"The fuel-filler neck doesn't like the curve of some gas-pump nozzles, shutting off instantly. It takes some nozzle adjusting angle and 20-plus clicks to fill 'er up."
One of the best perks of a long-term-test program is having the opportunity to drive the winner of Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year for an entire year in numerous real-world situations. Our '02 Envoy came packed with all the goodies, including 17-inch alloy wheels, tranny cooler, foglamps, Bilstein shocks, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, OnStar, a dual-zone HVAC, and power everything. To that we added GMC's Professional Technology Package, which scored us heated seats, a locking diff, six-disc in-dash changer, and every mother's delight: a DVD player for the rear seats.
2002 GMC Envoy
Base price $33,985
Price as tested $38,320
Vehicle layout Front engine, 4wd, 4-door, 5-pass
Engine 4.2L I-6, DOHC, 4valves/cyl
Horsepower @ rpm 270 @ 6000
Torque @ rpm 275 @ 3600
Transmission 4-speed automatic
0-60 mph, sec 8.0
EPA mpg 16 city/21 highway
Total mileage 6035
Average test mpg 14.7
Problem areas Door-lock actuator
Non-warranty cost $0
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We have nothing but praise for the I-6's low-end torque and the air-assisted-suspension's comfortable-yet-firm ride. On the other hand, complaints regarding the interior have begun to appear in the logbook. The tilt steering wheel is poorly designed-its detents are spaced too far apart to provide a satisfactory position for every driver; even when turned to its lowest setting, the stereo is still too loud for some; and the lack of thigh support in the rear seat make it uncomfortable for long trips.
With the ski season in full swing, we still look forward to loading up the Envoy with our skis and boards and heading to the powder.