GMC Envoy

The GMC branch of General Motors came out with the GMC Envoy at about the same time they were going to re-design the popular Jimmy model and ultimately replaced the Jimmy with the Envoy in 2002. It is in the mid-sized, full-sized overlap class of SUV, similar to the Chevy Blazer. Available in rear wheel or four-wheel drive models, it comes with a 4.2 liter 6 cylinder engine or a 5.3 liter 8 cylinder engine, and a 4 speed automatic transmission. The GMC Envoy will be phased out after the 2009 model year.

Of course, much of this has to do with the re-tooling of General Motors, rather than the performance of the Envoy. Of course, the Chevy Trailblazer counterpart is being phased out, too and they are going to be replaced with the GMC Acadia, seven-passenger or in 2010, with the GMC Terrain Crossover SUV.

Of course, with the changes at General Motors, and the push for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles, many of the large and mid-sized SUVs are shaking in their 'wheel-boots'. No SUV model line seems to be sacred in these classes, even though fuel prices are down. Estimated EPA fuel economy in the Vortec 4.2 liter, 6-cylinder is 14 in city driving and 20 on the highway, which isn't out of line for this size of vehicle.

With all kinds of optional equipment packages like the DVD entertainment package, or Bluetooth to choose from a few things come standard, such as fog lamps, body color grille with chrome accents, the Interior 'quiet' package, and the 4.2-liter, 6-cylinder engine. With a five-star side-impact crash test rating and an MSRP starting at $30,625, it is in line with the rest of its competitors in most areas.

Of course, this is still a General Motors vehicle that is similar to the other GM vehicles in this class, including the Trailblazer and many have always questioned the viability of GMC competing against Chevrolet with very similar vehicles to begin with. It is in the popular mid-sized SUV that families like, and it is a five-passenger vehicle with 80 cubic feet of cargo capacity, that provides enough space for luggage and a family of four.

It doesn't have the third row seating option that larger families like, so that would explain why it is being replaced with the 7 passenger GMC Acadia or Terrain Crossover vehicle in 2010.

The 5.3 liter Vortec 8 cylinder option engine allows the GMC Envoy to save fuel by deactivating cylinders to take it to the six-cylinder fuel efficiency, when the extra power is not needed. The GMC Envoy with the V8 capability offers the power that can make it fun and powerful to drive but it has the fuel efficiency that those on a budget and the environmentally conscious are concerned about.

The GMC Envoy seems to be a good mid-sized SUV, but obviously, not quite good enough to survive the model slashing that is going on at General Motors, so if you want one, you had better hurry.