2003 GMC Envoy Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Envoy loses its standard front side airbags for 2003, but is available for the first time with a V8 engine. GMC's midsize SUV comes as a 5-passenger regular-length model and the longer, 7-passenger Envoy XL. Beneath their GMC-specific styling details is a basic design and powertrains shared with Chevrolet's TrailBlazer and longer TrailBlazer EXT. Oldsmobile's Bravada also uses this body-on-frame platform, but comes only in 5-passenger form. XLs have a 16-inch longer wheelbase than regular Envoys, an elevated rear roofline, and 3-row seating. Standard on all is a 275-hp inline 6-cyl engine. An XL-only option is a 290-hp V8 borrowed from GMC's full-size SUVs. A 4-speed automatic is the sole transmission. All Envoys offer rear-wheel drive with available traction control or GM's Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and 17-inch alloy wheels are standard. Front side airbags are now a $350 option; the driver's bag covers head and torso. Curtain side airbags are unavailable. A rear-seat DVD video system is optional. Aimed upscale of TrailBlazer, Envoy costs slightly more and offers some options the Chevys don't, including rear load-leveling air suspension. The fuel tank on regular-length Envoys increased at midyear to 22 gal from 18.7. Envoy's performance and accommodations are similar to those of corresponding TrailBlazers.

Competition

New to the class this year, Honda Pilot has taken the lead as a Best Buy. It offers ample cargo space, seating for eight passengers, all-wheel drive with a locking rear differential for added traction, and above-average refinement. Toyota Highlander is our other Best Buy, chosen for its on-road competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.

News

GMC hopes to make more sales hay starting next summer with an exclusive version, the Envoy XUV. This is basically a long-body XL model with a power-sliding roof panel over the cargo bay and a drop-down interior "midgate" separating cargo bay from passenger compartment. The midgate is similar to that used on the Chevy Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT hybrid pickups, but has a power glass window for more compact folding -- and, of course, rear visibility when the gate isn't folded. The roof panel, which slides ahead for sky's-the-limit cargo height, isn't a new idea. Remember Studebaker? That company's early-1960s Wagonaire station wagon was the same basic idea. Another blast from the past is the XUV's two-way tailgate that drops down or swings out to the side; it, too, has power-sliding glass. XUV should offer the same general mix of features and options as regular XLs, but industry sources think the feast of movable panels will add $2000-$3000 to the bottom line.

GM has announced that the 2005 GMC Envoy XL, Envoy XUV and Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT will be the first vehicles to showcase its innovative Displacement on Demand fuel-saving technology. Displacement on Demand will be a standard feature of the vehicles' optional Vortec 5300 V-8 engine. The more efficient engine will boost the fuel efficiency of these vehicles by about 8 percent (based on an EPA testing procedure).

2003 GMC Envoy Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Steering/handling

Towing ability	Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
6	6	5	6	4.9

Regular-length 6-cyl models are not overworked in everyday driving, including highway merging and passing. XLs add about 350 lb, and though 6 cyl is still adequate, the V8 engine adds some useful muscle when hauling or towing heavy loads. Unfortunately, the V8 costs $1500, more than the V8 option in rivals such as the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Fuel Economy

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
4	4	3	3	3.7

Test regular-length 2WD and 4WD models averaged 12.1-17.4 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Our extended-use Envoy XL with 6 cyl and 4WD is averaging 14.6 mpg over its first 9810 miles; a test V8 version averaged 15.2 mpg. By comparison, test 4WD Explorers averaged 17.1 mpg with V6, 14.1-15.4 with V8.

Ride Quality

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
5	6	6	6	4.4

Envoy's available rear load-leveling air suspension is more composed than the base coil-spring setup, which suffers float and wander at highway speeds. XL's longer wheelbase helps smooth out bumps, but without the air suspension, these 7-seat models also porpoise through dips and swells. Note that GM uses a solid rear axle vs. Ford's independent rear suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
3	4	3	3	3.5

Trucky, with a tippy feel in aggressive cornering and annoyingly vague steering feel. Tight turning radius makes for fairly easy close-quarters maneuvering. Standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes deliver good stopping power, but spongy pedal action. Optional traction control available on 2WD models works well in the snow.

Quietness

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.1

Some tire noise at highway speeds, and that's drowned out by considerable wind noise, especially from around the sunroof--even when it's closed. The 6-cyl engine cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. XL's optional V8 is more refined.

Controls

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.1

Clear and handy. Switchgear has a smooth, quality feel, but one test model had a loose, flimsy headlamp knob. Envoy's imitation-wood trim looks cheap, but interior materials are otherwise satisfying, more upscale than those of TrailBlazer/Bravada.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.3

Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Leather seats fairly comfortable and supportive. We've not yet tested Envoys with cloth upholstery. Driver's view to front and sides good, but obscured by headrests and roof pillars in lane changes and backing up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
6	6	7	7	5.4

Six-footers have ample 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. XL's 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up for accessing the 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs.

Cargo Room

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
8	8	9	9	7.8

Generous in regular Envoys, almost cavernous in XLs, and the 60/40 split seat folds easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. Instead of a flat load floor with all seats folded, XL's suffers three distinct levels. Liftgate's separate-opening glass is relatively high, making it difficult to load some items. Cabins have a good array of pockets and compartments for small items.

Value within Class

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
7	8	7	7	5

The lack of curtain side airbags is a minus in today's SUV market, but these GM-built midsizers match most rivals for pace and space. We think Envoy is a better overall value than its Chevy/Olds/Isuzu siblings. Compared to the TrailBlazer, Envoy has better interior decor, and its optional rear load-leveling air suspension avoids the sloppy ride and handling you're stuck with on the Chevy. Bravada shapes up as a questionable investment due to stiff prices and the imminent demise of the Olds brand, and Isuzu's Ascender sells in very low volume.

Total Score

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
57	60	58	59	51.2

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		35
Average Score		51
High Score		66

2003 GMC Envoy Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/02/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

SLE regular-length 4-door wagon, 2WD	$28,645	$25,924	$650

SLE regular-length 4-door wagon, 4WD	$30,895	$27,960	$650

XL SLE extended-length 4-door wagon, 2WD	$30,945	$28,002	$650

XL SLE extended-length 4-door wagon, 4WD	$33,195	$30,041	$650

SLT regular-length 4-door wagon, 2WD	$33,495	$30,313	$650

SLT regular-length 4-door wagon, 4WD	$35,745	$32,349	$650

XL SLT extended-length 4-door wagon, 2WD	$35,295	$31,942	$650

XL SLT extended-length 4-door wagon, 4WD	$37,545	$33,978	$650

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

SLE

Powertrain

4.2-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual controls, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, intermittent rear wiper/washer, remote tailgate and rear-window releases, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Floormats, theft-deterrent system, rear liftgate, rear privacy glass, roof rails, fog lights, cornering lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Platform hitch, 7-wire trailer harness, full-size spare tire, 245/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, Autotrac 2-speed transfer case .

XL SLE adds to SLE:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear climate controls, 3rd-row split folding seat, power mirrors, overhead console, universal garage-door opener, rear defogger, cargo cover.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, Autotrac 2-speed transfer case.

SLT adds to SLE:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats, driver-seat and mirror memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel radio and climate controls, rear radio controls, rear headphone jacks, OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), heated power mirrors w/turn-signal lights, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, overhead console, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, cargo cover, rear defogger.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, Autotrac 2-speed transfer case.

XL SLT adds to SLT:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear climate controls, 3rd-row split folding seat.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, Autotrac 2-speed transfer case.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
XL SLE	$1,450	$1,247
OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, roof rack.

Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
SLT, XL SLT	$1,165	$1,002
Heated front seats, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, Bose sound system, digital memo recorder, rain-sensing wipers, cargo mat (SLT), theft-deterrent system w/alarm, headlight washers.

Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine
XL SLE, XL SLT	$1,500	$1,290
XL SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.

Traction control
2WD	$175	$151
Requires limited-slip differential.

Limited-slip rear differential
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$270	$232


Special axle ratio
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$50	$43


Safety
Front side airbags
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$350	$301


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$800	$688
SLE, XL SLE require Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.

Rear-seat entertainment system
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$1,000	$860
DVD player, screen, headphones. SLE, XL SLE require Preferred Equipment Group 1SB. NA w/power sunroof.

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$150	$129


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$395	$340
ordered w/Comfort and Convenience Group	$245	$211
SLE, XL SLE require Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.

Bose sound system
SLT, XL SLT	$495	$426
Requires optional radio.

Digital memo recorder
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$85	$73
SLE, XL SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.

8-way power passenger seat
SLE, XL SLE	$275	$237
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.

Heated front seats
SLT, XL SLT	$250	$215


Rear defogger
SLE	$197	$169


Heated power mirrors
SLE, XL SLE	$133	$114
Requires rear defogger.

Cargo-management system
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$165	$142


3rd-row floormats
XL SLE	$30	$26
Std. XL SLT.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$375	$323
SLE, XL SLE requires Preferred Equipment Pkg. 1SB.

Roof rack
SLE, XL SLE	$45	$39


Engine-block heater
4WD	$35	$30


Special paint
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$95	$82


Headlight washers
SLT, XL SLT	$75	$65


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
4WD	$200	$172
Requires 245/65R17 on/off-road tires. NA w/rear load-leveling suspension.

Rear load-leveling air suspension
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$375	$323
SLE, XL SLE require Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.

245/65R17 on/off-road tires
4WD	$95	$82
Requires skid plates.

Polished alloy wheels
SLE, SLT, XL SLE, XL SLT	$495	$426

2003 GMC Envoy Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	GMC Envoy 4-door wagon	GMC Envoy XL 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	113.0	129.0

Overall Length, in.	191.6	207.6

Overall Width, in.	74.6	74.7

Overall Height, in.	71.9	75.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	4767	5118

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	80.1	100.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	1134	1433

Fuel Capacity, gals.	22.0	25.0

Seating Capacity	5	7

Front Head Room, in.	40.2	40.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.1	43.1

Rear Head Room, in.	39.6	39.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.1	37.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I6	ohv V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.2 /256	5.3 /327

Horsepower @ rpm.	275 @ 6000	290 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	275 @ 3600	325 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Optional

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	15/21	14/18

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	GMC Envoy 4-door wagon	GMC Envoy XL 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	3	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	3	NA

Rollover Resistance	3	NA

Side Impact, Driver	5	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5	NA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2003 GMC Envoy Photos

Also in the 2003 GMC Envoy Review:

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GMC Envoy Road Test

GMC Envoy Prices & Equipment

GMC Envoy Specs & Safety

GMC Envoy Photos

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