2004 GMC Envoy XUV Review - Someone Else's Dream

[@damilolaakanni]

There was also the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner. Basically a two door Tacoma with the 4.0 V6 and "sport tuned" suspension. From a brand like Toyota who had almost completely given up on performance cars in the 2000's, it was very strange. You could even add a supercharger to your 5.7 Tundra from the dealership without voiding your warranty.

[@ferretman6790]

I’ve heard of it. Sounds like a beast, much like the Ford Lightning

[@RYwoodview]

I had one for about 12 years. My favorite vehicle of all time. It was extremely comfortable, drove very well, and was the most versatile family/utility vehicle EVER. I live in the snow belt, so too much of it eventually rusted out to keep, but I am told that it ended up resold to a delighted guy who was taking it home to Jamaica for its old age. That makes me feel good. I moved on to a 2005 Chevy Avalanche, which is just as versatile, albeit in a truck sort of way rather than an SUV way.

[@LuwiigiMaster]

The Envoy XUV, alongside the Avalanche and the Mark LT, predicted the modern trend of 'pickup trucks' that are essentially SUVs with a tiny bed. The only problem with these cars is that they were advertised as 'city slicker, mom mobile SUVs' and not as 'tough country, blue collar trucks', which tends to bruise the truck buyer's ego, even if the vast majority of them only buy them to haul their family around (at best) from point A to point B.

[@drottle]

3:44 you can see such a wide smile on your face, I’m glad you love doing these reviews

[@brianhall8097]

I have Envoy XUV SLT with every option you could get I have aggressive black wheels really changes the look I really like it thanks for the video well put together

[@baronvonjo1929]

Okay. I have never seen how all this worked. Literally one of the coolest things in the automotive industry I have ever seem. I would love this. It looks like and is hopefully somewhat simple to fix if something broke. Edit: I spoke too soon. I guess its isnt simple and reliable.

[@davinp]

Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, GM's SUVs were better built than the newer ones as GM's quality has gone down in the last decade

[@sunnohh]

Ehhh uhhh ummm these were straight garbage and chevy has only made garbage since the early 70s

[@OhPhuckYou]

​@@sunnohh Yes, they're garbage, but I also know a couple people with well over 250K relatively trouble free miles on their Trail Blazers.

[@seanguy9720]

@Jonathan the seat comfort of a 2000 Yukon vs a brand new one is crazy. The 2000 is so much more comfortable

[@seanguy9720]

@Jonathan it’s a worthy compromise for comfort over style

[@seanguy9720]

@Jonathan cope and seethe

[@jungle_cs]

That inline 6 is a perfect motor. I'd rank it all the way up with the Buick 3.8 in terms of reliability

[@dtay8913]

I found one of these last month with all the bells and whistles. Leather, sunroof, heated seats, and the rear worked perfectly. I began bidding on it but unfortunately got outbid. I wanted it so bad.

[@alexletnyanchin8041]

If you wanted this car so bad, you should not get outbid

[@mattnorman5241]

​@@alexletnyanchin8041 he has no taste

[@mattnorman5241]

you must be poor and whoever brought this is poorer

[@sunnohh]

Chevy had an enormous crack budget in the early 2000s, this, the ssr, the hhr, the cadillac corvette, saturn, saab, the hummers, the aztek, the avalanche, and I could seriously keep rattling off chevy batshit ideas

[@COYGunners]

Add the Solstice to your blacklist

[@mattnorman5241]

gm sucks

[@mikewazowski5900]

*GM*

[@ebla83]

I have a 2003 Envoy XL that is just the regular long version. It only has 80,000 miles and has been a great vehicle. I don't have the XUV, but man is it handy. It hauls people or lumber, and tows well! The Envoys are excellent in deep snow as well.

[@bwofficial1776]

Interesting concept. Unfortunately, it didn't work for Studebaker in the 60s and it didn't work this time. People would rather have a pickup or a wagon/SUV, not some weird mixup of both. An SUV with a hard plastic separated cargo area that can be opened up and can carry oversize cargo sounds like a good idea but fell short in practice. At least early 00s GM tried things even if they weren't always good quality or execution.

[@boostedbird4799]

4200's with boost make dummy good power. Put it in a car way lighter, add a manual trans, and a turbo, and this engine would be a riot. Personally want to drop one in a solstice or sky

[@patricklinkous]

I forgot this existed. Thanks for showing us all its eccentricities and attributes.

[@mattnorman5241]

they was and still is ugly

[@jej3films]

I had one of these from 2009-2013. Absolutely loved it! The tailgate and roof didn't always work, and I ended up trading it in when it hit 168000 miles. I miss that thing!

[@whuttontarnation2484]

I remember when watchjrgo did a series on one of these. Literally the day after the last video came out I saw one and it was really cool. I hope innovation and experimentation comes back to cars. The midgate and the ability to have open air was just such a neat concept and idea

[@tylerwilkey13]

The 5.3 is standard in the Envoy Denali, it’s not too hard to find in the Envoy XL and XUV, but they are EXTREMELY rare in Trailblazers of any variety. The SS and Saab 9-7X Aero are a whole different story with the LS2

[@mikezobl9602]

The Buick Rainier was frequently equipped with the 5.3L as well. I'd love to turn one of those into an oddball overlanding rig. Fun fact: the 5.3L LH6 in these trucks from 2005-09 uses the same cylinder heads and camshaft as the LS4 in the V8 W-Body cars. They both have an aluminum block, but the LH6 has the RWD bellhousing bolt pattern and the LS4 uses the FWD bellhousing pattern.

[@zacharyyoung9984]

@@mikezobl9602 as a Buick owner, an overlanding outfitted Rainier has been what I've been shopping for for a while now. Looking for one of those with the 5.3L & G80 diff in white. Glad to see someone else recognize how capable these are for the price! Cool fun fact too.

[@mattnorman5241]

why would anyone wanna own a pos like this

[@mattnorman5241]

​@@zacharyyoung9984 this is a pos

[@zacharyyoung9984]

@@mattnorman5241 I’m more than aware lmaooo but I can’t think of anything else that has 4x4, v8, dvd player, and a built in air compressor for under 5k, unless you get an extremely clapped Lexus GX.

[@harrisonthorburn7415]

I seem to remember an infomercial style commercial for this around the time it came out airing on early-weekend TV and I really wanted one when I was 10.

[@AlB1974]

I've had 2 GMC XUV's(2004 and 2005) in the last 10 years and I'm looking for a 3rd one when I find one that has most of rhe features Im looking for.

[@bruce111673]

Hi I have a 2004 slt 5.3 154,000 . What are you looking for ? Curious ?

[@apancher]

Shoutout to Joe! I've known him since freshman year of high school.

[@dlmullins9054]

My wife still loves hers and it has over 200k on it. I like all the things it can do. We rolled the top up and carried a riding mower and a refrigerator in it once. It has over 200k on it now. We have the tent that attaches to the back too. I love the air compressor in the back too. Interior is perfect still. My wife drove it over a ten-foot embankment one rainy foggy night, but I got behind the wheel and drove it right back up the hill no problem. Her's has leather seats and nicer console with two rear cup holders. Thanks for this video. Subscribing now.

[@Mathias-RetroFutureTech]

This definitely has to be one of the coolest vehicles I've ever seen, can totally understand why you wanted to show this one at the channel. 🤯🤯

[@Dankcatvacs]

4:16 there was a time where you would charge the gps, phone, ipod, and maybe even a radar detector. this was the coolest when i saw the commercial with the giant potted plant in the back. way cooler than a subaru baja . it has towing power and is a rolling transformer toy i could haul 30 vacuums with this.

[@Stressless2023]

I remember that commercial of these hauling the tall potted plant lol I was 19 when these came out which only feels like yesterday.

[@notsolegitgarage2967]

I never knew the roof of these moved that’s a mind blow

[@mattnorman5241]

and that why they went bankrupt

[@DumSpiroSpero864]

It was boring to learn about this but the back put a smile on my face.

[@mattnorman5241]

@@DumSpiroSpero864 🤣🤣🤣🤣 this pos gm it should be a sad face

[@johnpalma7265]

@@mattnorman5241 How so, I would think the Cobalt was the probem?

[@static_Tricolor_camry]

The early 2000's are the last legends of what cars once used too be simple and built better to last a longtime 20+ years. My 2007 Toyota Camry is 16 years old, I keep it maintained it's 10 times better then the new modern junks, without a bunch of useless technology trash.

[@damilolaakanni]

I heard that the inline 6 engine that GM made was actually developed in conjunction with Isuzu, since they were in partnership at the time.

[@cavalierliberty6838]

The 2.7, 2.9, 3.5, 3.7, and 4.2 were all in one family, the atlas engines. They were developed with them, and were dual overhead cam engines. Despite straight sixes being torquey, they sure have no grunt in the bottom end,

[@Low760]

​@@cavalierliberty6838 but take to turbos really well.

[@mattnorman5241]

​@@cavalierliberty6838 and they the reason isuzu dont exist anymore gm shouldve went right down with them

[@dro3m]

​@mattnorman5241 Isuzu is alive and well, they only sell the NPR medium duty cab over in the state though. Their small trucks and SUVs are still very popular in parts of Asia and other parts of the world.

[@anthony_rivera4735]

Think you can do a review on the mid-2000s Lincoln Aviator or Isuzu Axiom?, if you can find either of them

[@OhPhuckYou]

Finding a running Axiom would be quite the task.

[@NicoleGilmore-p8x]

I just bought one today needs some work 2900 need too fix back door won’t lock and window in back but nice only 133000 miles base model great video

[@landonbenford8369]

GOD Bless you and your new baby!!😊

[@GarrettRaakman]

I have been so hyped for this beasty. Outside of the SAAB 9-7X and the Ascender, the quirkiest GMT360

[@mattnorman5241]

you have no taste

[@WheelEstate]

Thank you so much for this video! I've always wondered how they transformed. I've only ever seen them in their non-transformed, regular SUV state. What a clever design!

[@abedekok322]

Late 90s/00's GM was truly the most creative time in the modern American Automotive world, a lot of interesting concepts that were unfortunately lost with GMs bankruptcy that we missed out on.

[@dansaintamour]

A chapter from "Car guys and bean counters". Love the channel, thanks!

[@MrSamPhoenix]

My sister had the Chevrolet version (Trail-Blazer) of this SUV. It was strong but man did that big straight in-line 6 cylinder drink gas!

[@mattnorman5241]

hope she junked it

[@Thesaurcery4U2C]

I had one with 386k miles on it before I got t-boned. bought another one afterwards. I drag a 5x8 enclosed job trailer around the country with them. I haven't had any serious issues, and I have not once been broken down in 23 years.

[@ajesuale]

They should have kept of develompment of that straight 6. It was a good engine 270 hp in the early 2000s from a 6 is great.

[@keepitthoro6768]

Can you open the roof and put down the mid glass and keep the rear glass up?

[@brantisonfire]

That 4.2 Atlas I^ was a great engine. I wish they offered it in the pickups as well. Would have been cool to have a Silverado 4x4 with one. The 4.3 Vortec was OK, but having the extra torque and HP of the 4.2 would have been nice.

[@brunowskijr]

I had both a 02 trailblazer Lt and a 2006 Silverado 5 speed 4.3. both had plenty of power for their respective times but I know the 4.2 I6 was a torque machine and towed like nothing was behind it

[@brantisonfire]

@@brunowskijr I used to drive my grandad's 1994 S-10 2WD with the 4.3 Vortec. I think it was the less powerful one with 160-ish horsepower, but a whopping 240 ft. lbs. of torque. That thing was very twitchy on a dry road from a dead stop. I had to be careful at stoplights and signs as not to burnout when taking off.

[@dilyo624]

I literally never saw one till today and then I saw your video recommended when I got home

[@dave11686]

My sister in law had an Avalanche. I love the XUV; it’s so ahead of its time.

[@paulm6481]

Lol had no idea GM made straight six engines.

[@landonbenford8369]

275 horses; a Ridiculous amount of power from an I-6 back then.

[@sumnersmith808]

Great video, your commentary during the lengthy conversion process was funny. Never knew this existed but now I'll keep an eye out for them!

[@mattnorman5241]

dont this is a pos car

[@2AMinLosAngeles]

While the XUV is a cool idea, i'm a firm believer that, apart from the saab 9-7 aero, this might be the ugliest suv ever made, especially in long wheelbase form. there just isnt a single good angle anywhere and the proportions and body lines seem to clash constantly. the fact that every trailblazer i see nowadays is clapped out doesnt help either.

[@mattnorman5241]

it is the ugliest suv ever

[@ryannatividad3137]

I think the first gen Nissan Armada / Infiniti QX56 are as ugly or maybe uglier. They both suffer from a lot of the same design issues. All the attempts to make them look less boxy only make them look more weird, awkward, and badly proportioned.

[@zacharyhairston2180]

I worked at the Assembly Plant that produced these, Oklahoma City. Was our First SUV/XUV product after producing cars for years. Was not successful, Closed our plant in 2006.

[@Bazzemboi]

0:32 the rear caught me off-guard, of the tons of the regular non XUV Envoys I have seen here in the Arabian gulf, none have such taillights. These look concept-ey. I wonder why we didn't get the XUV here anyway since the market for such a car would somehow exist anyway. Thanks for the review nevertheless!!

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

This was a SUV guys!

[@stephanieneer9833]

I have a 2004 Envoy. Having issues with midgate window, tailgate, and retractable roof. Apparently if one doesn't work neither will the rest, waterfall effect. Bought it with 70,000 miles, all the bells and whistles, leather, heated seats etc etc. Hoping to fix the issues and sell to get my money back. I personally do not find this GMC SUV comfortable. Lots of unique features and kind of cool, just not the right fit for me.

[@keymbord]

4:24 I have an Isuzu Ascender and this little cup hold is the bane of my existence. You can't put ANYTHING in it if the car is in park, that means you can't park the car if there's a drink there. You can't keep anything with even a slightly wide lip in it without rubbing the buttons. It's just really annoying whenever I have someone else in my car or I'm picking up food

[@COYGunners]

That happens when engineers make decisions at GM instead of the beancounters

[@mattnorman5241]

that why gm went bankrupt this and the trailblazer was why

[@Thesaurcery4U2C]

@@mattnorman5241 What happened to you? Can you show me on the doll where GM touched you? Why are you giving your negative opinion to so many comments when nobody was asking for an opinion? Where did they hurt you bra? Did your mom run away with a GM executive or something?

[@Royaltyforever_90]

@@mattnorman5241u don’t know sh!t

[@runoflife87]

Well Lincoln Blackwood was not as excitong in its conception as Chevy Avalanche because of pickup platform.

[@bricegraham8256]

Lol one of these umwould come to the shop that I used to work at. I sadly had to fail it's state inspection cause the brakes were metal to metal. It was weird cause I think they park it most of the time. The reason why I think it's parked alot is because I would see some cobwebs inside the car and under the hood.

[@Just.Seraph]

This car straight up has a soul

[@caliboyrob]

As a kid I thought this was so cool. But I never seen it opened up. Everytime I seen one in its default setting Much more usable than the Avalanche imo.

[@lynp9996]

the back gate kinda reminds me of a second gen 4runner

[@James3478-r4n]

Reminds me of the Aztec, Chrysler had their creativity time period in the 90s gm had theirs in the 2000s before the bailout.

[@gteagle2004]

YES I FINALLY FOUND ONE OF THESE VIDEOS WHERE THE BIG FRIGGIN BOTTLE PASSES

[@Tully3674]

XUV was ahead of its time. Unfortunately, GM has always done a poor job marketing (unique) vehicles. They allow the media do their marketing. And at the time, critics didn't like the Envoy as they couldn't differentiate its offerings from the less expensive Chevy.

[@mattnorman5241]

no it wasnt it was a pos that why gm had to ask the govt for money

[@richardnottelmann58]

Best review yet.

[@meyo1860]

I love reading how Bob Lutz shit on this horrible SUV when he worked at GM. He didn’t fit with the, “Your honesty will hurt somebody’s feelings!” corporate culture, so he was pushed out of the boardroom and GM quickly went bankrupt with flop after flop. Death by “bean-counters” then, death by “wokeness” now.

[@mattnorman5241]

gm shouldve went out of business

[@Just.Seraph]

Not going to lie, this might be my dream car it's perfect for everything

[@baronvonjo1929]

I think GM could have made a good chunk of cash of continuing these smaller body on frame SUVs. Would probably gave to axe several of the ones from the various brands. But if they went the 4runner route they could have potentially done well for themselves. But this is of course all with the benefit of hindsight.

[@mattnorman5241]

gm needs to go out of business

[@AP-st1li]

And just like that, I absolutely need one of these now.

[@mattnorman5241]

you must be poor

[@WackityHQ]

@@mattnorman5241 you also might be a little upset at other Envoy or SUV drivers, since ur so rich u probably wrecked ur little tiny sports car into an SUV. when u realized that your tiny little car disintegrated and the SUV is completely intact u finally realized whos boss. An accident from your tiny sports car V.S an SUV is LITERALLY identical to SUV V.S BIG RIG SEMI TRUCK u'll get pwned and my vehicles cheaper is what im trying to say

[@austinp1124]

My mother bought this exact car a few days ago but unfortunately this feature that you demonstrated in the beginning with the transformation doesn’t work…

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Thanks for sharing with us all, I love the rear end with regards to the technology and engineering.

[@mattnorman5241]

what tech 😂😂😂 this thing is ugly that why they scrapped it they the reason gm had to get a bailout

[@CarsofGlasgow]

@@mattnorman5241 you think? maybe because I have never seen one before. I can admire the engineering behind all that functionality.

[@mattnorman5241]

@@CarsofGlasgow trust me its an eye sore and yes gm did go bankrupt behind this the trailblazer and all the other suvs that looked like this in their lineup i seen the reg version and its still ugly dont ever buy one its a money pit

[@toms_garage]

great video, I never knew this existed!

[@GilZu]

Looks like a cousin of the Aztec

[@mattnorman5241]

it is just uglier

[@janjohnson8273]

Had the V8, definitely worth it.

[@casiopeaman]

Watching Zack go through the XUV transformation process was great lol. The midgate on the XUV, Avalanche and now EV Silverado is such a great idea. Extremely versatile. Also I'm a huge fan of the SSR, the 2000s were a boon for quirky truck/suvs.

[@notsolegitgarage2967]

Can I just say the rear seat cup holders in all versions of these vehicles has to be the worst cup holders of all time

[@chickenfoundation9323]

Recently bought an almost fully loaded ( other then 4wd and sunroof) slt with the v8 for $700

[@keepitthoro6768]

That thing is actually really cool i want one...

[@COYGunners]

I’d be more than happy to carry my bike in one of these

[@C25-150]

I could see an ev or a hybrid envoy xuv competing with the “Cybertruck”

[@TheColosiss]

We are America... Weird strange pickups is part of our DNA... Ever since George Washinton drove his international 1500 across the Delaware.

[@AlexSmith-ys7of]

I just recently got one of these 05 4.2 4x4 with 97,000 miles I got a crazy good deal on it and I didn't realize what I had until I started looking in to it I really like it and it has definitely grown on me allot fortunately everything but the mid gate window works so I am going to do my best to keep it in good shape and just enjoy it.

[@mattnorman5241]

😂😂😂 pos car

[@DumSpiroSpero864]

I’m watching this high and I kept thinking to myself, what an ugly suv until I saw how cool the back turns into a semi truck.

[@brunowskijr]

Yeah this is what SUVs are supposed to be, practical

[@4yules]

trailblazer ss was a monster

[@chrisc338]

Did not know about these features on the Envoy. Very cool review and great job Zack!

[@mattnorman5241]

why would you even like this pos

[@thatrandomguy8567]

Hey man, i have a silver envoy XL. I happen to think its a beautiful color ❤

[@KimmySavageValkyrie92]

I remember these. So innovative but also so very odd.

[@danielhill3112]

I think another reason they didn't sell is because the people who wanted them the most weren't old enough to drive, let alone old enough to purchase a vehicle... (Speaking for myself 😅)

[@mattnorman5241]

why would you want a pos like this

[@reyesurricochea1909]

7:14 A pickup truck

[@danwatne4481]

Only problem with this Envoy XL is it was designed by a Woman supposedly with the exterior and it reminds me of a school bus, Way too long for how narrow the vehicle is.And then there is this hump on the roof but only above the third row which made it look even worse.The standard length Envoy and trailblazer looked great but this extended one looked hideous and stupid.

[@riverboat7981]

IT PASSED THE BFB TEST!!! HUZZAH!!!

[@Low760]

The ute people actually need. Yet they buy an f150 and rarely use the tray.

[@FlowStateNewOrleans]

I didn't know these existed until 10 years after they stopped making them. I am the age that that they would have been marketing to. I had just gotten married. I was right in their demographic, so at least some of the failure here seems like a failure of marketing. You're not going to shop for a vehicle that you don't even know exists. I was very aware of every other odd truck you mentioned in the review.

[@FTRVDenny]

I always thought they looked like a hurse but now that I see what it does, I like it.

[@mattnorman5241]

no taste at all

[@ericbritton9346]

Did they have a seventies GM station wagon that did something similar to this GMC Envoy XUV?

[@bwofficial1776]

Studebaker had one in the 60s. It didn't catch on back then either.

[@ericbritton9346]

@@bwofficial1776 So sad

[@BigGroupHug]

😂 Futurism ain't as reliable as we think it is

[@log38372]

Got on with l33 aluminum 5.3

[@drmnishikawa]

GM did this amazingly flexible car in 2004... Then it went bankrupt.

[@mattnorman5241]

gm needs to go out of business

[@phillyspitta8147]

Review one of those vehicles for the handicap I think the mv1 n find a 405 ti Peugeot or scirocco 16v

[@bwofficial1776]

Say please.

[@phillyspitta8147]

@@bwofficial1776 plz 😆

[@Nevrlft]

I'm jealeous ! i want one ! but we can't have nice thing in Europe !

[@CalebErosa]

8:42 that’s what she said

[@Gloomypirate]

My dad is selling me his for 1500 with 90k on it, used to be my grandpas, thats the family suv price lol

[@jordanbloomfield]

I love these things. I want a mid gate so bad. I just wish they were more reliable, I would buy one

[@mattnorman5241]

no taste at all

[@radiofreemongoliaofficial]

The cyber truck before it was cool

[@LamoidZombieDog]

100% i have to buy one of these now, i will have to get one some day soon.

[@mattnorman5241]

dont youll wind up in the poor house

[@LamoidZombieDog]

@@mattnorman5241 what's wrong with Envoy XUVs lol

[@mattnorman5241]

@@LamoidZombieDog everything it defines whoever got one is broke poor have no taste

[@LamoidZombieDog]

@@mattnorman5241 It kinda sounds like someone or something hurt you

[@mattnorman5241]

@@LamoidZombieDog i just state facts gm owners are poor

[@lefttea]

Tomorrow on your way to and from work, see how many envoys, trailblazers and the other GMT360s you see. You'll probably be surprised. :)

[@mattnorman5241]

and everyone who has one is poor😂😂😂😂

[@deebocj]

Wow! Never knew this thing existed 😮 Has to be worth something.

[@mattnorman5241]

its a pos it worth going to the junkyard and getting crushed😂😂😂

[@WackityHQ]

@@mattnorman5241 do you realize a company going bankrupt has nothing to do with how well they make vehicles? "gm owners are poor" ok so a company asking the government for money just means they were having BUSINESS TROUBLES its not like every GMC car was recalled. this video is solid evidence too for 300k. with how many comments you post on this video I'm almost certain you had an envoy, you probably crushed yours after you FAILED to take care of the vehicle. little did u know people still wanna buy this old ass car for $1000-2500 23 YEARS LATER . it's a solid vehicle even though you don't know how to take care of ur cars. please do everyone a favor you poorshaming pos and go buy an expensive electric car that blows up, or maybe if you want an engine like the rest of us get a lambo or porsche since your so goddamn rich you have to carshame. btw your lambo and porsche are still gonna rust and depreciate just like your old SUV that you didn't know how to take care of. also do everyone a favor and learn the basic understanding of making things last, I can tell your guy who doesn't like lasting long :)

[@chrisc338]

I would trade my 2020 F150 for one of this one in a second

[@sybsygstgstsgysg5330]

Ngl I kinda want one, never knew they were that cool I just thought it was an ugly suv

[@mattnorman5241]

dont get youll end up in the poor house