The 2003 GMC Envoy has a lot going for it, from the 290 horsepower V8 engine to the spacious seating. But the 2003 Explorer is more affordable, the Pilot is more reliable, and pretty much any compact SUV is going to be cheaper to fill up and more fun to drive.
Is the 2003 GMC Envoy a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – One of the most powerful and comfortable mid-size SUVs from this model year, but underwhelming in more categories than not.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Comfortable, spacious seats and a smooth ride. The Explorer packs a little more cargo, but at this size you won’t even notice the difference.
- Reliability 7/10 – Reliability is a bit of a coin toss for the 2003 GMC Envoy. If the previous owner took care of the SUV, you could pass 250,000 miles. If they ran it rough, it may be gasping and wheezing by 150,000.
- Safety 6/10 – Mediocre crash test ratings on release and outdated safety tech make for an underwhelming safety score.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – At 15/20 miles to the gallon, city/highway, it’s fine for a 2003 mid-size SUV, but this is a category of vehicle you want to avoid altogether if gas prices are a major concern.
- Value 7/10 – The entry-level SLE is priced fairly, while the SLT gives you a thousand dollars worth of extra features for just two hundred dollars more on the sticker price.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2003 GMC Envoy?
Consumer Reports praised the roomy interior and solid design of the GMC Envoy, but found the handling a bit wonky and braking unresponsive.
Kelley Blue Book reviewers give the Envoy a 93% recommendation, praising the comfortable interior, fun driving, and rugged performance. Some red marks were given for the Stabilitrak’s fidgety performance in cold weather, and the awkward placement of the rear tire under the rear.
Edmunds liked the wide array of options and packages, the strong V6 engine, and the interior design, but knocked it a couple points for numb steering and some cheap-feeling interior materials.
What Common Problems Does the 2003 GMC Envoy Have?
133 of the Envoy’s 633 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are for electrical issues with drivers reporting problems like headlights coming on automatically, draining the battery, and bad wiring in the instrument clusters and window switches.
There are 116 complaints filed under fuel system with some drivers reporting a strong fuel odor in the vehicle. In some instances the problem was diagnosed as a crack in the filler neck of the fuel tank. There have been no recalls for this issue as yet.
Powertrain complaints are within reasonable expected numbers for a twenty year old SUV, but some drivers have reported the gear shift cable snapping. If you know how to do the repair yourself this might be a simple forty dollar fix, or it could run you about three hundred bucks to have it done at the shop.
In total there are 10 recalls on file for the 2003 GMC Envoy, which is about what you expect for an SUV from 2003.
How Long Will the 2003 GMC Envoy Last?
GMC Envoy drivers have reported mileage as high as 400,000 before the transmission finally gives up the ghost, but there are just as many reports of the SUV struggling to reach 150,000. With good maintenance habits, 300,000 is a typical lifespan, but if we’re talking used you might want to expect 250,000.
RepairPal estimate an older Envoy to run about $459 a year in maintenance costs, with the most expensive common repair being a new control arm starting at $859.
None... only minor things that were to be expected for its age and mileage. It has been totally reliable. We have always used regular maintenance and it has paid off in reliability.
No, it is a very reliable SUV. It is safe SUV. I have taught both my teenage daughters how to drive in this car. I have had no major problems with it.
For the most part yes other than the cylinders have all been replaced over time. But we got it in 2003 so that is quote a few years.
Yes it has a few minor problems buy nothing major. Mainly the 02 sensor having to constantly be replaced and it drinking gas really bad when the sensor goes out.
As to my knowledge it does not have any issues. I drive up north which is 165 miles one ways and never worried about it breaking down.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is pretty good for 2003. Entry level gear includes a CD player and speed-compensated volume control, and the higher trim level has a separate sound system in the back.
Safety technology is adequate considering the SUV’s age. 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, full airbags, not exactly high-tech by modern standards, but about what you expect from a twenty year old vehicle.
Is the 2003 GMC Envoy a Good Value?
The 2003 GMC Envoy is a fair value. An entry level model typically lists at around $3,983. There are better deals to be had, with the 2003 Explorer typically listing at around five hundred to a thousand dollars less than that. But the Envoy is certainly not overpriced.
Between the entry-level SLE and the high-end SLT, the SLT is the better deal, featuring all the upgrades for just a couple hundred dollars more.
What are the Different Models of the 2003 GMC Envoy?
GMC Envoys are sold in a Commercial model for professional use, while civilians have access to a basic SLE and a more luxurious SLT.
The entry-level SLE features:
- Remote keyless entry
- Dual zone manual air conditioning
- Driver lumbar support
- Premium cloth seating
- AM/FM radio with CD player
- Cruise control
- Leather wrapped steering wheel rim
- Power windows
The high-end SLT adds:
- Heated mirrors
- Leather seat trim
- Rear air conditioning with separate controls
- Passenger lumbar support
- 8-way power adjust front bucket seats
- Second sound system in the rear
- Steering wheel mounted HVAC controls
What Engines Come In the 2003 GMC Envoy?
- Both Envoy trims come standard with a 4.2L inline-six delivering 275 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission and configured in rear wheel drive. Towing capacity maxes out at 5,200 pounds with the 4.2L.
- Available in either trim you’ve got a 5.3L Vortec V8 producing 290 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic and configured in four wheel drive. The V8 can get you up to 6,000 pounds of towing power.
What Colors Does the 2003 GMC Envoy Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2003 GMC Envoy?
With 58 inches of hip room in the back and cushy seating for up to seven people, the Envoy is a very comfortable SUV. The suspension has held up well over the years, so the ride should still be as smooth today as it was twenty years ago.
Just be sure to test drive it on bumpy roads before you go handing any money over. If someone’s been taking this thing mudding, it may have developed a bit of a wobble.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2003 GMC Envoy Have?
The 2003 GMC Envoy can pack up to 39.8 cubic feet with the seats up, and it can more than double that at 80.1 with the seats down. There are bigger SUVs in this regard, but at this point you’ve already got more space than you’re going to need on a regular basis.
You’ll be able to haul most chairs and nightstands on your furniture shopping trips, but you might need to borrow a friend’s truck for the sofa and dinner table. The Envoy is spacious for a mid-size SUV, but it’s not a moving van.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2003 GMC Envoy was the first model in the 2nd Generation, which ran until the 2009 model year.
2003: The second gen Envoy debuted as a five-door SUV built on the same body as the Isuzu Ascender.
2004: GMC added adjustable pedals and an optional DVD system for 2004.
2005: The Envoy Denali was introduced, featuring leather and wood trim and a unique grille design. The standard Envoy got revised seats and an updated DVD system.
2006: Stabilitrak control was made standard across all Envoy trims for 2006.
2007: Five-passenger seating became standard in all trims with GMC dropping the XL trim.
2008: No major upgrades except for new side curtain airbags.
2009: Bluetooth technology was added for 2009.
How Does the 2003 GMC Envoy Compare to the Competition?
A 2003 Honda Pilot starts out at a typical listing price of $4,746, around seven hundred dollars more than a comparable Envoy, and five hundred more than a top-of-the-line SLT. Specs are mostly comparable, although the entry level Envoy is about thirty five horses more powerful. What you’re really paying for here is Honda-grade reliability. An Envoy might reach 300,000 miles, a well-kept Pilot will probably hit that number.
An entry level 2003 Ford Explorer can be found for a thousand dollars less, it offers a bit more cargo space, but it ranges from 210 horsepower to 239, while the Envoy goes all the way up to 290.
If you’re looking for something powerful, the Envoy is hard to beat. The Pilot is probably the most reliable SUV in its size class, and the Explorer is the most affordable.
Do Owners Recommend the 2003 GMC Envoy?
It is excellent! Very reliable at over 205,000 miles! We have had very few repair issues in all this time. It has been the best car we have ever had.
Yes, it is a very reliable/safe Sport Utility Vehicles. It drives well in all weather conditions. I have enjoyed the options that this SUV came with.
Is good in certain ways not so great in others. Very spacious we have a small business and it caters to all of our needs as far as that goes. Its horrible on gas and has all 6 cylinders replaced since we bought it.
Could use some upgrades. Other than that I like it. Rides nice. Heated seats. Easy to fix. And the stereo speakers are great and great gas mileage.
I like my envoy very much. It's very dependable but a bit expensive on gas. I use it for work and pleasure. It's never broke down on me. Its wonderful for traveling because its roomy.