1998 GMC Envoy Review
Price Estimate: $560 - $909
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Lots of standard features. GM's OnStar system is included.
Cons
- No V8 available.
What’s new
GMC introduces its finest luxury compact SUV to date: the Envoy.
For sale near Manassas, VA
Vehicle overview
GMC has been tagging itself as the premium truck division during the past two years. The release of the brand-new, upscale Envoy sport-utility vehicle is part of a marketing plan to expand that reputation and appeal to buyers in the ever-booming luxury-SUV market.
To prove they're serious, GMC is offering tons of standard equipment on the sport-ute with only one option: a $750 power sunroof. Some of the standard features on the vehicle include four-wheel drive, leather seating, a Bose sound system and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. These headlamps emit a true white light that is brighter, lasts longer and uses less electricity than a halogen bulb. It offers more than two and a half times the light emitted by halogen bulbs and provides a longer, wider beam.
Using the Vortec 4.3-liter V6 engine that's currently found under the hood of the Jimmy as well as the same four-speed automatic transmission, the company has refurbished that rugged truck with some pretty two-tone paint and a revamped interior, calling it Envoy. They've made some changes to the exterior of the vehicle, including new front-end styling, but from the rear, you could be looking at any sport-utility vehicle made by GM.
Inside, you'll find the coolest of automotive gadgets: the OnStar Communication System, which allows you to speak to a representative at the touch of a button to get directions, your current position, emergency services, travel conditions or even dinner and hotel reservations. The system works over cellular phone lines, so you might have some trouble in rural Wyoming or anywhere else cellular access may be unobtainable. Still, for most trips and certainly for everyday driving, it is comforting to know there's someone standing by to help if you were to lock your keys inside the vehicle.
The truck also features driver and passenger Next Generation airbags, the PassLock theft deterrent system, keyless remote entry, three-button HomeLink transmitter, heated outside mirrors and tinted glass behind the B-pillar. Designers gave the driver the feel of being in a cockpit by putting the gauges on a semicircular panel and angling the instrument panel 15 degrees toward the driver. Zebrano wood accents lend a feeling of sophistication to the interior and the center console includes a cellular phone. Front-seat occupants can enjoy heated seats that are also eight-way power adjustable while driving to the mountains or just to the store.
Priced competitively at $34,000 in this segment, the Envoy is one to look at if you were thinking along the lines of a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Infiniti QX4.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Not EPA tested for Envoy Base
Envoy Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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GMC Envoy Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Never Again.!!!!
3.25 out of 5 starsconfused, 04/25/2002
1998 GMC Envoy 4dr SUV 4WD
This vehicle had been a finacial
nightmare for this family.Within one
week the Cat covert. had to be
replaced.Now the Valve Body in the
Trans has gone bad.!!40,000 miles.!!
Make sure you are aware of any
problems before you get out your check
book. We have had this SUV for less
then 6months.......Beware.!!!!!
Loaded SUV
3.75 out of 5 starsmarl8y, 06/27/2005
1998 GMC Envoy 4dr SUV 4WD
A great SUV for family trips. Night time visibility is superb with the high intesity headlamps. I love the interior and Bose sound system! It plows through the snow in 4 wheel drive with no problems. Gas mileage is around 15 in the city and 20-22 on the highway. No mechanical problems so far with 78,000 on the odometer.
don't buy this car
2.25 out of 5 starsnperry, 10/23/2003
1998 GMC Envoy 4dr SUV 4WD
i will never buy a gmc again replaced 1
headlight 900.00 new starter 300 new
flywheel 150 new altenator 300 driver
side wheel beering 300.00 new brakes
and rotors 300.00 i've owned for 2
years seems like it's in the shop
atleast once a month for something.
Too expensive to fix
3 out of 5 starsfrank, 08/04/2006
1998 GMC Envoy 4dr SUV 4WD
My Envoy just burned up -- fuel leak. Previously had transmission problem (went dry), but it was covered out-of- warranty because the dealer had just serviced it, and they probably didn't fill it right or left the plug loose. Right headlight went out 3 years ago. Two part light, $375 per part but not sold seperately. Got a junk yard (only one of two in the country at the time) for … $500 plus an hour of labor. GM did not help, dealer or corporate. When burned, the left headlight was out, not available in junkyards at the time. I also lost the third brakelight, costing ~$500 and not properly repaired.
1998 Envoy Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 37.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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