2004 GMC Envoy XL SLE 4.2 Liter Inline Six Cylinder

Summary:

I should have went with the Explorer

Faults:

Irritating squeak from underside. This began at around 300 miles and got progressively worse.

Rear hatch hydraulic cylinders alredy went at 20000 miles.

Change oil light will not go off unless I get my oil changed at the dealer.

General Comments:

The car is generally pretty stylish and rides like a Cadillac. the acceleration is good for its size and engine power.

I don't think it was very well made. For example, it squeaks whenever you hit a bump. This problem has gotten worse over time and the dealer seems to think there is no problem. Also, The rear hatch hydraulic pistons decided to stop working one day. Keep in mind the car is still 6 months old.

The transmission is very touchy in the sense that you are either cruising or at 4000 RPM when you accelerate. The brake feel is poor and I can't see out of the rear window.

The mileage is OK for its size and the power is sufficient.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th November, 2004

17th Feb 2005, 18:32

The gas light problems is easily fixed if look in the manual. The light is set to come on after a set number of engine revolutions. When you take it to the dealer they simply resit it be easy code. For example pressing the gas five times and then turning the switch to on. It just depends on the model. Check your manual I have done this several times with my grandmothers car.

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2004 GMC Envoy XL 6 cylinder

Summary:

Probably a lemon

Faults:

The transmission went out with less than 5,000 miles.

General Comments:

The dealer rebuilt the transmission under warranty, but it doesn't shift correctly (as it did when new). Dealer says it is working as designed. I am currently unable to get anyone at GM to respond to my concerns.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th November, 2004

30th Jul 2006, 13:52

Please don't condemn a great car because of a bad dealership. For years my wife and I bought Fords from a dealership that not only refused to fix them, but (we strongly suspect) actually sabotaged them so we'd have to come back. We finally got fed up and traded our Fords for two GM cars. One is a 2003 Envoy that now has almost 50,000 miles on it, the other is a Pontiac with just over 50,000 on it now. We have never had one seconds trouble with either vehicle, and the GM dealership has been wonderful in performing the routine servicing quickly and efficiently without deliberately loosening bolts or hoses to cause additional problems.

I have no idea what caused your transmission problems, but a very minute percentage of all cars (foreign and domestic) have these kinds of problems. 99% of the time customer complaints are the result of bad service departments refusing to properly solve the problem, not a bad car. I'd consult an attorney if the problem is not properly repaired. I had to resort to that on one of my Fords for a relatively minor problem and it did the trick and forced the dealer to repair the car correctly. I wish you the best of luck. Our Envoy and Pontiac are two of the best and most reliable cars we have ever owned.

12th Mar 2010, 14:30

I purchase a 2003 Envoy with new off the showroom floor with a GMPP Major Guard Warranty. The vehicle is at 136,000 and needs an entire rear end, front and back pinion bearings over $3,000 for repairs. This is just one of many problems with this vehicle. Never missed a service and yet the vehicle is out of service; at 36,000 miles the suspension system was acting up, the transmission has never sound right. I am sure I have a lemon.

2004 GMC Envoy XL 6 cylinder.

Summary:

So far so good. See me in 4 years...

Faults:

Power steering rack failed at about 2000 miles. Dealer replaced under warranty. No problems since.

General Comments:

We replaced our Chevy Venture with this vehicle. Our idea was to transition from Minivan life to a vehicle that still worked for a family - but now with older kids. Besides, my son hated to be seen driving the Minivan...

It's a great SUV. Comfortable, reliable and powerful. I'm not sure why anyone would by the 8 cylinder when the six is so gutsy. We get 15 mpg city and 18 highway. You can lower these numbers if you have a heavy foot. Easy on the acceleration and your mileage will be better.

My wifes big complaint is that, compared to the minivan, there is less storage for "between the seat" kinds of things. Where to put purses, small bags etc. The Envoy has a console that covers the transmission hump (which the front wheel drive venture didn't have) - hence less between the seats storage.

Ours is the XL which is much longer than typical. Rearward visibility can be a bit limited when backing.

Storage, seating, convenience etc are great. Our runner up car when shopping was a Honda Pilot which had much more road noise.

Buy one when GM offer great rebates and you won't be unhappy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th August, 2004

30th Sep 2004, 10:40

I agree, end-of-year rebates and GM Card earnings lower the purchase price tremendously. Went with the Carbon Metallic. Handsome vehicle. Replaced a mini-van.

27th May 2006, 21:09

We bought a 2003 Envoy SLE in June of 2003 after driving the Toyota Highlander (no power, poor ride), the Ford Explorer (too noisy, poor ride) and several others, none of which had the awesome power (we have the 6, who needs the 8!!) the quiet, smooth ride and the luxurious feel. In 40,000 miles we've had not one single problem with this car. It looks, drives and feels as good as the day we bought it. We get 19mpg average, which is not bad for something so big. We stayed away from the longer XL because the added weight really eats into the mileage. We'd buy another one in a minute if we were ready to trade. Out of 5 domestic and 3 Japanese SUV's we drove none even came close to the Envoy.

7th Feb 2007, 15:28

You will want the V8 if you tow anything. Same gas mileage as the 6!

9th Dec 2007, 22:12

Our 2003 Envoy is STILL performing flawlessly with not a single problem, and my wife refused to even consider trading it in on a new Acadia (which I love). It's definitely a keeper. I'm curious as to how the original reviewer's is doing. How about an update?

2004 GMC Envoy XUV SLE 4WD 4.2 L6

Summary:

Glad it's not mine

Faults:

Nothing went wrong yet, it's still "new"

General Comments:

The 6 cylinder engine delivers enough power to get you from 45 to 90mph in about 10 seconds, if you're towing nothing.

The suspension is characteristic to American cars: bouncy. Considering that it's still under warranty, I tackled a 25mph curve at 70 on dry pavement (hey, who really knows, maybe this could've been an accident-avoiding life-saving maneuver under different circumstances) and the car seemed to handle it, until it started leaning toward the outside of the curve really bad (I braced for impact), the rear end broke loose with a Disappointing screech (5,000 lbs, what did I expect?!). Lucky me there was nothing coming on the opposite lane, that gave me enough space to get it to go straight again - pretty responsive steering.

The cabin has decent-to-nice appointments and offers plenty of space for 5 adults, 4 if you're above 300lbs. Air conditioning is available for the rear passengers too. Fold the rear seats, and drop the mid-gate: you got yourself a van. Slide the power-sliding rear roof and a pick-up truck suddenly appears. It would be nice if the windows would go back up with the same.. let's call it "press-and-forget" technique.

The sound system has enough power if you like opera music and the like, but there isn't much bass even on max setting. I can't believe they still didn't integrate MP3 decoding technology in stock CD players, for crying out loud!

Man, this car is big!! Try to park it in New York. I bet you'll have to put quarters into 2 parking meters.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th July, 2004