2003 GMC Envoy Review

The GMC Envoy is a mid-size sport-utility vehicle that has the driving feel of a 1960s or early 1970s General Motors full-size car.

Those who like the sharper feel of a more hard-edged foreign sport-ute might not like the Envoy, although it offers lots of power, space and comfort--like an old Oldsmobile, Buick or Cadillac sedan.

The Envoy has the same basic design and shares major components, such as the engine, with the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Oldsmobile Bravada. All are brawny, and the Envoy and Bravada are the most luxurious versions.

The three were introduced in early 2001 as 2002 models. They have different front, rear and side styling and unique interiors, along with differently tuned suspensions. Last year, Chevrolet and GMC added a longer wheelbase version to increase occupant capacity from five to seven.

The standard Envoy engine is a smooth BMW-style inline (not V-shaped) 4.2-liter six-cylinder with 275 horsepower and good torque. It adds five horsepower for 2003 and is sophisticated, with dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder.

New for 2003 is availability of a conventional 5.3-liter V-8, borrowed from GMC's full-size sport-utilities. It has 290 horsepower and more torque than the standard Envoy engine. The six-cylinder engine provides lively acceleration, but the larger V-8 provides stronger off-the-line acceleration and more towing ability.

Some potential Envoy customers were typical American truck buyers and thus didn't understand why a V-8 wasn't offered--although the six-cylinder has been the most powerful standard engine in the mid-size sport-ute class since the three SUVs were introduced.

GMC says the "six'' is the most popular for the Envoy. That's partly because the V-8 costs an extra $1,500 and is offered only with the longer, seven-passenger XL version, which has a raised rear roofline to give third-row occupants good headroom. The regular-length version offers seating for five.

The V-8 can't be ordered for the XL SLE version without a $1,450 Preferred Equipment option group, which contains items such as a power driver's seat and General Motors' OnStar emergency assistance feature. No option group is needed if the V-8 is ordered for the higher-line XL SLT version.

Both engines provide fast acceleration and work with a four-speed automatic transmission, which upshifts smoothly and downshifts quickly. However, miles-per-gallon figures are in the low- to mid-teens in the city and in the high teens on the highway with either engine. Four-wheel-drive models are slightly more fuel-thirsty. A larger fuel tank provides a decent cruising range on highways.

Envoy base prices range from $28,510 for the regular-length, rear-drive SLE model to $37,385 for the XL SLT extended-length version with four-wheel drive. Even the base model is well-equipped, with such items as air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD, power windows and remote keyless entry.

The regular length Envoy has a 113-inch wheelbase and is 191.6 inches long, while the extended-length XL version has a 129-inch wheelbase and is 207.6 inches long.

The extended-length Envoy XL is shorter than a Chevrolet Suburban or GMC Yukon full-size sport-ute. But the seven-passenger version is among the largest sport-utility vehicles in the mid-size sport-ute category.

Besides the two lengths, there are SLE and SLT trim levels. They come with either rear-drive and available traction control or GM's Autotrack four-wheel drive, which can be left engaged on dry roads and includes low-range gearing for decent off-road performance.

For 2003, GMC gives the Envoy some option and feature repackaging. However, formerly standard front side air bags have become a $350 option, which isn't necessarily a step in the right direction with the recent emphasis on SUV safety features. No curtain side air bags are offered.

Despite a traditional body-on-frame truck design, the Envoy has impressive chassis rigidity, which improves ride and handling.

The Envoy has a smooth ride, especially with the longer wheelbase, but it occasionally becomes bouncy. Steering is nicely geared for such a big, high, heavy vehicle. This sport-ute generally has a soft overall feel, like those old big sedans.

Handling is decent, and the $375 rear load-leveling suspension enhances it. The brake pedal needs a firmer feel, but stopping distances are good and the anti-lock system works well.

It calls for some extra effort to enter the quiet interior, which has lots of easily read gauges and nicely sized, smooth sound system and climate controls. The front seats are especially comfortable, but power seat controls on the sides of the seats near the doors aren't in a very convenient spot. There are a good number of storage areas for small items.

There's plenty of room in the first and second rows. The third seat provides decent leg and head room for several 6-footers, and isn't very hard to enter. Occupants sit high for a good view of surroundings.

The hatch has a convenient flip-up glass area. The cargo area is large in the shorter version, but average in the extended-length model with the third-row seat in place. However, the third seat folds to allow lots of cargo space.

The well-mannered, spacious Envoy is easy to live with, and definitely is worth a good look.


GMC ENVOY
Prices:
$28,510-$37,385

Likes:
New V-8 availability. Roomy. Nice ride. Roomy seven-passenger version.

Dislikes:
Low fuel economy. Average handling. Fairly high step-in.