2000 GMC Envoy Review (continued)
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Walkaround

With its classic two-box profile, the GMC Envoy looks like the traditional SUV. (If they look familiar, Envoy and Jimmy are members of GM's compact sport-utility line that includes the Chevrolet Blazer and Oldsmobile Bravada.) The body is mounted atop a sturdy steel frame.

The styling is attractive. 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 the Jimmys. Each headlight cluster includes a circular amber parking light, an elliptical halogen high beam, an elliptical high intensity discharge low beam, and a sidemarker light. A pair of large fog lamps is incorporated into 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 comes with the Luxury Ride suspension (ZW7), which has shock absorbers and springs tuned for a smooth highway ride on paved or improved roads. Front shocks are by Bilstein, with Delphi premium load-leveling shocks in back. This suspension works well for trailer towing; the Envoy is rated to tow up to 5600 pounds and comes pre-wired for trailers.

Power for the Envoy and all Jimmy models comes from GM's Vortec 4.3-liter V6 engine. This overhead-valve 90-degree V6 is tuned for truck work, with 250 foot-pounds of torque peaking at 2800 rpm. It generates 190 horsepower at 4400 rpm. Redline is just over 5000 rpm.

This engine is mated to GM's 4-speed electronically controlled transmission (4L60-E). 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 AutoTrac 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 with four-wheel ABS are standard on all models.

Interior Features

It wasn't too long ago that cars didn't have interiors this luxurious. Envoy's seats are trimmed in supple two-tone leather; the steering wheel and shifter are accorded similar treatment. For 2000, the passenger seat joins the driver's seat with multiple power adjustments, including power lumbar and heated surfaces on both front seats. The driver now gets two position memory buttons. Genuine Zebrano wood graces the console and door trim.

Large controls are angled toward the driver that are easy to use. Delco Bose audio is standard, complete with special speakers mounted in the doors and a six-CD changer in the console. A welcome change last year is a steering wheel with hubs; 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 car washes. All glass aft of the B-pillar is tinted. Both the inside rearview mirror and the outside mirrors are electrochromatic - they dim automatically when bright lights are behind you. 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, and the rear glass can be opened separately for quick stowage.