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2004 GMC Envoy Full Review
Date Published: 7/08/08
Also in the 2004 GMC Envoy Review:
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GMC Envoy Full Review

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All GMCs


2004 GMC Envoy Review
A unique version that opens its cargo bed to the sky is the 2004 highlight for GMC's midsize SUV. Envoy shares a basic GM design with the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Oldsmobile Bravada, and Isuzu Ascender. Envoy comes as a 5-passenger regular-length model and as the 7-passenger extended-length XL. The new XUV uses the extended-length body, seats five, and has a power sliding roof section over its cargo area. It also has a "midgate" wall behind the rear seat that, along with the rear seats, folds to extend the length of the cargo floor. The midgate includes a glass divider window that powers down. XUV has a dual-action tailgate that drops or swings open on side hinges; it also has a power window.

Standard on all Envoys is a 275-hp inline 6-cyl engine. Optional for XL and XUV is a 290-hp V8. 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 optional; the driver's bag covers head and torso. Curtain side airbags are unavailable. Rear DVD entertainment and power-adjustable pedals are optional. Newly available for 2004 is satellite radio and a navigation system. The latter is part of a combination radio/navigation unit that puts the navigation screen in the audio faceplate. This evaluation covers the Envoy and Ascender.
News
Envoy and Envoy XUV should see mostly minor yearly changes until 2007, when sources expect a makeover, if not a full redesign, for all of GM's midsize SUVs. The same naturally applies to the related Chevy TrailBlazer and Buick Rainier.

For 2008, GMC reportedly departs from tradition by offering its first-ever unibody model, a car-type crossover SUV to supplement Envoy. Based on GM's long-delayed Lambda platform, this new "truck" replaces a planned Pontiac version that would have been sold in the same Pontiac-GMC showrooms anyway. One well-placed Detroit source says GMC is getting the crossover as a reward for its recent strong sales performance. Buick and Saturn will have their own Lambdas, but the GMC will doubtless emphasize the brand's truck-tough heritage in appearance, advertising and perhaps some exclusive features. Like its divisional sisters, also yet unnamed, GMC's newbie is expected to offer V6 power (a 3.5- and/or 3.9-liter) linked to front-wheel and all-wheel drive. We'd guess it will be close in size to the 5-passenger Envoy, but lighter and biased toward on-road driving rather than off-road excursions.
2004 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 susp. XL SLT 4WD, 6 cyl XUV 4WD w/air susp., V8 Class Average
6 6 5 6 4.8

Regular-length 6-cyl Envoys unstressed in everyday driving, do fine in highway merging and passing. Seven-seat versions of Envoy and Ascender weigh about 350 lb more, XUVs about 430 lb more. In these, 6 cyl is still adequate, but V8 adds useful muscle for hauling or towing heavy loads. On downside, V8 adds about $1500.
Fuel Economy

SLT 4WD SLT 4WD w/air susp. XL SLT 4WD, 6 cyl XUV 4WD w/air susp., V8 Class Average
4 4 3 3 3.8

Test regular-length 2WD and 4WD Envoys averaged 12.1-17.4 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Extended-use 2003 Envoy XL with 6 cyl and 4WD averaged 15.8 mpg over its 21,677-mi. test. Test V8 versions averaged 15.2-15.7 mpg. By comparison, test 4WD Explorers averaged 17.1 mpg with V6, 14.1-15.4 with V8. Test XUV with V8 averaged 14.8 mpg.
Ride Quality

SLT 4WD SLT 4WD w/air susp. XL SLT 4WD, 6 cyl XUV 4WD w/air susp., V8 Class Average
5 6 6 6 4.5

Rear load-leveling air suspension available on Envoy, but not Ascender, is more composed than the coil-spring setup, which suffers float and wander at highway speeds. Envoy XL shares longer wheelbase with Ascender EXT. It 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 susp. XL SLT 4WD, 6 cyl XUV 4WD w/air susp., V8 Class Average
3 4 3 4 3.7

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 Envoys and Ascenders works well in the snow.
Quietness

SLT 4WD SLT 4WD w/air susp. XL SLT 4WD, 6 cyl XUV 4WD w/air susp., V8 Class Average
4 4 4 4 4.4

It cruises quietly enough, but 6-cyl engine sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. V8 is more refined. 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. Running Envoy XUV with both the cargo roof and midgate glass open generates wind roar as speed rises.
Controls

SLT 4WD SLT 4WD w/air susp. XL SLT 4WD, 6 cyl XUV 4WD w/air susp., V8 Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.2

Envoy, Ascender share clear, handy dashboard design. Switchgear has smooth, quality feel, but one test model had a loose, flimsy headlamp knob. Envoy's imitation-wood trim unimpressive, but interior decor otherwise more upscale than that of TrailBlazer. New navigation/audio combo a sensible mating of map screen, navigation functions, and radio controls for relative ease of use. Button on ceiling console controls XUV's power midgate window and power sliding rear roof; roof can also be activated by inserting and turning ignition key in tailgate lock.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SLT 4WD SLT 4WD w/air susp. XL SLT 4WD, 6 cyl XUV 4WD w/air susp., V8 Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.4

Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats fairly comfortable and supportive. Driver's view to front and sides good, but obscured by headrests and roof pillars in lane changes and backing up. Available power-adjustable pedals may be helpful, especially to shorter drivers. XUV midgate no impediment to rear visibility.
Room/Comfort (rear)

SLT 4WD SLT 4WD w/air susp. XL SLT 4WD, 6 cyl XUV 4WD w/air susp., V8 Class Average
6 6 7 7 5.6

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. With 7-passenger seating, 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up for accessing 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 susp. XL SLT 4WD, 6 cyl XUV 4WD w/air susp., V8 Class Average
8 8 9 8 7.8

Generous in regular-length models, spacious in extendeds. The 60/40 split seat folds easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. However, instead of a flat load floor with all seats folded, extended-length models, have a tiered floor that frustrates easy loading and packing. 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. No other SUV has Envoy XUV's roof design, which provides closed-wagon security or open-to-the-sky versatility. Roof section over cargo bay powers forward to accommodate extra-tall items, such as shrubs or large appliances. Midgate window nicely isolates cargo bay from cabin, and powers down for extra ventilation. Midgate wall between cargo bay and rear seat folds to lengthen carrying floor, though doing so eliminates use of rear seat. Cargo bay itself is plastic-lined and can be washed with a hose. In all, it's an imaginative package that expands the SUV's capabilities with minimal compromise.
Value within Class

SLT 4WD SLT 4WD w/air susp. XL SLT 4WD, 6 cyl XUV 4WD w/air susp., V8 Class Average
7 8 8 7 5.1

Envoy is the best overall value among these Buick/Chevy/Olds/Isuzu siblings. It has a relatively pleasing interior, and its optional rear load-leveling air suspension, which isn't offered on TrailBlazer or Ascender, benefits both ride and handling. And no SUV matches the Envoy XUV's blend of traditional wagon and innovative cargo hauler. Their truck-based design is a plus for towing, but these GM-built wagons aren't as sensible for most everyday users as car-based midsize SUVs. And their lack of curtain side airbags is a serious omission in today's market.
Total Score

SLT 4WD SLT 4WD w/air susp. XL SLT 4WD, 6 cyl XUV 4WD w/air susp., V8 Class Average
57 60 59 59 52.3
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
39
Average Score
52
High Score
66
2004 GMC Envoy Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/01/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SLE regular length 4-door wagon, 2WD $29,220 $26,444 $685
SLE regular length 4-door wagon, 4WD $31,470 $28,480 $685
XL SLE extended length 4-door wagon, 2WD $31,320 $28,345 $685
XL SLE extended length 4-door wagon, 4WD $33,570 $30,381 $685
XUV SLE extended length 4-door wagon, 2WD $31,325 $28,349 $685
XUV SLE extended length 4-door wagon, 4WD $33,575 $30,385 $685
SLT regular length 4-door wagon, 2WD $34,070 $30,833 $685
SLT regular length 4-door wagon, 4WD $36,320 $32,870 $685
XL SLT extended length 4-door wagon, 2WD $35,870 $32,463 $685
XL SLT extended length 4-door wagon, 4WD $38,120 $34,499 $685
XUV SLT extended length 4-door wagon, 2WD $35,925 $32,512 $685
XUV SLT extended length 4-door wagon, 4WD $38,175 $34,548 $685
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 regular
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, 2-speed transfer case .
XL SLE adds to SLE regular:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear climate controls, 3rd-row split folding seat, power rear quarter windows, overhead console, universal garage-door opener, cargo cover.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
XUV SLE adds to SLE regular:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sliding rear roof, midgate w/power sliding window, overhead console, universal garage-door opener, rear defogger.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
SLT regular adds to SLE regular:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats, driver-seat and mirror memory, dual-zone automatic climate controls, steering-wheel radio and climate controls, rear radio controls, rear headphone jacks, OnStar telematics system w/one-year service, heated power mirrors w/turn-signal lights, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, overhead console, universal garage-door opener, outside-temperature indicator, 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, 2-speed transfer case.
XL SLT adds to SLT regular:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear climate controls, 3rd-row split folding seat, power rear quarter windows.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: cargo cover.
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
XUV SLT adds to SLT regular:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sliding rear roof, midgate w/power sliding window, heated front seats.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: cargo cover.
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
XUV SLE
$695
$598
8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, roof rack.
Preferred Equipment Group 1SD
SLT regular, XL SLT
$1,165
$1,002
XUV SLT
$790
$679
Heated front seats (regular, XL), Bose AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital memo recorder, rain-sensing wipers, theft-deterrent system w/alarm (regular, XL), headlight washers.
California Sun Sound and Entertainment Pkg.
SLT
$2,015
$1,733
SLT w/Group 1SD
$1,865
$1,604
Power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), digital memo recorder.
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine
XL, XUV
$1,500
$1,290
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Traction control
2WD
$175
$151
Requires limited-slip differential.
Limited-slip rear differential
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$270
$232
2WD SLE requires Preferred equipment Group 1SB or limited-slip differential.
Special axle ratio
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$50
$43
Safety
Front side airbags
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$350
$301
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar telematics system
SLE
$695
$598
Includes one-year service.
Navigation system
SLT
$1,995
$1,716
SLT w/California Pkg.
$1,600
$1,376
Requires Bose sound system and digital memo recorder or Preferred Equipment Group 1SD. or California Sun Sound and Entertainment Pkg. Replaces optional radio equipment w/single-disc CD player.
Power sunroof
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$800
$688
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Rear-seat entertainment system
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$1,295
$1,114
SLT w/California Pkg.
$495
$426
DVD player, screen, headphones. SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB. NA w/power sunroof. Deletes power sunroof w/California Sun Sound and Entertainment Pkg.
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$150
$129
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$395
$340
SLT w/1SD
$245
$211
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Bose sound system
SLT
$495
$426
Requires optional radio or navigation system.
Satellite radio
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$325
$280
Requires monthly fee.
Digital memo recorder
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$85
$73
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
8-way power passenger seat
SLE
$275
$237
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Heated front seats
SLT regular, XL SLT
$275
$237
Power-adjustable pedals
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$150
$129
Rear defogger
SLE regular, XL SLE
$200
$172
Heated power mirrors
SLE
$130
$112
Regular, XL require rear defogger.
Cargo cover
SLE regular
$70
$60
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Cargo-management system
regular length
$165
$142
3rd-row floormats
XL SLE
$30
$26
Std. XL SLT.
Cargo mat
SLE regular, XUV SLE/SLT
$40
$34
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB. Std. SLT regular.
Cargo net
SLE regular
$45
$39
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Smoker's Pkg.
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$30
$26
Ashtray, lighter.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$375
$323
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Pkg. 1SB.
Roof rack
SLE
$45
$39
Alarm system
regular length, XL
$40
$34
Engine-block heater
4WD
$35
$30
Special paint
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$165
$142
Headlight washers
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 suspension
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$375
$323
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
245/65R17 on/off-road tires
4WD
$95
$82
Requires skid plates.
Polished alloy wheels
SLE regular, SLT regular, XL SLE, XL SLT, XUV SLE, XUV SLT
$495
$426
2004 GMC Envoy Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification GMC Envoy 4-door wagon GMC Envoy XL 4-door wagon GMC Envoy XUV 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 113.0 129.0 129.0
Overall Length, in. 191.6 207.6 208.4
Overall Width, in. 74.6 74.7 74.7
Overall Height, in. 71.9 75.5 77.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 4612 4954 5042
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 80.1 107.4 95.2
Standard Payload, lbs. 1134 1433 698
Fuel Capacity, gals. 22.0 25.0 25.0
Seating Capacity 5 7 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.2 40.2 40.2
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.1 43.1 41.4
Rear Head Room, in. 39.6 39.6 39.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.0 37.0 37.0
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 14/19
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 GMC Envoy XUV 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 3 NA 3
Front Impact, Passenger 3 NA 3
Rollover Resistance 3 NA NA
Side Impact, Driver 5 NA NA
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5 NA 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
Also in the 2004 GMC Envoy Review:
5. 
GMC Envoy Photos

6. 
GMC Envoy Full Review

7. 
All GMC Envoys

8. 
All GMCs


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