Released in 1998, the GMC Envoy entered the market as a variant of other GM mid-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Oldsmobile Bravada. It served as the highest trim level of the GMC Jimmy, focusing on bringing luxury and comfort to the GMC’s SUV lines. GMC did not produce an Envoy in 2001; after three years (1998-2000), the first generation ended.
The second generation Envoy was released in late 2001 as a 2002 model year when GMC dropped the Jimmy and offered the Envoy in either SLE or SLT trim levels. An Envoy XL option was also available, providing third-row seating, and they added a top-of-the-line Denali trim in 2005.
We reviewed FIXD data and determined the best and worst years of the GMC Envoy. We put the most important information in the following table before detailing our data and other sources. Afterward, we review each model year’s finer details before answering some of the most frequently asked questions.
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Worst Years |
Why? |
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Extremely high repair and maintenance costs, low Owner Reliability Score |
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Large number of recalls, high amount of DTCs, low safety rating |
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Low FIXD and Owner Reliability Scores, low safety rating, expensive repair costs |
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High annual repair costs, bad safety rating, low FIXD Reliability Score |
GMC Envoy Engine Reliability Score, Safety Ratings, MPG, and Value v.s. Maintenance & Repair Costs – Year by Year
To establish the best or worst ranking of GMC Envoys, the GMC Envoy Reliability Score takes precedence as the primary factor. Two scores are evident in the initial table that presents reliability data: FIXD and Owner Reliability.
The FIXD Reliability Score offers an objective perspective, employing data from FIXD devices installed in GMC Envoys. Conversely, the Owner Reliability Score adopts a subjective approach by incorporating inputs from owner surveys.
Typical scores show first years of a new generation are less reliable. This is because new technology and upgrades provide new problems that need solving. This results in an uptick in diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), repair costs, or even recalls. We only have adequate data for the second generation of the GMC Envoy and can’t compare it with the first generation. However, the first year of the second generation (2002) is one of the least reliable Envoys.
We also use safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to compare years and give precedence to models with a higher rating. Next, we go over fuel efficiency (or lack thereof) according to fueleconomy.gov. Then, we look at the current market value of all GMC Envoys according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB). We also graphed the annual repair and maintenance cost alongside the market value.
The last things we review in the best and worst years of the GMC Envoy are the most common DTCs and the safety recalls issued by the NHTSA.
If you’re comparing the GMC Envoy with other mid-size SUVs, we also have articles on the Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, and Toyota 4Runner. If you’re keen on a compact SUV, check out the Honda CR-V.
If you’re in the market for a car, take a look at our article on the USA’s most reliable and cheapest to repair cars in the U.S. Don’t get stuck with a lemon, use our data to help you shop.
Engine Reliability Score – Over The Years
Its reliability mainly determines the best and worst years of the GMC Envoy. We’ve devised two unique scores using our exclusive data, making it easy to compare. Both scores use the same scale: 1 is the worst, 5 is the average, and 10 is the best rating.
The first score is the FIXD Reliability Score, represented by the green line on the graph. We calculated this score by tracking the number of check engine lights (CEL) reported by our app users and dividing it by the number of cars. We then weighted the score based on an average of 12,000 miles driven annually.
While we go over the most common DTCs in each year of the GMC Envoy, you might also be interested in the most common diagnostic trouble codes in all GMC vehicles.
The second score, the Owner Reliability Score (gray line), comes from surveys taken by GMC Envoy owners. These surveys capture their firsthand experience and provide subjective opinions on reliability. We translated these responses into numerical scores. For more details on the question asked and our methodology for determining this score, please refer to the note about data and information section located at the bottom of this article.
The Reliability Score tends to improve with newer model years. However, the GMC Envoy’s FIXD Reliability Score dipped in the middle of the generation and bottomed out at 1/10 in 2006. After 2006 it increases every year until the end of its lifecycle. The Owner Reliability Score follows the same overall trajectory but starts at a great score of 9/10 in 2001 before dropping to 4/10 in 2006. It increases in the following years until scoring a perfect 10/10 in its final year.
The Owner Reliability Score is higher than the FIXD Reliability Score every year. The biggest difference is in 2002 when it had a 9/10 Owner Reliability Score and only a 1/10 FIXD Reliability Score.
A car’s reliability is often worse than an owner might want to believe. We hypothesize that owners of older models slowly become accepting of higher-than-average check engine lights being thrown because they have owned the car for a long time. They are either a frog in a pot of boiling water, not realizing the car is deteriorating slowly and getting worse. OR they simply haven’t compared the reliability of their older model to the often newer and more reliable models of today.
Loyalty to an older vehicle may also affect the Owner Reliability Scores. If a car has lasted 20 years, it would be immensely reliable in the owner’s eyes, even if it had to have repairs and triggered many CELs along the way.
NHTSA Safety Score – Over The Years
Deriving published data from the NHTSA website, we graphed the average safety rating of the GMC Envoy (green line) against the average safety rating across the entire automotive industry (gray line).
The GMC Envoy doesn’t perform well in the safety category, falling below the industry average for the whole second generation. While the SUV scored four out of five stars in 2006-2009, the previous years were a dismal 3.67/5 (2002-03) and 3.83/5 (2004-05).
If you’re comparing it to other family-friendly SUVs, the Ford Explorer’s safety rating in 2006-2009 is 4.3 out of 5 stars. The Nissan Pathfinder scored 4/5 in 2006-08 and 3.5/5 in 2009.
Safety ratings are important; good ones can help you get cheaper car insurance. If you live in one of the states listed below, we can show you the cheapest vehicles to insure in yours.
| What Used Cars Are the Cheapest To Insure In: |
| Ohio |
| North Carolina |
| Michigan |
| Georgia |
| Texas |
| New York |
| Illinois |
| Pennsylvania |
| California |
MPG – Over The Years
Using the data from fueleconomy.gov, we graphed the average combined miles per gallon across all trims above. While the GMC Envoy doesn’t display excellent fuel efficiency, it is consistent. At 16 mpg in every year except 2003 and 2005, which averages 15 mpg, the Envoy focuses more on towing capacity than fuel economy.
SUVs are generally fuel guzzlers, and some of Envoy’s competitors are comparable. The 2006-2009 Toyota 4Runner’s average is 17 mpg, and the Ford Explorer goes from 15 mpg in 2006-07 to 16 mpg in 08-09.
Current Market Value of All GMC Envoy Years & Cost Per Year to Repair and Maintain Each
We used KBB.com values to graph the current market value of the GMC Envoy as a green line and customer surveys to graph the cost per year to repair and maintain each as a gray line.
Newer model years have a higher market value, except in 2003 ($2,492), which is less than the value of the 2002 model year ($2,545). This is because 2003’s average mileage is 195,000 while 2002’s is only 175,000. High mileage decreases the overall value of a vehicle.
The cost per year to repair and maintain the Envoy is steep. Owners were asked, “How much would you say you spend on repairs and maintenance in 2022?” The highest recorded average is a whopping $1,607 for the 2006 Envoy, while the average of all years is $906. The lowest reported cost of maintenance is $250 in 2002.
When shopping for a used GMC Envoy, it’s important to keep in mind that not all vehicles are cared for equally. To protect yourself from lemons, take along a FIXD Sensor on your test drive. FIXD connects to a free app on your smartphone to tell you more about the vehicle you’re checking out, including check engine lights and other hidden issues that the owner or dealership may be attempting to hide. Click here to learn more and get FIXD for only $19.99 (regular price $59)!
Important Features Timeline
1998: Introduction of GMC Envoy as upper-trim of GMC Jimmy with increased luxury, optional power sunroof, and latest OnStar technology
1999: Upgraded equipment, tow/haul mode available, steering wheel radio controls
2000: Heavy duty battery becomes standard, seats upgraded, new exterior color
2001: No Envoy produced this year
2002: Introduction of the second generation, a complete redesign and the upgraded inline six-cylinder engine produces 270 horsepower.
2003: Increased fuel tank size to 22 gallons, new four-position headlamp switch
2004: Packages get detail revisions, more features become optional such as a DVD navigation system, XM satellite radio, and adjustable pedals
2005: Envoy gains a Denali trim, with leather seating and a 5.3-liter V8 engine
2006: Onstar and cruise control become standard equipment
2007: Tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) is standard equipment, the third-row XL version is dropped
2008: Head curtain airbags and XM satellite radio are standard in all Envoys
2009: Gains Bluetooth technology, last year of the Envoy
The Best Years of the GMC Envoy
We ranked the best years of the GMC Envoy using reliability scores, safety ratings, and owner surveys. Starting with the best model, we also review the fuel economy, current market value, and annual cost of repairs and maintenance for each year. Lastly, we review the most common DTCs and safety recalls an Envoy owner should know about.
While the GMC Envoy’s first generation spanned from 1998-2000, our analysis of best and worst only includes vehicles starting in 2001. Furthermore, the Envoy was not produced in 2001 and was discontinued after the 2009 model year when both plants that produced the vehicle shut down.
2009 GMC Envoy
FIXD Reliability Score: 7/10
Owner Reliability Score: 10/10
KBB Value: $5,988
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $1,150
Safety Rating: 4/5
The 2009 GMC Envoy takes the crown as the best Envoy available. It is also the last year GMC produced this SUV.
The 2009 Envoy receives the highest FIXD Reliability Score at 7/10 and a perfect Owner Reliability Score of 10/10. The most liked features are the storage space and comfortable seats, while the biggest complaint is that it is expensive to repair.
The safety rating for 2009 is four out of five stars, tied for the best rating the Envoy ever received. The front drivers-side’s score of 3/5 for the NHTSA crash test holds it back, but it has a perfect 5/5 for both side-impact ratings. It is also better than the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder, which only scores 3.5 out of five stars.
50% of surveyed owners complained that the 2009 GMC Envoy was expensive to repair, which is the model’s weakest point. The average annual cost of repair and maintenance is a steep $1,150, much higher than the $906 average of all Envoys. Only 60% of 2009 Envoy owners reported a repair over $500 in 2022. The average number of miles for this year is 165,000.
The most common diagnostic trouble code in the 2009 Envoy is P0128, Coolant Thermostat Temperature Below Regulating Temperature. Owners replace the engine coolant thermostat ($400-$800) to fix DTC P0128. The second most common is P0455, “System Gross Leak Evaporative System Malfunction.” P0455 is mostly associated with a loose gas cap and would cost nothing to tighten it. Replacing the gas cap costs between $20-$60. The third code frequenting the 2009 Envoy is P0412, Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve a Circuit Malfunction. To fix this code might require replacing a secondary air injection pump, which could cost $361-$1,927.
Solidifying its spot at the top of the list, the 2009 GMC Envoy has no recalls, only one investigation, and 16 complaints. The investigation concerns headlights turning off, and six complaints are about exterior lighting.
2008 GMC Envoy
FIXD Reliability Score: 5/10
Owner Reliability Score: 8/10
KBB Value: $4,695
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $750
Safety Rating: 4/5
The 2008 GMC Envoy is the next best of this mid-size SUV, bringing XM satellite and head curtain airbags as standard equipment for all Envoys. While other SUVs of this time were becoming crossovers, the Envoy focused on the towing capacity and performance.
The 2008 Envoy’s FIXD Reliability Score is average at 5/10. The Owner Reliability Score stays high at 8/10. 21% of owners believe the car will make it past 200,000 miles, and some of the most liked features are the sound system and driver visibility.
The 2008 Envoy is another one that scores four out of five stars, making it one of the safest Envoys. Another reliable mid-size SUV, the 2008 Toyota 4Runner, also scored four out of five stars.
Repair costs for the 2008 Envoy are very reasonable compared to other years, which strengthens the case of it being one of the best models of this SUV. At only $750 a year, it is $156 less than the average. The Envoys still on the road have an average of 165,000 miles.
The top DTC for 2008 is P0128, an engine coolant thermostat ($400-800). P0442 is the next DTC consistently triggered, which means “Evaporative emission control system leak (medium).” While it could simply be a loose gas cap (fingers crossed), many other potential fixes are required.
- Gas Cap ($20-$60)
- Evap Purge Volume Control Valve ($150-$200)
- Charcoal Canister Vent Control Valve ($150-$200)
- Replacement Evap Line ($50-$100)
- Charcoal Canister ($200-$600)
2008 rounds out its top three DTCs with another troublesome code, P0014. P0014 ( Exhaust Camshaft Timing- Over-Advanced Bank 1) is related to the engine oil, and the most common fix in the Envoy is a new Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoid ($1,016-$1,531).
The 2008 GMC Envoy has no recalls, one investigation, and 75 complaints.
2007 GMC Envoy
FIXD Reliability Score: 3/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7/10
KBB Value: $3,820
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $667
Safety Rating: 4/5
After the Oklahoma City factory closed, GMC didn’t offer an Envoy XL for the 2007 model year. Instead, the upgrades included standard TPMS and minor changes from the previous year. However, 2007’s higher FIXD Reliability Score makes it one of the best Envoys, while 2006 is stuck with the undesirables.
The FIXD Reliability Score isn’t great, at only 3/10, but it is enough to place this Envoy on the winning side. The Owner Reliability Score still shines with 7/10. 26% of owners believe their SUV will make it past 200K miles, and with an average of 175,000, it isn’t too far away.
The safety rating for 2007 continues the streak of four out of five stars. Safety is important in an SUV mainly used as a family vehicle, and a good rating can help you save money on car insurance.
Repair costs are great for the 2007 Envoy at only $667 annually. This is the lowest cost of the best years of the GMC Envoy.
The 2007 Envoy’s most popular DTC is P0171, Bank 1 has too much air or not enough fuel. Caused by a vacuum leak, replace the intake manifold gaskets ($357-$746) to repair P0171 in the 2007 Envoy. The second-place DTC, P0455, usually lights up after filling the gas tank and failing to tighten the gas cap.
The 2007 GMC Envoy gets hit with five recalls, four investigations, and 274 complaints. One recall is to fix failing headlamps, and the other four are due to a potential short in the driver’s master window switch. All recalls can be performed at no charge by a licensed dealer.
2003 GMC Envoy
FIXD Reliability Score: 3/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7/10
KBB Value: $2,492
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $1,150
Safety Rating: 3.67/5
The only Envoy from the first half of the second generation that made the best list, the 2003 model year increased the fuel tank size and added a four-way switch to the headlamps. It was relatively unchanged from the second generation’s debut in 2002 but scored two points more on the FIXD Reliability Score.
The FIXD Reliability Score is 3/10, but the Owner Reliability Score is a solid 7/10. The average reported mileage of 195,000 is a testament to the overall reliability of this Envoy.
The safety rating is one of the weakest points of the 2007 Envoy. At only 3.67/5, it falls short in the front crash and rollover tests. However, it scores five stars on the side-impact test.
Another weak point of this Envoy is the high repair costs. While the overall average is high at $906, the 2003 Envoy’s $1,150 is slightly steeper. However, with an average of 195K miles, on a 20-year-old vehicle, repairs should be expected.
2003’s top two DTCs are P0440 (Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction) and P0442 (Evaporative emission control system leak – medium), both pointing to a bad fuel filler cap ($58-$165). The third place is the common P0128, which requires an engine coolant thermostat ($400-$800).
The 2003 GMC Envoy has ten recalls, nine investigations, and 634 complaints. The recalls range from turn signal failure to faulty airbags.
The Worst Years of the GMC Envoy
Using the same data from FIXD devices, owner surveys, and published sources, we ranked the worst years of the GMC Envoy from the worst to the “best of the worst.” These Envoys have lower reliability and more troublesome DTCs. They generally have higher maintenance and repair costs and lower safety scores than the good years of this SUV.
2006 GMC Envoy
FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10
Owner Reliability Score: 4/10
KBB Value: $3,596
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $1,607
Safety Rating: 4/5
The 2006 GMC Envoy saw the addition of cruise control as standard equipment, but it’s not enough to stop it from being the worst GMC Envoy.
With a FIXD Reliability Score of 1/10, this Envoy is firing off check engine lights like Starlink satellites. The Owner Reliability Score is also dismal, only at 4/10. 44% of owners don’t believe the vehicle will exceed 200,000 miles.
The safety rating for this Envoy is a bit of a surprise, equal to the best score the Envoys ever receive at four out of five stars. The 2006 Ford Explorer scores better at 4.33/5, making it a safer SUV.
The 2006 model year not only takes the crown as the worst Envoy but for the most expensive annual repair and maintenance costs as well. The annual costs are $1,607, almost double the average ($906) and almost half of the KBB Value ($3,596). If you’re spending enough every year to buy a new car, it might be time to upgrade.
The most common diagnostic trouble code for 2006 is P0171 and the most common fix is cleaning or replacing the mass air flow (MAF) sensor ($172-$309). P0131, O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 1). A faulty oxygen sensor causes this code, and replacing it costs between $200-$300. The last of the top three for the 2006 Envoy is random multiple misfires, code P0300. Spark plug ($66-$250) or ignition coil ($230-$640) replacements usually fix the misfire problem.
There are nine recalls, four investigations, and 599 complaints in the 2006 GMC Envoy. The majority of the complaints (142) are related to the electrical system.
2002 GMC Envoy
FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10
Owner Reliability Score: 9/10
KBB Value: $2,545
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $250
Safety Rating: 3.67/5
The 2002 GMC Envoy debuted the second generation after a hiatus in 2001. Initially just the luxury version of the GMC Jimmy, in 2002, GMC dropped the Jimmy for the Envoy. The inline six-cylinder engine is an upgrade that produces 270 horsepower. Despite the great history, the 2002 GMC Envoy is one we recommend entirely avoiding.
The FIXD Reliability Score is tied with 2006 as the worst with only 1/10, but the Owner Reliability Score is up there with the best of them at 9/10.
The primary use of the GMC Envoy is as a family vehicle, so safety is essential when shopping for a used car. The 2002 Envoy scored only 3.67 out of 5 stars, less than the average across the auto industry. However, it equals the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner from the same year.
In a surprise twist, the 2002 Envoy reports the lowest cost of repairs and maintenance at $250 per year.
P0420 (Catalyst system efficiency below threshold – Bank 1) finally appears in the GMC Envoy. P0420 points to a bad catalytic converter ($1,538-$2,041). Next is P1345, a variable camshaft timing solenoid costing $1,016-$1,531. Last is P0440, the fuel filler cap ($58-$165).
The 2002 GMC Envoy has the most recalls with an impressive 16, another reason we recommend avoiding this Envoy. It also has 12 investigations and 571 complaints.
2004 GMC Envoy
FIXD Reliability Score: 2/10
Owner Reliability Score: 5/10
KBB Value: $3,020
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $950
Safety Rating: 3.83/5
The 2004 GMC Envoy continued the tradition of adding more optional features to the SUV. Largely unchanged from 2003, the newest offer from the 2004 model year was an XUV line of the Envoy. This trim allowed the roof to retract, combining the comfort of an SUV with the utility of a pickup.
The FIXD Reliability Score is only 2/10, and the Owner Reliability Score is 5/10. This year’s new options included satellite radio and DVD navigation, but 50% of owners surveyed claimed the entertainment system doesn’t work well.
Safety ratings continue their unimpressive trend of below average, getting only 3.83 stars out of 5. Frontal crash ratings are the weak link, getting only 3/5 on the driver and passenger sides. There are safer alternatives, such as the 2004 Toyota 4Runner, rated four out of five stars.
Only slightly above average at $950, the repair costs for the 2004 Envoy are still high. Considering the car is only worth $3,020, it is probably not worth spending a third of its value on repairs yearly. Additionally, 80% of owners claim they spent over $500 on a single repair in 2022.
P0410 is the most frequent DTC in the 2004 Envoy, which means there is a secondary air injection system malfunction. Potential repairs for P0410 include a fuse ($10), an air pump ($570-$710), or an air pump relay ($50-$75). P0455 (System Gross Leak Evaporative System Malfunction) is second place in 2004, usually the loose gas cap. Still, it could be one of the following:
- Gas Cap ($20-$60)
- EVAP Line ($20-$100)
- EVAP Vent Control Valve ($150-$200)
- Purge Volume Control Valve ($150-$200)
Finally, P0128 (Coolant Thermostat Temperature Below Regulating Temperature) makes another appearance, which requires a new engine coolant thermostat ($400-800).
The 2004 GMC Envoy has only two recalls, four investigations, and 372 complaints. Both recalls deal with exterior lighting and could increase the risk of an accident if headlamps or turn signals fail.
2005 GMC Envoy
FIXD Reliability Score: 2/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7/10
KBB Value: $3,371
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $1,188
Safety Rating: 3.83/5
2005’s addition to the Envoy line is the addition of a Denali trim with leather seats and a 5.3-liter V8 engine. While adding the luxurious Denali to the Envoy helped boost sales and added more options, we recommend avoiding 2005 altogether.
The FIXD Reliability Score stays close to the other worst GMC Envoys at 2/10, while the Owner Reliability Score goes to 7/10, making it the “best of the worst.”
The 2005 Envoy only garnered 3.83 stars out of 5 in its NHTSA safety tests. The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder was given four out of 5 stars and would be a safer option in the mid-size SUV category this year.
Another reason to avoid the 2005 Envoy is the $1,148 you’ll spend on yearly maintenance. Spending a third of the vehicle’s value on repairs and maintenance is unsustainable. Additionally, 75 % of owners reported a repair of $500+, and 25% of those repairs were in the engine.
The 2005 GMC Envoy shares the same top three DTCs as the 2004 version: P0410, P0455, and P0128.
The 2005 GMC Envoy has three recalls, three investigations, and 619 complaints.
FAQs
What years of the GMC Envoy have engine and/or transmission problems?
No significant problems are with the GMC Envoy’s engine or transmission. With an average mileage of 176,384, some issues are expected. The high average mileage is a testament to the reliability and durability of the SUV.
Data from the FIXD devices show a few engine-related codes but nothing overwhelmingly concerning. The 2002 GMC Envoy has a common DTC related to the catalytic converter and the variable camshaft timing solenoid, both expensive engine-related repairs. Additionally, owners of the 2006 Envoy reported 54.55% of their repairs over $500 were engine related.
What is considered high mileage for a GMC Envoy?
According to our data, high mileage for the GMC Envoy is anything above 145,000 miles. The highest reported average mileage is 195,000 in the 2003 and 2004 model years. The lowest is 153,571 miles in the 2006 GMC Envoy. The average of all Envoys is 176,384 miles.
Age and mileage are important factors when considering what is high mileage in a GMC Envoy. 12,000 miles is considered to be the average miles a vehicle is driven annually. Therefore, a 5-year-old GMC with 120,000 miles would be very high-mileage, but a 10-year-old vehicle with the exact miles would not.
Other circumstances, such as maintenance and standard driving conditions, are important to consider regardless of the miles on the car. We recommend getting your GMC Envoy inspected to determine potential issues.
What other vehicles should I consider?
If you are shopping for a used SUV, such as the GMC Envoy, there are multiple other vehicles to consider. The Ford Explorer provides great performance and reliability in a spacious family SUV.
Another excellent option to explore is the Toyota 4Runner. Offering off-road capabilities, a rugged build, and a reputation for longevity, the 4Runner could be a great choice.
Another option worth considering is the Nissan Pathfinder. Known for its comfortable and spacious interior and strong towing capacity, the Pathfinder is a dependable and family-friendly choice in the mid-size SUV segment.
What owners of the GMC Envoy like to use their car for:
According to responses from owner surveys, the GMC Envoy’s main use is as a family vehicle (42%). The second most frequent use is for lots of driving (travel/commute) at 30%. Hauling/towing is third at 12%, outdoor/off-road is 8%, and an office on wheels at 4% rounds out the top five. Luxurious driving and sport/fast driving were reported as the most frequent use by 3% of owners for each.
| Frequent Use Categories: | How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Family Vehicle | ***** |
| Lots of Driving (travel/long commute) | *** |
| Hauling/Towing | ** |
| Office on Wheels | * |
| Sport/Fast Driving | * |
| Luxurious Driving | * |
| Outdoor/Off-Road | * |
A Note About Data and Information Sources
This article has many details about GMC Envoy reliability; here’s what we used for our assumptions and recommendations.
- FIXD Reliability Score & Data: Engine reliability information is captured via the FIXD App.
The FIXD Reliability Score is calculated using the number of DTCs per year, weighted by mileage. This is then turned into a scale of 1-10 for easy graphing.
This is an objective score.
- Owner Reliability Score & Data: This data is the result of surveying GMC Envoy owners who use FIXD.
The Owner Reliability Score comes straight from owners of the GMC Envoy.
This is a subjective score.
To determine the Owner Reliability Score we ask each car owner:
How reliable would you say your GMC Envoy is?
a. Just point A to point B driving
b. A Daily Commuter
c. Good for a 100 mile road trip
d. Good for a 500 mile road trip
e. I could take a cross-country road trip, no problem
From here we translate their answers into the Owner Reliability Score:
a. = 2
b. = 4
c. = 6
d. = 8
e. = 10
Keep in mind, owners may think their car is more or less reliable than it actually is.
One potential problem is that people often buy the same make or model they are used to when they go car shopping, just a newer year.
Ford, for instance, has a number of consumer loyalty awards for the Ford F-Series, Ford Mustang, and Ford Expedition.
Car owners may be so loyal to the make or model they currently own that they would have trouble accurately comparing their cars’ reliability to others.
It’s for this reason that we ask car owners a question that is relative to mileage rather than relative to other cars.
Still, be mindful of the accuracy of these Owner Reliability Scores, people’s perceptions and unconscious blindspots can skew data.
We suggest looking at both the FIXD Reliability Score and the Owner Reliability Score for this reason.
- KBB Value: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a Chevrolet Equinox with typical mileage for that respective model year.
- Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov
- Annual Maintenance/Repair: Upkeep expenses as reported by surveyed GMC Envoy owners
- Safety Rating: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph.
References
- GMC Envoy model-specific information, edmunds.com (various dates). Retrieved August 1st, 2023, from https://www.edmunds.com/
- Model-specific recall information as per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Retrieved August 1st, 2023, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
- P0412 OBD-II Trouble Code: Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve A Circuit Malfunction, yourmechanic.com. Retrieved August 2nd, 2023, from https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0412-obd-ii-trouble-code-secondary-air-injection-system-switching-valve-a-circuit-malfunction-by-jay-safford
- GMC Envoy Generations. Carbuzz.com. Retrieved August 2nd, 2023, from https://carbuzz.com/cars/gmc/envoy-generations
Keith Rollins is a copywriter and author that has been involved in the automotive industry for over 12 years. He has written for hotcars.com and is featured on Copywriting.org. When he’s not writing he’s spending time with his three kids, hiking, working on cars, or running. You can see his work at keithrrollins.com.
