1999 GMC Envoy Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The Envoy looks like the traditional SUV. And it should, as the Envoy is essentially an ultra-high trim level of the GMC Jimmy, itself a member of GM's compact sport-utility line that also includes the Chevrolet Blazer and Oldsmobile Bravada. Like most premium SUVs, the Envoy is available only as a four-door. It has the classic two-box profile. Its body is mounted atop a sturdy steel frame. The corners are nicely rounded and the lower body is clad in plastic.

Flanking the GMC family grille are headlamps that set the Envoy apart from its siblings. Each headlight cluster includes a circular amber parking light, an elliptical halogen high beam, a highly elliptical high intensity discharge low beam, and a sidemarker light. A pair of large fog lamps is incorporated in the lower front valence. With this lighting package, they will see you coming.

The Envoy sports cast aluminum wheels with P235/70R15 all-season tires. Front suspension is independent, a short-long arm design with torsion bars; semi-elliptic springs are used at the rear. The Envoy has the ZW7 Luxury Ride suspension, which has shock absorbers and springs tuned for a smooth highway ride on paved or improved roads. Front shocks are by Bilstein, and Delphi premium load-leveling shocks are standard in back. The set-up is also appropriate for heavy trailering. The Envoy is rated to tow up to 5000 pounds and is pre-wired.

Power comes from GM's ubiquitous Vortec 4.3-liter V6 truck engine. This overhead-valve 90-degree V6 is tuned for truck work, with torque peaking at 2800 rpm (250 foot-pounds). It is rated at 190 horsepower at 4400 rpm. Redline is just over 5000 rpm.

The engine is mated to GM's 4L60-E 4-speed electronically controlled transmission. The Envoy's transmission has a tow/haul mode, accessed by a button on the shift lever, that reduces shifting when towing a heavy trailer and attunes the performance of the gearbox to the heavier load. The new Auto Trac 2-speed transfer case is standard as well. Modes are selected by dash-mounted buttons, including an Auto 4WD button that is not all-wheel drive, but rather a standby mode that, when rear wheel spin is detected, engages the four-wheel-drive system for as long as needed.

Four wheel disc brakes are standard, as is ABS on all four wheels.

Interior Features

It wasn't too long ago that cars didn't have interiors this luxurious: Seats are trimmed in supple two-tone leather, the steering wheel and shifter accorded similar treatment. The driver's seat has multiple power adjustments, with power lumbar and heated surfaces on both front seats. Genuine Zebrano wood graces the console and door trim. Large, easy to use controls are angled toward the driver. Delco Bose audio is standard, complete with special speakers mounted in the doors and a six-CD changer in the console. A welcome change is the new small-hubbed steering wheel. A mini-pack airbag improves the appearance as well as the view of the instrument panel.

Power equipment abounds in the Envoy. The windows and locks are powered, and remote locking is standard. So are power mirrors, not only adjusting the view but also folding in for tight parking spots and carwashes. All glass aft of the B-pillar is tinted, and not only is the inside rear view mirror electrochromatic, so are both outside mirrors. Climate control is the set-and-forget type; dial up a temperature and the computer-controlled system maintains fan speed and directs the air to where it's needed. An overhead mini-console includes HomeLink, a trip computer and compass. A rear wiper is standard and includes a wet-arm washer. Also out back is an air compressor outlet for inflating everything from flat tires to soccer balls. The rear hatch can be opened completely, or the rear glass only opened.