- suv 118,122
- Phoenix, AZ
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- autoshopper.com
2004 gmc envoy review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. The standard gmc envoy is a compelling alternative to the ford explorer and other mid-size suvs. Smooth, stable, and responsive, the envoy comes with a smooth, powerful inline six-cylinder engine that gives up nothing to the explorer, even when the ford is equipped with the optional v8 engine. The envoy carries five people in comfort with two rows of seats. the envoy xl is a stretched, long-wheelbase version of the envoy that features third-row seating. Its third row adds versatility. But the envoy xl is narrower and not as stable as the full-size yukon. And because it's longer and heavier, the envoy xl lacks the handling response and stability of the standard envoy. for 2004, gmc has introduced the innovative envoy xuv. The xuv seats five and features an all-weather cargo area that can be cleaned out with a hose. This cargo area is sealed off from the passenger compartment when the midgate and power rear window are closed. Lowering the window, midgate and rear seats reveals a pickup-like bed suitable for hauling 4x8-foot sheets of plywood. Its dual-function tailgate can be dropped like that of a pickup or swung open like a door. But wait, there's more: the rear section of the roof retracts at the press of a button, leaving a wide-open cargo area that can haul tall items like potted trees. The envoy xuv shares the longer wheelbase and optional v8 engine of the xl. gmc envoy shares its chassis and engine with the chevrolet trailblazer and buick rainier. Each of the three boasts unique styling, however, and there are feature differences. Envoy has conservative, upmarket styling, yet has a masculine look that says it's ready to tackle the tough jobs. And the xuv version is a gmc exclusive. gmc has added some new options for all 2004 envoys, including power-adjustable pedals and several new audio systems. lineupas mentioned, the gmc envoy is available in three primary variants: envoy, envoy xl, and envoy xut. All three variations are offered in sle or slt trim. All envoys come standard with the highly regarded six-cylinder vortec 4200 engine, which was all-new for 2002. A 5. 3-liter overhead-valve v8 is available 1500) for envoy xl and envoy xuv. All models come with automatic transmissions. retail prices range from $29,120 for the envoy 2wd sle to $38,065 for the xuv slt with 4wd. Electronic navigation 1,845-$1,995) and a bose premium sound system 495) are available for slt models. The 2wd models can be ordered with a locking rear differential 270) and traction control 175). walkaroundthe gmc envoy models are considered to be mid-size suvs, about the same size as a ford explorer. Envoy is smaller than a gmc yukon, but much bigger than the car-based compact suvs. as mentioned, the gmc envoy is available in two wheelbase lengths: 113 inches for the standard envoy, and 129 inches for the envoy xl and envoy xuv. In terms of overall length, the envoy xl is 16 inches longer than the standard envoy, and it's nearly 9 inches longer yet more than 4 inches narrower than the standard gmc yukon. One way to distinguish an envoy xl from the standard envoy is to look at the rear doors. Envoy's rear doors are interrupted by the rear fenders. Envoy xl, with its length stretched amidships, has enough space for full-size rear doors. the envoy xuv is about an inch longer than envoy xl, and an inch and a half taller. The tracks themselves are integrated into the luggage rack, a clever design. The xuv also has unique, larger taillights that wrap up over the tops of the rear fenders. From the rear, the xuv looks even more raked-forward than the envoy and envoy xl. Visually, the xl and xuv look too long in the back end with respect to the front proportions. the xuv features a unique, dual-function tailgate. The tailgate power window can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button. With the window fully lowered, the tailgate can be dropped for ease of loading and unloading. Envoy has a wide-mouth black grille with a big ruby-red logo that says gmc in no uncertain terms. Sleek and clean are the distinct headlamps, round fog lights and pouty front bumper with a wide, slim slit at the very bottom. Strong beveled shapes extend along the envoy's clean sides and around the wheel wells, and help make the envoy look imposing. Envoy dispenses with the trailblazer's showy fender flares, by housing its standard 17-inch wheels inside hefty wheel openings that are part of its trapezoidal design theme. The rear bumper is stepped for its full length, and includes big round backup lights. Envoy xl seats seven. The envoy xl is 18 inches longer than the ford explorer; and where the explorer squeezes an optional third-row seat into a 114-inch wheelbase, the envoy xl uses a 129-inch wheelbase. However, third-row envoy xl passengers get less legroom than third-row explorer passengers. (head, hip, and leg room in the explorer's third row measure 39. 0, 45. 3, and 34. 8 inches, respectively, versus the envoy xl's 38. 5, 45. 9, and 31. 2.) and the xl's long cabin led some adults we put back there to say they felt like they were looking down a tunnel. cargo space in the yukon xl is generous, however. Slt models come with a scrolling cargo cover. envoy xuv shares its second-row seating dimensions with envoy xl, but instead of a carpeted cargo area with a folding third-row seat, the xuv has a weather-resistant box, like a pickup bed parked indoors. Gmc plans to market a line of accessories to further enhance the xuv's cargo-carrying capabilities. And if things get messy back there, it's easy to flush it out with a hose; gm says the system of one-way drains will channel out 35 gallons per minute. touch a button, and a 32-by-32-inch panel above the cargo bay slides forward, open the cargo bay up to the sky. A power rear window quickly slides up from the midgate behind the rear seat, sealing off the passenger compartment from the now-open-air cargo area. Tie-down points are conveniently located all around. all this versatility, however, comes at a price. So for hauling a small ar. Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Power Seats✔ Climate Control✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Air Conditioning✔ Aluminum Wheels
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