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Road Tests: Full Test
Full Test: 2002 GMC Envoy 2WD
Stereo Evaluation
By Liz Kim
Date Posted 09-20-2001
System Score: 8.0
Components: The Bose system in this Envoy begins with an unusual-looking head
unit. This would appear to be shades of things to come in the GM minivan/truck
world, since we saw this identical head unit in a Pontiac Montana minivan several
months back. Depending on your taste, it's either a good or a bad thing. If you're
the type of person who likes widgets, this is your cup of tea. If not, keep shopping.
This head unit offers a full array of programming buttons, such as CD repeat,
random, song list, auto eq, auto volume and more. It also has a great ergonomic
feel, with round rubberized knobs for both tuning and volume. But if your VCR
is still blinking "12:00 — 12:00 — 12:00," this one may be a little
beyond your grasp.
Speakerwise, this system is impressive. It includes a pair of 6.5-inch full-range
drivers in the rear doors, plus a pair of 6.5-inch midbass in the front doors.
Best of all, a pair of upward-firing tweeters grace the top of the dash. Whenever
we see this kind of tweeter, we know we're in for a treat, and these don't disappoint.
See our listening notes below.
Performance: This kind of tweeter makes a huge difference in the sound quality
of an audio system. Specifically, the sound fires upward from the tweeters into
the windshield, then reflects back into the cabin. The result is great sound staging
and imaging throughout the audible range. Other complements to this system include
great thumping bass, detailed and intricate mids, and superb attack on drums.
However, like most GM truck systems, this one is not designed to be lifelike or
realistic. Instead, it's trumped up in all the right spots to give it a very "lively"
sound. Still, this is an impressive system overall, with a lot going for it. Considering
it doesn't contain a subwoofer, it really cranks out the bass.
Best Feature: Dash-mounted tweeters.
Worst Feature: Overly busy head unit.
Conclusion: This is a great truck system. Perfect for cranking up the volume
and drowning out that tire noise.
— Scott Memmer
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