The History Of GMC Envoy

The GMC Envoy is an SUV from the GMC marque of General Motors. It was introduced as a luxury version of the Jimmy for the 1998 model year, the same year the Jimmy was restyled.

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 190hp (142kW) 4.3L L35 Vortec 4300 V6, and was retired after the 2001 model year.

The new Envoy replaced the Jimmy name in GMC's lineup. While it still shares a platform with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the styling is different. Early versions used the 270hp (201kW) straight-6 Vortec 4200 engine, while later Envoys stepped up to 275hp (205kW). This rating grew to 291hp (217kW) 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 several times.

Engines:

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

Safety features The GMC Envoy has a variety of safety features available as standard or optional.

The GMC Envoy received a 3-Star Frontal Crash Rating for the Driver and 4-Stars for the Front Passenger. All areas including side-impact crashes received 5 stars. These tests were conducted by the NHTSA. These ratings pertain to the model year of 2002 to present. When IIHS tested it, it earned an ADEQUATE for Front and a MARGINAL for the side test.

For 2006-present, GMC added standard stability control, or as they call it "Stabilitrak." And for 2008 it added side-curtain airbags as a standard.

XL

The Envoy XL was the full-size counterpart to the five-passenger mid-size Envoy. One unique element of the Envoy was the availability of a usable 3-row that was comfortable for a 6-foot (1.83m) passenger in the, 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. The Envoy XL was larger than the short-wheelbase Yukon.

Production of the XL model was handled by the Oklahoma City Assembly plant in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The XL model was discontinued after the 2006 model year when the Oklahoma city plant closed on February 20, 2006. The Envoy XL has since been replaced by the Acadia crossover SUV as of 2007.

XUV

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

The advantage of the Envoy XUV over a pickup truck or a more truck-like configuration such as the Chevrolet Avalanche (which originated the MidGate feature) is that with retractable roof and rear glass closed, the cargo area is sealed, full roof height and lockable, thus making it an enclosed SUV. The disadvantages include a much shorter cargo bed area and breakable side glass. The Envoy XUV's retractable roof was reminiscent of the Studebaker Wagonaire of the 1960s.

Sales were projected at 30,000 per year for the XUV (approximately a third of Envoy production), but were much slower with just over 12,000 sold in 2004. GM decided to discontinue XUV production on March 15, 2005.

Denali

In 2005, a Denali luxury version of the Envoy became available. Both the standard length wheelbase Envoy as well as the Envoy XL are available with the Denali trim option. The Envoy Denali features the hallmark bullet pattern grille and an upgraded interior with luxury car-like features such as heated power seats, extensive woodgrain trim, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Prices for the Envoy Denali range from US$37,145 to $42,750; prices for the Envoy XL Denali range from $38,575 to $43,895.

The Envoy (along with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer) will be phased out after the 2009 model year. With the GMC Acadia serving as its mid price 7-passenger Envoy replacement, the mid-size 2010 GMC Terrain crossover SUV, based on the Theta platform will replace the standard 5-passenger Envoy. GM closed the Moraine, Ohio plant on December 23, 2008, ending production of all GMT360 products.