GMC Envoy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| GMC Envoy | |
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| Manufacturer: | General Motors |
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| Production: | 1998-2000;2002–present |
| Assembly: | Moraine, Ohio Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (XL/XUV) |
| Predecessor: | GMC Jimmy |
| Successor: | GMC Acadia (to Envoy XL/XUV) |
| Class: | Mid-size SUV |
| Body style: | 4-door SUV |
| Platform: | FR/4WD GMT360 |
| Engine: | 4.2 L LL8 I6 5.3 L LM4 V8 |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase: | 113.0 in 129.0 in (XL/XUV) |
| Length: | 191.6 in 207.6 in (XL) 208.4 in (XUV) |
| Width: | 74.7 in |
| Height: | 71.9 in 75.5 in. (XL) 77.0 in. (XUV) |
| Related: | Buick Rainier Chevrolet SSR Chevrolet TrailBlazer Isuzu Ascender Oldsmobile Bravada Saab 9-7X |
| Similar: | Ford Explorer Nissan Pathfinder Toyota 4Runner |
The GMC Envoy is an SUV from the GMC marque of General Motors, and was introduced in 2001 for the 2002 model year.
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[edit] 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.
[edit] 2002
The new Envoy replaced the Jimmy name in GMC's lineup. While it still shares a platform with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the styling is differentiated. Early versions used the 270 hp (201 kW) Vortec 4200 engine, while later Envoys stepped up to 275 hp (205 kW). This rating grew to 291 hp for the 2006 model year. All Envoys have 4-wheel disc brakes. A Displacement on Demand 5.3 L 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 annually since its introduction.
Engines:
- 2003-present LL8 4.2 L (256 in³) I6
- 2003-2004 5300 5.3 L (323 in³) V8
- 2005-present 5300 5.3 L (323 in³) V8 with Displacement on Demand
[edit] Models
[edit] XL
One unique element of the Envoy was the availability of a 3-row 7-passenger Envoy XL version. This vehicle is 16 in (406 mm) 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. The Envoy XL will be replaced by the Acadia for 2007.
[edit] XUV
The five-passenger Envoy XUV, introduced in 2003, was an attempt to create a crossbreed 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 solid and plastic-lined to waist height 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 hosed down easily for cleaning.
The advantage of the Envoy XUV over a pickup truck or a more truck-like crossbreed such as the Chevrolet Avalanche (which shares the MidGate idea) is that the cargo area, with retractable roof and rear glass closed, the cargo area is sealed, full-height and lockable, thus making it close to a SUV. The disadvantages include a much smaller cargo 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.
[edit] 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 Denail range from $38,575 to $43,895.
