2005 GMC Envoy XL Review

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Fuel Economy

14 - 15 mpg

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

If true seven-passenger capacity and serious cargo space are your top priorities in shopping for a midsize SUV, the Envoy XL has the competition beat. Just make sure you test-drive the well-rounded Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango before making a decision.

Pros

Strong six- or eight-cylinder power, clean interior design, plenty of passenger and cargo room.

Cons

Sloppy handling around corners, numb steering, some cheap interior materials.

What's New for 2005

For 2005, seating has been restyled and boasts comfort and quality improvements. A touchscreen DVD-based navigation system is now available. A stereo system with CD/MP3 compatibility and full-length side curtain airbags (replacing last year's front-seat side airbags) are new options this year. A top-rung Denali trim is available, and includes distinctive trim, leather seating and a 5.3-liter V8 engine as standard equipment.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Comfy Ride

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2005 GMC Envoy XL SLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Great comfortable ride. Very roomy. No mechanical problems since it was purchased.

Favorite Features

Smooth ride and a real third row seat. Very comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders could be improved.

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2005 Envoy

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 8
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 9

Vehicle

2005 GMC Envoy XL SLE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Really good experience overall. Only trouble was satellite radio system. We had to change it out under warranty at dealership. No other problems encountered.

Favorite Features

CD player, dashboard layout, engine compartment. V-6 engine uses no oil at all.

Suggested Improvements

Needs grease zerts underneath for all the major ball joints & connections. I still don't know where the fuel filter is on my Envoy XL.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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2005 Envoy XL

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 9

Vehicle

2005 GMC Envoy XL SLT Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

No major problems w/ vehicle. Only service work done to date was to replace the original radio in dash.

Favorite Features

Sun roof, plate protection of oil filter & pan,

Suggested Improvements

I wish it had grease fittings underneath, but it has not been a problem thus far.

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Highway MPG not as promised

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 6 Fun-to-Drive: 5 Build Quality: 7
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 7 Reliability: 7
Fuel Economy: 1 Exterior Design: 7

Vehicle

2005 GMC Envoy XL SLE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I traded in my 2001 Isusu Trooper anniversary edition for the Envoy XL for the 3rd row and better highway mileage est. of 18 mpg., o4 better than I was getting with the trooper. I drive consistent hwy speeds for 39 miles each way and only maxed out at 14.2 mpg. Anybody else experiencing the same thing? I'm considering having the dealer look at this because that is the claim for city mileage not highway and will trade in the lease for something with better fuel efficiency.

Favorite Features

Telematics, OnStar, 3rd row seating

Suggested Improvements

Fuel efficiency, acceleration & soft suspension

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Great on Long Trips

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 7 Build Quality: 8
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 8
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 8

Vehicle

2005 GMC Envoy XL Denali 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

Review

We recently drove from CT to FL & back. A very good experience. Seats never got uncomfortable & multiple adjustments & heating are great. The ride was pretty smooth & quiet. Very easy to drive for long periods. You feel some vibrations/bumps, but this is a truck and not a true luxury car. We wanted the extra cargo space of the XL vs. the extra seating, but it is nice to know it is there. We actually think there is more leg room in the 3rd row than the 2nd. Plenty of gadgets to keep everyone busy (rear DVD especially). We averaged about 20MPG (up to 22MG at slower speeds) even when fully loaded & going 70-75 MPH. Has the cargo & people space of a large SUV in a manageable mid-size package.

Favorite Features

Bose stereo, NAV, power seat adjustments & memory option, rear DVD system, DoD V8 engine (really works), exhaust rumble (especially at startup), all the “luxury car” features. The rear glass opens separately from the whole door. My wife loves the hands free calling with the OnStar system.

Suggested Improvements

A little more leg room in the second row. More storage space (like holder for glasses) and better cup holders. Better head lights (they aren’t very bright & don’t have good coverage) the high beams aren’t very good either. Be able to play CD while using the NAV system.

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