2004 GMC Envoy Review: A Very Good SUV Plagued by the Potential for Early Breakdown

The 2004 GMC Envoy is roomy, powerful, and loaded with cool interior features. Unfortunately, there are a lot of powertrain and engine complaints on file that may have you feeling anxious every time you get behind the wheel.

Is the 2004 GMC Envoy a Good Used SUV?

• Overall Rating 7/10 – The 2004 GMC Envoy is a very good mid-size SUV, but you’ve got to take a point away for possible transmission failure before 200,000 miles.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – It’s a mid-size SUV that feels like a full-size SUV. The suspension has held up well over the years and there’s more space in the cabin than you’ll ever need.
• Reliability 7/10 – The Envoy isn’t exactly a money pit, typical maintenance costs are within the average range for the size class. But engine and powertrain complaints will have you feel like you’re sitting on a time bomb.
• Safety 6/10 – Crash test ratings are less than stellar and safety tech is adequate but outdated. A mid-size SUV is always going to be a bit safer to drive than a comparable sedan or hatchback, but there are safer SUVs out there.
• Gas Mileage 7/10 – 16/21 miles to the gallon, city/highway, isn’t bad for a mid-size SUV from 2004. It’s not excellent by modern standards, but you could do a lot worse considering the vehicle’s age.
• Value 7/10 – If you’re one of the lucky ones, the 2004 Envoy might be the best SUV you ever buy, passing 300,000 miles with no major repairs. Or, you might see the transmission tapping out after one month on the road.

What Do Critics Say About the 2004 GMC Envoy?

Consumer Reports liked the overall design of the “roomy, quiet” and “compliant” 2004 Envoy, but they weren’t big fans of the SUV’s sloppy handling, weak braking, and uncomfortable front seat belts. They note the absence of stability control as a standard feature being a major red mark, as well.

Kelley Blue Book users praised the Envoy for its comfortable interior, rugged exterior, and powerful engine. A few drivers report that the build quality feels a bit cheap, with the body squeaking around every turn.

Edmunds liked the six-cylinder engine, the interior design, and the wide range of cool options, but they didn’t like the loose cornering, numb steering, and low-grade interior trim.

What Common Problems Does the 2004 GMC Envoy Have?

Electrical issues make up nearly half of the 2004 GMC Envoy’s 714 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Leading issues include failing headlights and passenger seats catching fire from the heater.

Engine and power train issues include anti-lock brakes switching on for no reason, causing the SUV to shake and rattle on the road, as well as rough idling, and even fuel leaks. These issues are not incredibly common, but they are deeply concerning. Run a thorough test drive before you buy.

A few drivers have reported back windows exploding, most likely owing to misalignment on the window track, but there are not enough complaints on file to ascertain a definitive cause.

The 2004 GMC Envoy has 3 recalls on file, all for exterior lighting issues, despite a long list of engine and electrical complaints. The SUV is hardly a lemon, but when something does go wrong with it, it seems to go so wrong that you’re looking at early breakdown and expensive repairs. This alone might be enough to scare some buyers off.

How Long Will the 2004 GMC Envoy Last?

GMC Envoy drivers report a wide range of numbers when it comes to longevity. Some owners barely pass 150,000 miles before the SUV clunks out, others shoot right past 400,000 miles with no major repairs. Realistically you should expect 250,000 miles if you don’t experience any major powertrain issues.

RepairPal estimate an annual maintenance cost of $497, with the most expensive common fix being a new steering knuckle, starting at around $979. Intake manifold gaskets take a close second place at $608.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is above average for a 2004 SUV. The entry level model is available with a 6-disc CD changer and a navigation system.

Safety technology is adequate, even if it doesn’t exactly go above-and-beyond. You’ve got anti-lock brakes and full airbags, which is pretty much all you can ask for in a 2004 vehicle.

Is the 2004 GMC Envoy a Good Value?

The 2004 GMC Envoy is priced fairly, but it’s a risky purchase. An entry-level SLE typically lists at around $4,492, with the high-end SLT selling at barely over a hundred dollars more than that. These prices are for models with around 160,000 miles on the odometer.

That sounds like a great deal, and cost-of-ownership isn’t so bad, with refueling and maintenance expenses both being reasonable for the Envoy’s size class. But the risk of early breakdown owing to a blown gasket or total powertrain failure may have you feeling anxious every time you get behind the wheel.

What are the Different Models of the 2004 GMC Envoy?

Not counting the SLE Commercial model, sold to businesses for fleet purposes, the 2004 Envoy is available in just two trim levels, being the base SLE and the high-end SLT.

With the entry-level SLE you’re getting:

• Remote keyless entry
• Fog lights
• Manual dual-zone air conditioning
• CD player
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power windows and door locks

The top-of-the-line SLT adds:

• Leather seating
• Heated mirrors
• Automatic air conditioning with separate controls for the backseat
• Cruise control

What Engines Come In the 2004 GMC Envoy?

• The 2004 GMC Envoy comes packed with a 4.2L inline-six engine delivering 275 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission, averages 16/21 miles to the gallon, city/highway, and can be configured in rear and four wheel drive. Depending on your equipment you can tow up to 6,300 pounds.

What Colors Does the 2004 GMC Envoy Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2004 GMC Envoy?

The 2004 Envoy is very comfortable, boasting 58 inches of hiproom in the rear and cushy seating. The suspension has held up well over the years, with just eight driver complaints on file with the NHTSA. The shocks and struts will probably outlast the rest of the SUV.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 GMC Envoy Have?

You’ve got 39.8 cubic feet of space in the back of the Envoy, and you can double that to 80.1 with the seats folded down. The GMC Envoy is technically a mid-size SUV, but it feels like a full-size when you’re loading it up with cargo. You could fit about six medium-sized suitcases in the back.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The 2004 GMC Envoy was the second model year of the nameplate’s 2nd Generation, which ran from 2003 to 2009.

2002: There were no major changes for the final Envoy of the 1st Generation, as GMC were already gearing up for relaunch at this point.

2003: The brand new Envoy debuted as a five-door SUV using the Isuzu Ascender’s body as its foundation.

2004: Adjustable pedals and optional DVD systems debuted in 2004.

2005: GMC added the high-end Denali trim to the Envoy lineup in 2005, featuring leather and wood trim. The other trim levels received upgrades to the seating and DVD systems.

2006: Stabilitrak traction control was added as a standard feature for 2006.

2007: GMC dropped the XL trim and made five-passenger seating the standard across all models.

How Does the 2004 GMC Envoy Compare to the Competition?

If you’re just looking at specs and pricing, the 2004 GMC Envoy is a serious contender with the 2004 Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer.

The Pilot prices at around the same cost as the Envoy, and trades horsepower for fuel efficiency. The Explorer isn’t quite as powerful as either of its competitors, but it prices at around a thousand bucks cheaper, on average.

What makes both of these SUVs preferable to the Envoy is the GMC’s potential for early breakdown. If you’re going to spend four, five grand on an SUV, you might as well pick one that’s likely to pass a quarter million miles on the original transmission. The Envoy might achieve that, but there’s a good chance it won’t.

Do Owners Recommend the 2004 GMC Envoy?