Kelley Blue Book ® - 2002 GMC Envoy Overview

GMC has been assigned the task of conquering the upscale truck and SUV market. If the rest of its arsenal is as potently competent as the new Envoy, then for everyone else, the battlefield is about to get really ugly.

To begin with, the Envoy will be replacing the aging Jimmy platform, which will be phased out next year. Envoy is 5 inches taller, 6 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the Jimmy, which translates into 10 cubic feet of extra cargo space, a smoother ride and a lot more headroom. The body-on-frame construction has been stiffened and a unique 5-link solid axle suspension added to the rear. What does this mean? Simply stated, the new Envoy will ride smoother, handle better and seem far more car-like inside. Interior appointments include dual zone climate control, standard OnStar navigation and dual level air bags. A new instrument panel is tastefully laid out, banishing all traces of the old, bulky gray plastic switchgear that plagued the Jimmy. Owners can further personalize their Envoy by adding a Bose Stereo system, heated seats and onboard trip computer.

The real meat and potatoes, though lie under the hood. GM still has some of the best engine/transmission combinations in the industry, and the new Vortec 4200 I6 coupled to a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E transmission continues that tradition. This engine produces a thundering 270-horsepower and even more impressive 275 lbs.-ft. of torque, which comes on around 1200 rpms and remains strong all through the rev band: Translation? This engine has the grunt to quickly move a lot of weight from a standstill and keep it moving right up to freeway speeds. The real beauty of this engine is that it produces power akin to a small block V8, but is still V6 efficient in the way it uses fuel.