GMC Envoy

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GMC Envoy
2002-2005 GMC Envoy
Manufacturer General Motors
Production 2002-2009
Assembly Moraine, Ohio
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (XL/XUV)
Predecessor GMC Jimmy
Successor GMC Acadia (to Envoy XL/XUV)
GMC Terrain (For short-wheelbase Envoy)
Class Mid-size/Full-size SUV
Body style(s) 4-door SUV
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform GM GMT360 platform
Engine(s) 4.2 L LL8 I6
5.3 L LM4 V8
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 113.0 in (2870 mm)
129.0 in (3277 mm) (XL/XUV)
Length 191.6 in (4867 mm)
207.6 in (5273 mm) (XL)
208.4 in (5293 mm) (XUV)
Width 74.7 in (1897 mm)
Height 71.9 in (1826 mm)
75.5 in (1918 mm) (XL)
77.0 in (1956 mm) (XUV)
Related Buick Rainier
Chevrolet SSR
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Isuzu Ascender
Oldsmobile Bravada
Saab 9-7X

The GMC Envoy is an SUV from the GMC marque of General Motors. It was introduced as a luxury version of the Jimmy for the 1998 model year, the same year the Jimmy was restyled.

Contents

[edit] 1998

For 1998, the Envoy was a luxury trim line of the GMC Jimmy SUV, itself a clone of the Chevrolet Blazer. This version used a 190 hp (142 kW) V6 Vortec 4300, and was retired after the 2001 model year.

[edit] 2002

The new Envoy replaced the Jimmy name in GMC's lineup. While it still shares a platform with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the styling is different. Early versions used the 270 hp (201 kW) straight-6 Vortec 4200 engine, while later Envoys stepped up to 275 hp (205 kW). This rating grew to 291 hp (217 kW) for the 2006 model year. All Envoys have 4-wheel disc brakes. A Displacement on Demand 5.3 L V8 was used beginning in 2005.

2006-2008 GMC Envoy SLT
2006-2008 GMC Envoy SLT

The Envoy was Motor Trend magazine's Sport/Utility of the Year for 2002. The 4200 Vortec I6 engine has been named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list several times.

Engines:

Safety Features The GMC Envoy has a variety of safety features available as standard or optional.

The GMC Envoy received a 3-Star Frontal Crash Rating for the Driver and 4-Stars for the Front Passenger. All areas including side-impact crashes received 5 stars. These tests were conducted by the NHTSA. These ratings pertain to the model year of 2002 to present.

For 2006-present, GMC added standard stability control, or as they call it "Stabilitrak." And for 2008 it added side-curtian airbags as a standard.

[edit] Models

[edit] XL

GMC Envoy XL
GMC Envoy XL

The Envoy XL was the full-size counterpart to the five-passenger mid-size Envoy. One unique element of the Envoy was the availability of a usable 3-row that was comfortable for a 6-foot (1.83 m) passenger in the, 7-passenger Envoy XL version. This vehicle is 16 in (406 mm) longer and has a higher roofline to allow easier access to the third row of seats. This roof is disguised by standard roof racks. The Envoy XL was larger than the short-wheelbase Yukon.

Production of the XL model was handled by the Oklahoma City Assembly plant in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The XL model was discontinued after the 2006 model year when the Oklahoma city plant closed on February 20, 2006. The Envoy XL has since been replaced by the Acadia crossover SUV as of 2007.

[edit] XUV

GMC Envoy XUV
GMC Envoy XUV
GMC Envoy XUV
GMC Envoy XUV

The five-passenger Envoy XUV, introduced in 2003, was an attempt to create a combination of pickup truck and SUV. It featured a retractable rear roof section that slid forward, giving an open-topped load area. A 'MidGate' could be raised to partition the load area off from the passenger compartment; this was a solid, waist height plastic-lined panel and with a retractable glass partition for the top half. The two-way tailgate could either hinge sideways or drop down; the tailgate glass retracted into the solid tailgate. The cargo area was waterproofed and fitted with a drainage system, allowing it to be easily hosed down for cleaning.

The advantage of the Envoy XUV over a pickup truck or a more truck-like configuration such as the Chevrolet Avalanche (which originated the MidGate feature) is that with retractable roof and rear glass closed, the cargo area is sealed, full roof height and lockable, thus making it an enclosed SUV. The disadvantages include a much shorter cargo bed area and breakable side glass. The Envoy XUV's retractable roof was reminiscent of the Studebaker Wagonaire of the 1960s.

Sales were projected at 30,000 per year for the XUV (approximately a third of Envoy production), but were much slower with just over 12,000 sold in 2004. GM decided to discontinue XUV production on March 15, 2005.


[edit] Denali

GMC Envoy Denali
GMC Envoy Denali

In 2005, a Denali luxury version of the Envoy became available. Both the standard length wheelbase Envoy as well as the Envoy XL are available with the Denali trim option. The Envoy Denali features the hallmark bullet pattern grille and an upgraded interior with luxury car-like features such as heated power seats, extensive woodgrain trim, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Prices for the Envoy Denali range from US$37,145 to $42,750; prices for the Envoy XL Denali range from $38,575 to $43,895.

[edit] Future

The Envoy (along with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer) will be phased out after the 2009 model year. With the GMC Acadia serving as its mid price 7-passenger Envoy replacement, the mid-size 2010 GMC Terrain crossover SUV, based on the Theta platform will replace the standard 5-passenger Envoy. Along with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GM will keep the Envoy in production for the 2009 model year.

[edit] External links


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GMC, a division of General Motors, light truck timeline, United States market, 1980s–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Crossover Terrain
Acadia
SUV S-15 Jimmy Jimmy
Typhoon Envoy Envoy
K5 Jimmy Yukon Yukon Yukon
Suburban Suburban Yukon XL Yukon XL
Pickup S-15 Sonoma Sonoma
Caballero Syclone Canyon
C/K C/K Sierra Sierra
Van Safari
G-Series Savana