2007 GMC Envoy Review
The Envoy is a mid-size SUV that began its life as a luxury trim for the GMC Jimmy. The Jimmy was phased out in 2000 and the Envoy became its own model two years later. In 2004, the XUV trim debuted, adding a midgate divider and a sliding roof; however, that trim only survived a year. The Envoy was named Motor Trend’s “SUV of the Year” in 2002.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The GMC Envoy is big and expensive, but is it worth the price? For a MSRP reaching close to $30,000, we expect more standard safety features and standard four-wheel drive. It has plenty of storage and passenger space, but this also means that the Envoy is a burden to drive in urban environments. Add its long line of recalls and the Envoy just isn’t an attractive option.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Envoy 3 stars in both overall mechanical quality and overall performance and design. Problems affecting the early Envoys include AC issues, loss of memory, cracking engine mounts, sticky transmissions, and nonfunctional keyless entry. It has been recalled a whopping 13 times. Expect below-average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Envoy earned 3.5 stars in government frontal crash tests and 5 stars in side tests. IIHS ratings are not available. Anti-lock brakes and stability control are standard. Full head side airbags are optional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Powerful
+ Roomy
+ Smooth ride
Cons
– Terrible reliability
– Overpriced
– Hard to drive
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Isuzu Ascender adds standard 4WD and costs over $2,000 less. The Toyota Highlander at $4,000 less has a much smaller, four-cylinder engine, but does have standard 4WD. The Kia Sorento comes out as a real bargain, having only about 30 less hp, but offering much of the same space and features for $10,000 less.
What Others Are Saying:
“While the Envoy is not sporty, it does offer a smooth ride. Its Luxury Ride suspension features stabilizer bars and high-pressure gas-filled Bilstein shock absorbers to soak up bumps.” – Forbes
“After sampling the Envoy SLE, I tried to think of one reason why the GMC Envoy shouldn’t immediately receive the same doctoring that shuffled Old Yeller off this mortal coil. Let’s see… The Envoy’s got a rough-and-tumble frame and optional 4WD system and not enough clearance to use it. It’s ugly, thirsty, cramped and nasty.” – The Truth About Cars
“Nevertheless, it’s really not sensible to use something as heavy as the Envoy as a grocery-getter or a kiddie-taxi. Yet folks who use it for just those purposes seem to buy most of them. The Envoy should not be considered an alternative to a car. You really don’t want something this big if you live in a city. For one thing, you just can’t wheel it around like a compact car. It’s slow making left hand turns through intersections and it blocks the view of people in normal sized cars stuck behind you.” – About.com
Read more about the 2007 GMC Envoy at the GMC manufacturer web site.
