the 1960s, when it trumped competitors with everything from turbocharged rear-engine cars to big front-drive luxury autos. GM competitors thus were surprised when the automaker recently announced its new 2002 mid-size sport-utility vehicles--the similar four-door Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Oldsmobile Bravada and GMC Envoy. They have the same basic design and share major components such the engine and transmission. But they have their own styling, inside and out, and such things as differently tuned suspensions.

The $28,820-$33,820 Envoy, which replaces the dated GMC Jimmy, is the most luxurious of the trio--with the Bravada a close second. Compared to the lower-priced TrailBlazer (June 22 AutoTimes), the Envoy's optional load-leveling rear suspension provides a softer ride. However, that suspension costs $325 and only is offered in a rather pricey $2,250-$2,425 Preferred Equipment Group.

However, the Envoy's standard rear suspension is sufficiently smooth because it's nicely designed and this is a heavy (4,442-4,628-pound) truck with a fairly long 113-inch wheelbase. The trio shares a new General Motors inline (not V-shaped) six-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder. It's the type of engine expected from a top, innovative automaker such as BMW. Everyone expected a big, old-fashioned pushrod V-8 in the new sport-utes because even GM's flagship Chevy Corvette has such an engine.

Colorful auto whiz Robert Lutz--recently named GM's product czar--is especially enthusiastic about the new engine. It isn't especially large at 4.2 liters but has a class-leading 270 horsepower. That's more than the 240 horsepower from a fairly big V-8 in the rival 2002 Ford Explorer. The new GM engine also has plenty of torque for towing heavy objects.
The new GM engine provides strong acceleration and quick 65-75 mph passing. It loafs at 2,100 rpm at 65 mph, which is why highway fuel economy is decent for a big, tall sport ute: an estimated 21 mpg. The city figure is 16, and economy numbers are 15 and 21 with four-wheel drive.

The Envoy comes in base SLE and higher-line SLT trim levels, and each have rear- or four-wheel drive. Even the SLE is loaded with equipment, while the SLT adds such things as leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control to help keep peace in the front seat area during long trips.

The Envoy feels a little sharper, smoother and more refined than the TrailBlazer, although the Chevy gets generally high marks for performance, comfort, refinement and solidity. The Envoy's steering is more responsive, although rough surfaces elicit steering wheel shake, and the four-speed automatic transmission downshifts more quickly. The brake pedal is too soft in the TrailBlazer and Envoy, although stopping distances are good.

The Envoy's posh interior is quiet, although wind noise with the radio off is noticeable at highway speeds. The cockpit has high-grade materials and room for four tall adults, who sit high and have room to stretch. GM goofed by not giving its new sport-ute trio a third-row seat, but one is expected next year. The tall Envoy has a low floor, which makes it fairly easy to get in and out. Door handles can be easily gripped, but narrow rear door openings can make it awkward to enter or leave the back seat. At least all doors open wide. The $325 running boards aren't suited for large shoes.

Gauges can be read at a glance, and the large controls--especially those for power windows--can be easily reached. Even the gearshift lever is nicely angled toward the driver, and rear windows roll all the way down. The well-designed front cupholders shouldn't cause spills and there is a large storage console bin.
The power seat controls on the sides of the seats near the doors aren't in the most convenient spot, but at least there's sufficient room between the seats and doors to allow fairly easy operation of them. Curiously, the accelerator pedal must be pushed a long distance before it can be floored to activate a transmission downshift.

The large cargo area has a low, wide opening and the tailgate has a sturdy strap to help yank it down. Cargo space can be considerably enlarged by flipping the rear seat forward.
The Envoy shows GM can come up with a very solid entry in the highly competitive mid-size sport-utility market. Maybe that's a sign it is returning to the envied position it enjoyed in the 1960s.

2002 GMC ENVOY Prices

$28,820-$33,820

Likes

Strong BMW-style engine. Roomy. Comfortable ride. Decent handling.

Dislikes

Narrow rear door openings and running boards. Wind noise at highway speeds.