In its second year of production, the GMC Envoy XL full-size SUV got some extra towing capacity and a new powertrain: an optional 5.3 L, 300 hp V8 engine with 4 speed automatic transmission. Otherwise, the stretch version of the Envoy comes in 4 trims: the XL SLE 2WD, XL SLE 4WD, XL SLT 2WD, and XL SLT 4WD. All 4 have 4 doors, seat 7, and sport a standard 4.2 L, 275 hp I6 engine with 4 speed automatic transmission.
As for gas mileage, expect to get 15 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway. The SLT gives you a little extra comfort with its standard power and leather seats while the 2WDâ??s offer a little more in the way of safety with optional traction control. 4WDâ??s can tow up to 7000 lbs. while 2WDâ??s can lug up to 7200 lbs.
Overall, drivers like the â??03 Envoy XLâ??s roomy interior and capable powertrain selection. However, theyâ??d also like to see better gas mileage for a full-size SUV. In the end, the jury will need some time to deliberate before deciding whether the Envoy XL can compete with the big boys in a competitive market.
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I like the overall size of these. The Inline 6 cyl. engine is powerful enough for this vehicle. Has very comfortable seats. easily maneuvered in city, also easy to park. I especially like the selectable 4wd switch. Use 2wd for most driving and select 4wd when poor road conditions require. The Chev Trailblazer and Buick Rainier are the sister vehicles. I believe Saab also has one on this platform dont know what it is though.Jan 10, 2021
by Dave G
Apr 20, 2020
I had a 2006 Envoy Denali XL and a 2004 TrailBlazer LTZ XL. I LOVED both of them and did not get rid of them because I wanted to. In fact I am looking to purchase another one!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE them!
Apr 20, 2020
by Anonymous
Jul 03, 2014
This was a great car for our family and friends. It has the 3rd row back seat for taking friends along and the extra capacity for cargo when visiting long distances from home. The V8 in this truck was excellent when the extra power is needed. Out on the road it pretty much stays in over-drive to get good mileage for the size of the vehicle. I recommend this vehicle for any family 4 persons or larger. After 6 it will require a storage box out back or on top in the roof rack. Overall this has been a great vehicle for us.Jul 03, 2014
User rating:
by Karsten L
Jan 10, 2021
I like the overall size of these. The Inline 6 cyl. engine is powerful enough for this vehicle. Has very comfortable seats. easily maneuvered in city, also easy to park. I especially like the selectable 4wd switch. Use 2wd for most driving and select 4wd when poor road conditions require. The Chev Trailblazer and Buick Rainier are the sister vehicles. I believe Saab also has one on this platform dont know what it is though.Jan 10, 2021
by Dave G
Apr 20, 2020
I had a 2006 Envoy Denali XL and a 2004 TrailBlazer LTZ XL. I LOVED both of them and did not get rid of them because I wanted to. In fact I am looking to purchase another one!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE them!
Apr 20, 2020
by Anonymous
Jul 03, 2014
This was a great car for our family and friends. It has the 3rd row back seat for taking friends along and the extra capacity for cargo when visiting long distances from home. The V8 in this truck was excellent when the extra power is needed. Out on the road it pretty much stays in over-drive to get good mileage for the size of the vehicle. I recommend this vehicle for any family 4 persons or larger. After 6 it will require a storage box out back or on top in the roof rack. Overall this has been a great vehicle for us.Jul 03, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 31, 2012
This is an inline 6 vs V8, but had the power we needed for our use, which included occasionally towing a pop up trailer. Felt safe in this car and had no hesitation to take long drives relative to safety or comfort.
Original owner and overall this has been a great car and a purchase we've not regretted!Dec 31, 2012
by Deandre W
Mar 19, 2012
Not a great truck to invest in for the long haul. The style is nice and comfortable ride when everything is working. Noticed a lot of crappy things go bad fast like rear cab fan motor. The other thing I already had to replace a valve gasket, faulty gas tank.Mar 19, 2012
by Anonymous
Sep 06, 2010
Really enjoyed this truck when we first got it. Gas mileage is worse than expected and now the compressor for the suspension seems shot. Air ride not working at all so we're sitting on the frame...eek! Now the question is do we repair or run??Sep 06, 2010
by Greg G
Oct 06, 2009
Nice looking SUV and rides smooth. I also pull my boat with this and it does great. Gas mileage is not bad. I really like the looks of it have the running boards and trim package that makes it stand out. Oct 06, 2009
by Vidal G
Sep 09, 2009
Suv that feels like a car, seats 7, looks good. vortec stright 6 has good low end haul alot with the seats down and roof rack,toe anything with the stock tow hitch. feels like a Caddliac with the slt package with the wood trim and bose systemSep 09, 2009
by Anonymous
Jul 13, 2009
I have a GMC 2003 Envoy XL SLT 4WD and it is everything I would want in a SUV. Sunroof, smooth riding, rear AC, heated seats, spacious third row, leather, and many other options. I mean it is a very nice vehicle and I am proud of my purchase. There is only one thing I would address and that is mpg and that is expected with this type of SUV. I would rate this up with a luxury vehicle.Jul 13, 2009
by Anonymous
Dec 07, 2008
We purchased our Envoy new and I have loved it from the beginning. It fits everyone (family of 5) plus a couple friends too. Some issues are problems getting back doors open(seems to be in wet weather the handles don't want to work right), cowling above rear window came loose(hubby just screwed it down again), and bracket on drivers seat adjustment broke. But in all it has been a solid family vehicle. No major problems with engine/driveability. Decent gas mileage on highways for an SUV. Dec 07, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 08, 2008
i have looked at alot of envoys recently and i have found a beautiful 7 passenger sle xl with 4 wdApr 08, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 19, 2008
I LIKE MY SUV FOR THE ROOM AND SIZE THE RIDE IS GREAT Mar 19, 2008
by Holley T
Dec 03, 2007
love my car, have had many problems thoughDec 03, 2007
by Anonymous
Jul 17, 2007
the room is unbelivable. bigger than an explorer, but smaller than an Tahoe. brakes are not strong.Jul 17, 2007
by Anonymous
May 01, 2007
The good:smooth ride,quiet cabin,decent power from 6cyl, looks nice
The REAL STORY:The 2003 Envoy XL which I currently have is not the original car picked up from the dealer.The first one, an SUV with a sticker of just under $37,000.00 came with side view mirrors which were MANUALLY AJUSTED-meaning they have to be moved by HAND!!! THIS IS INSANE! All GM emlpoyees who signed off on this before they actually sent these to market should lose their jobs. The XL which is the long wheel base, was not designed to fit 4x8 sheets inside with the hatch closed,my gas tank started to leak immediately after the warranty expired,the tachometer, oil pressure and engine temp gauges all quit working. The only gauges that work are the speedometer and fuel,(how long have gauges and gas tanks been used in cars???),the design/shape of the window and doorlock buttons is poorly engineered causing your finger to tend to slip off the closing end of the buttons,reverse light keeps filling up with water and therefore does not work,key gets stuck in the ignition,the 6 disc in-dash changer radio -which is an EXPENSIVE option package upgrade-has a cheap amplifier which drops out all low end bass when the volume is turned up (some good features of radio i.e. speed sensitive volume control but many annoying design issues),why does GM continue to put wheels on its vehicles with easily stolen and very expensive to replace center caps??!,the rear hatch has a difficult and awkward to grasp SLOT to close it as opposed to a handle,the windshield wiper/washer fluid controls were designed to force the driver to totally remove his hand from the steering wheel to operate even for a brief or short wiping/washing need (this should not have been incorporated with cruise control and turn signal all on one little stick),no light under the hood,no light in the glove box, no key hole on the passenger door or on the rear hatch, seat belts built into the seats are awkward and I'm a slim person,4 wheel drive has intermittant problems which of course don't show up while in for service, 13 MPG!!! This is all I could quickly think of while writing this review, but this is not by any means all of the issues I've had with this vehicle. I do not see a time in the future when I would consider purchasing another GM vehicle. This is a large reason why Toyota is moving ahead of GM in sales. May 01, 2007
Hauled GMC Envoy on trailer. ran the day before. Went to move it off the trailer and the battery was dead. couldn't get it fired up so we put it in neutral while the key was in accessory position and moved it down hill. put the car in park, put it on the battery charger. Came back later to turn it on and the car has no power and the keys are now stuck in the ignition as if the car is still in gear. Any suggestions?
Purchased this vehicle 2 years ago. In 2010, I was getting great fuel economy, I had no complaints. 500-600lms (300-360 miles) on a tank. I changed the air filter in August, and was not getting 600- 700 kms on a tank. (360-420 miles) on highway use. A personal best of 740kms on a tank actually. Roll into 2011. My mileage was poorer, (I assumed it was the "Winter Gas, and the additives) then I added 4 new tires in April, and always keep to correct pressure. Tires are Firestone Destinations... My mileage was barely 500kms now, on perfect highway conditions. I brought it in for a full tune up... One of the O2 sensor was bad. Had this replaced. Replaced all plugs with OEM Champion plugs. Replaced the fuel filter, and air filter again. Also had a universal joint, and rear axle seal replaced, as it was beginning to leak. IT's the 4.2L SLE 4x4 model. I started a spreadsheet to keep track of my fuel economy. I burn 15L-16L per 100km on highway (at speed limit) . This is averaging 14-155MPG on highway. CITY MPG - it is now getting 9.5MPG in the city. It burns 24L per 100KMS. This means I can barely go 300kms in town for $95.00 (30 cents a KM) Compared to what I got last August/September, (21MPG or 10.7L per 100km) this is just horrible.. Frustrated, don't know what to do next. Love my truck, need to remedy - any helpful advice? So much appreciated....
My 03 envoy xl has a service engine soon light on constantly. (Flashes while I drive) I changed all the plugs and the 1 coil pack that said it was going out. Ive changed the fuel filter. But the car still shakes, feels like its taking off slower. Any ideas?