GMC Envoy

Infobox Automobile


name=GMC Envoy
manufacturer=General Motors
production=2002-2009
predecessor=GMC Jimmy
successor=GMC Acadia (to Envoy XL/XUV)
GMC Terrain (For short-wheelbase Envoy)
class=Mid-size/Full-size SUV
body_style=4-door SUV
transmission=4-speed automatic
layout=Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
platform=GM GMT360 platform
related=Buick Rainier
Chevrolet SSR
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Isuzu Ascender
Oldsmobile Bravada
Saab 9-7X
transmission=4-speed automatic
engine=4.2 L "LL8" I6
5.3 L "LM4" V8
assembly=Moraine, Ohio, USA
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA (XL/XUV)
wheelbase= Auto in|113.0|0
Auto in|129.0|0 (XL/XUV)
length= Auto in|191.6|0
Auto in|207.6|0 (XL)
Auto in|208.4|0 (XUV)
height= Auto in|71.9|0
Auto in|75.5|0 (XL)
Auto in|77.0|0 (XUV)
width= Auto in|74.7|0

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.

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) V6 Vortec 4300, and was retired after the 2001 model year.

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 different. Early versions used the 270 hp (201 kW) straight-6 Vortec 4200 engine, while later Envoys stepped up to 275 hp (205 kW). This rating grew to Convert|291|hp|kW|0|abbr=on 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.

engine has been named to "Ward's 10 Best Engines" list several times.

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

Safety featuresThe 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-curtian airbags as a standard.

Models

XL

.

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

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.

Envoy discontinuation

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 has decided to close the Moraine, Ohio plant on December 23, 2008, ending production of all GMT360 products. [ [http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081006/FREE/810069969/1530/FREE GM to shut Ohio SUV plant 2 years ahead of plan] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.gmc.com/envoy/index.jsp Official American site]
* [http://www.gmcanada.com/english/vehicles/gmc/envoy/index.jsp Official Canadian site]
* [http://www.autoguidewiki.com/GMC_Envoy_Denali_2WD AutoGuideWiki.com]