2002 GMC Envoy Review
2002 GMC Envoy Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sharp exterior styling, strong six-cylinder power, attractive interior design.
Cons
- Numb steering, plasticky interior pieces, feels tippy in the twisties.
What’s new
Long overdue for a redesign, GMC's all-new Envoy finally gets the goods to compete in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment. An all-aluminum inline six-cylinder engine replaces the aging 4.3-liter V6, and a revised suspension dramatically improves the ride. Unlike the 2000 Envoy that was virtually indistinguishable from its Chevrolet and Oldsmobile siblings, the 2002 model now sports a new look that is unique to the GMC brand.
Edmunds says
A vast improvement over the previous version, with a great inline six engine, but it still doesn't measure up to its competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 GMC Envoy SLE 2WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$262/mo for Envoy SLE
Envoy SLE
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
GMC's previous Envoy was merely a gussied-up version of the standard Jimmy. Even with its strong V6 and options aplenty, it was totally outclassed by its competition.
For 2002, the Jimmy name gets dropped, and the Envoy becomes GMC's only midsize sport-ute. Unlike its predecessor, it comes to the table with a more complete package that will allow it to compete more favorably against its archrival, the Ford Explorer (also fully redesigned for 2002).
A longer and wider body gives the Envoy a much more substantial look in addition to providing considerably more room inside. A new frame structure that utilizes advanced hydroforming technology achieves stiffness levels typically associated only with high-end sedans. Along with a revised suspension that uses dual A-arms and coilover shocks up front and a five-link coil spring system in the rear, the Envoy's ride quality has been substantially improved. An electronically controlled air spring suspension is optional in the rear, providing load-leveling capabilities and a more isolated ride.
Under the hood, Envoy uses GM's new all-aluminum 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Rated at 270 horsepower and 275 foot-pounds of torque, this new engine out-powers most of its competitors' V8s, let alone their V6 offerings. Achieving its peak torque output at a low 1,600 rpm gives the straight six a noticeably flat powerband that delivers plenty of passing and merging power at just about any speed.
Inside, the Envoy's enlarged cabin is a huge improvement over the cramped quarters in the old version, with plenty of room for five adult passengers. GM plans on releasing an extended-length version within the next two years that will incorporate third-row seating, but until then, the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango have them beat.
The Envoy comes in two well-appointed trim levels, SLE and SLT. Base SLE versions come with a deluxe cloth interior, dual-zone climate control, the OnStar communications system, dual front and side airbags and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. SLT models are loaded with just about every feature available including a driver information center, automatic climate control, leather seating and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with satellite radio and climate controls, just to name a few.
There's no doubt that the new Envoy has all the makings of a solid midsize SUV. The powerful new engine is one of GM's most technologically advanced ever, and the reworked suspension does an admirable job of keeping the enlarged sport-ute comfortably under control. The new look is also unique to GMC, a good thing, considering the somewhat bland exterior of the Olds and the roughrider look of the Chevy Trailblazer. If the new Envoy can demonstrate build quality on par with its competitors, it should have no trouble competing in this hotly contested market.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 GMC Envoy.
5 star(52%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(17%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(1%)
164 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
High Mileage Envoy
khill23, 04/06/2014
2002 GMC Envoy SLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I have a 2002 GMC Envoy with 270,000 miles. I have had for 4 years and have had no major problems with the motor or tranny. I have had to replace the valve cover gasket, rack and pinion steering, ignition coil packs, front hub assembly on both sides, windshield wiper motor, rear shocks, air shocks (once and the second time I put on springs), air compressor, starter, and water pump. … However, those go out on most makes around 200,000 miles I would assume. the four wheel drive was awesome for one bad winter, but has recently stopped working electrical problem or actuator switch I am guessing ,So I would have to say for 270,000 miles and having no engine or tranny problems I cant complain.
4.63 out of 5 stars
I MISS MY ENVOY
klr4isu, 12/06/2010
2002 GMC Envoy SLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my Envoy in 07 before gas prices went all nuts. I ended up trading it for a foreign piece of crap that now burns oil at less than 75k miles! I WANT MY ENVOY BACK!!! :( I was actually in a pretty scary accident in the Envoy and walked away without a scratch. Did a 360 on black ice going up a hill (didn't have 4WD on because I didn't think it was slick out). The Envoy had some … pretty bad body damage but was 100% by the time my body shop guy got done with it and it ran like a dream the entire time I had it. Only issue was a fan belt (I think that's what it was called) that needed replaced for $400. Sounded like I was driving a semi when it went out! :)
4.75 out of 5 stars
Very, very dependable!
swkntexas, 06/25/2011
2002 GMC Envoy SLT 2WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I am the second owner of my 2002 Envoy.
Bought it in 2006 with 52k miles.
It presently has 110k and had never once needed repairs.
I've had to replace the battery and tires, but those are expected repairs.
Yesterday, I took it in for the 90k service and also requested a complete check of all parts, engine and otherwise.
The original rotors and brake pads were due for replacement - but, I … was told they could last another 2,000 miles.
The serpentine belt had minor cracks, and was told it would last a few thousand more miles.
Needless to say, I replaced all that was found after looking at the old parts myself.
After 110k there have been no major mechanical problems. Very impressed.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Reliable
kww8732, 08/08/2009
2002 GMC Envoy SLE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
I've never had any problems with this vehicle with the exception of several minor recalls. I've been very happy with this SUV. Have averaged about 17 miles/gallon of mixed driving with 16 in the city and 21 on the highway.
2002 Envoy Highlights
SLE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $29,575 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $262/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 39.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Envoy include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic 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 – OriginalMarginal
- 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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