History of the 2003 GMC Envoy

History

• The Envoy nameplate first appeared in 1998. It was not a stand-alone model at the time, but a high-end trim level on the GMC Jimmy lineup. The range-topping Envoy featured luxury options and they produced it until 2000. In 2002, General Motors revamped its mid-size SUV lineup, and both Chevrolet and GMC received all-new trucks. The Envoy replaced the Jimmy nameplate at this time. The all-new Envoy distinguished itself with a strong frame, powerful 270-horsepower 4.2 liter in-line six-cylinder engine and a choice of body styles. In 2003, a 290 horsepower 5.3 liter V8 made an addition to the powertrain lineup, raising its total towing capacity to over 7000 pounds. After 2006, this engine was available with General Motors' "Displacement On Demand" system, which shuts off up to four of the eight cylinders when they're not needed, to save fuel. Envoy production ended in 2009, to make way for GMC's next-generation Acadia and Terrain crossover vehicles.
  
  

Envoy XL

• The Envoy is a five-passenger SUV. For additional people-hauling capability, GMC raised the roof and stretched the wheelbase, adding sixteen inches to the Envoy's overall length to create the Envoy XL. Offered alongside the Envoy from the beginning of production, the Envoy XL features three-row seating and a larger 25-gallon fuel tank for extended freeway range. The Envoy XL remained in production until 2006.
  
  

Envoy XUV

• In 2003, a third vehicle joined the Envoy lineup. The quirky Envoy XUV arrived in mid-2003 as an early 2004 model. This vehicle raised the roof even higher, and featured a "MidGate" behind the rear seats and a powered rear-roof section that retracted to enable tall cargo to be carried. The idea of an open-topped cargo area in a wagon-like vehicle wasn't a new one: Studebaker offered a similar trick roof on its 1963-66 Lark Wagonaire. GMC took the concept and made it more versatile. The Envoy XUV's cargo area looks like a tiny pickup bed. GMC produced the XUV until 2005.
  
  

Envoy Denali

• 2005 saw the introduction of the Envoy Denali, a high-content luxury version of the Envoy. GMC offered the "Denali" nameplate on its Sierra pickup and Yukon SUV as well, and the package was similar on all three vehicles: it added a special grille and exterior treatment, wood interior trim and other interior upgrades.