2000 GMC Jimmy/Envoy: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

GMC's slightly upscale versions of the Chevrolet Blazer lose their base models for 2000 but gain standard suspension upgrades. Two- and 4-door Jimmys return, both with a drop-down tailgate and top-hinged rear window; 4-doors offer an alternative one-piece liftgate with opening window.

Gone are the SL trim levels, leaving better-equipped SLS 2-doors and SLE and SLT 4-doors. A special Diamond Edition 4-door marks Jimmy's 30th birthday with brushed-aluminum exterior accents and specific interior trim. Topping the line is Envoy, a luxury 4-door with monochrome exterior cladding, 2-tone leather-and-wood interior, load-leveling suspension, high-intensity headlamps, and other standard amenities. All models come with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. The previously optional "Luxury Ride Suspension" package with its gas-charged shock absorbers and front and rear stabilizer bars is now standard on all 4-doors.

The only engine is a 4.3-liter V6. On 2-doors, manual transmission is standard and automatic is optional. Four-doors come with an automatic that has a "Tow/Haul" mode designed to optimize shift points for heavy loads and towing. Maximum towing capacity is 5900 pounds, an increase of 400 pounds for 2000.

Jimmy's basic InstaTrac 4WD is for use only on slippery surfaces. Optional on Jimmy and standard on Envoy and the Diamond Edition is GM's Autotrac, for use on all surfaces. It normally runs in 2WD but automatically engages the front axle when rear-wheel slip is detected; it also has 4-high and 4-low modes. GM's OnStar assistance system is standard on SLT, Diamond Edition, and Envoy. GM's Jimmy/Blazer/Oldsmobile Bravada trio of SUVs is being redesigned for release as '02 models starting in early 2001. The new versions will be slightly larger and will offer an inline-6-cylinder engine. The performance and accommodations of Jimmy and Envoy models mirror those of similarly equipped Blazers.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys include the Ford Explorer, the Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Explorer and M-Class are more traditional SUVs with full off-road capability and V6 and V8 engines. RX 300 is a car-based SUV that lacks a low range in 4WD mode, but is the most carlike to drive.

Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.

If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.