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Automotive Industry

GMC Envoy XL - Cars Worth Noting - Brief Article - Evaluation

Automotive Industries, August, 2002 by Andrew Cummins

As far as SUVs go the entire lineup from General Motors is pretty good. They're all comfortable, roomy, quiet, and they have plenty of performance. I think the price tag is a little high at nearly $40,000 but it appears I'm in the minority since people are certainly buying them up quick enough.

I'm kind of a styling guy. The car can have the best performance, the most high tech suspension, all the bells and whistles, but if it's ugly--I don't like it. And that's the case with the XL package on the Envoy. The extended rear-end looks like an after-thought. And why do they need it? In my opinion, if you want a third row, get a Tahoe.

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Also, it felt like the rear suspension needed to be beefed up to handle the extra weight. Word is that they didn't add any extra weight but I don't know how that is possible when you add sheet metal, seats, glass, extended frame and whatever else you need to make a vehicle longer.

In all, the vehicle seemed out of proportion to me. I like the size and proportions of the regular wheelbase model but the XL--I don't think so.

But other than the distorted lines I really liked the car. It's everything a new SUV should be and probably lives up to its bigger price tag in most respects.

Bottom line: I'd buy the standard wheelbase model. But I'd buy a Tahoe if I needed that extra row of seats.

Automotive Industry

GMC Envoy XL - Cars Worth Noting - Brief Article - Evaluation

Automotive Industries, August, 2002 by Andrew Cummins

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