GMC Envoy

The GMC Envoy is an SUV from the GMC marque of General Motors. There have been two different vehicles to bear this model name, the 1998-2000 Envoy, and the 2002-present Envoy.

1998

For 1998, the Envoy was a luxury trim line of the GMC Jimmy SUV, itself a clone of the Chevrolet Blazer. This version used a 190 hp (142 kW) Vortec 4300. This Envoy was retired after the 2000 model year.

2002

The new Envoy replaces the Jimmy name in GMC's lineup. While it still shares a platform with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the styling is much more differentiated. Early versions used the 270hp (201kW) Vortec 4200 engine, while later Envoys stepped up to 275hp (205kW). This rating grew to 291 hp for the 2006 model year. All Envoys have 4-wheel disc brakes. A Displacement on Demand 5.3L V8 was used beginning in 2005.

The Envoy was Motor Trend magazine's Sport/Utility of the Year for 2002. The 4200 Vortec I6 engine has been named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list every year since its introduction.

Engines:

• 2003-2006 LL8 4.2L (256in³) I6
• 2003-2004 5300 5.3L (323in³) V8
• 2005 5300 5.3L (323in³) V8 with Displacement on Demand

XL

One unique element of the new Envoy line was the availability of a 3-row 7-passenger Envoy XL version. This vehicle is 16in (406mm) longer and has a higher roofline to allow easier access to the third row of seats. This roof is disguised by standard roof racks.

Production of the XL model was handled by the Oklahoma City Assembly plant in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The XL model ceased to exist after the 2006 model year, because the plant there then closed on February 20, 2006.

XUV

The five-passenger Envoy XUV, introduced in 2003, is an attempt to create a crossbreed of pickup truck and SUV. It features a retractable rear roof section that slides forward, giving an open-topped load area. A 'MidGate' can be raised to partition the load area off from the passenger compartment; this is solid and plastic-lined to waist height and with a retractable glass partition for the top half. The two-way tailgate can either hinge sideways or drop down; the tailgate glass retracts into the solid tailgate. The cargo area is waterproofed and fitted with a drainage system, allowing it to be hosed down easily for cleaning.