The GMC Envoy is a midsize SUV that was produced by General Motors for the model years 1999-2009. The Envoy debuted in late 1998 as a 1999 model, and was designated Y61.
The Envoy replaced the Oldsmobile Bravada, which was discontinued with the formal 1999 withdrawal of the Oldsmobile division from the General Motors family. Development began in 1993, under then-GM president Robert C. Stempel and vice president of design at the time Ed Welburn. The Envoy was an instant success, and sold very well from the beginning; even during its first model year in 1999, it ranked within the ten best-selling SUVs in America.
The Envoy was based on General Motors’ mid-size platform, designated U1, which it shared with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Jimmy, Oldsmobile Bravada and Buick Rainier. It was also built on the short-wheelbase version of platform U1, shared with the Cadillac Escalade and previously used on the Chevrolet Blazer. The Envoy was available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive versions.
The first generation Envoy was introduced as a 1999 model, and was based on the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. It was available in both rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with electronic shift-on-the-fly capability. It was offered in both XUV or XUV II trim levels, which shared the TrailBlazer’s 210-hp 4.2L V6 with 210 lb-ft of torque, as well as a new 242-hp 4.2L “Alloytec” aluminum V6 with 240 lb-ft of torque. For 2003, the Glacier series was added to the upper level XUV and XUV II trims, adding different standard features.
The Envoy’s interior was almost identical to that of the TrailBlazer, but featured an upgraded audio system with separate tweeters and a six-CD changer, and offered different optional equipment such as heated leather seats and an in-dash DVD player.
The suspension of the Envoy consisted of short/long control arms with anti-sway bar on all four corners; it had more aggressive tires than the TrailBlazer at P255/70R17 (versus P235/75R16). The standard powertrain on XUV trims was a 4.2L V6 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, while XUV II trims included a 242 hp 4.2L “Alloytec” I6 with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment on all models included dual front airbags and 3 rows of seating, with optional ABS.
As part of the Envoy’s redesign for 2002, the TrailBlazer became a separate model, and was no longer based on the same platform as the Envoy; this meant that the Envoy no longer shared any major sheet metal with its corresponding TrailBlazer counterparts (the Jimmy and old Bravada also underwent this change). All trim levels were grouped into two categories: XUV and XUV II. The standard powertrain on all models was a 4.2L V6 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, while an I6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission could be had as options. Standard equipment included air conditioning, tri-zone climate controls for more rear passengers, AM/FM/CD audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer, rear roof spoiler, and fog lamps.
XUV II trims included a standard I6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, power front bucket seats with leather seating surfaces, anti-theft alarm system with keyless entry and ignition, automatic headlights with delay feature, headlight washers/wipers, adjustable pedals for the front driver’s seat, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass and exterior temperature display, monochromatic exterior appearance package (body colored door handles and side mouldings), choice of two distinct center caps for alloy wheels (XUV or Glacier design), skid plates on both sides of the vehicle.
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