Envoy: GMC's latest new vision, toy, truck, SUV, luxury vehicle you call it what you want. The new Envoy is breathtaking. I am impressed with GMC on almost everything they have to offer. This is one of General Motors' flagship brands and boy have they done a great job putting together this upscale Envoy, which replaced their long running "Jimmy". They have a wide assortment of vehicles under this brand that really look and drive wonderfully. Their latest hit, yeah, hit, really hit it off well with me. The pleasurable looking GMC 2002 ENVOY SLT 4x4 is all you want or may ever need in a Sport Utility Vehicle. Style dripping from the exterior and an interior package that’s as good as it gets.

Envoy will perk you up as GMC's newest redesign of a sports utility. This new body style and slick shape really make for a dynamic automobile. I'm sure GMC researched what the next generation of car buyers wants and packaged it into this yuppie mobile. The attractive body style looks great for anyone driving it. I have noticed that GMC has done a fantastic job lately with their style packages on the Yukon and the Sierra truck to mention a few. They have continued to redevelop or develop new stuff that really has power, punch and loads of fresh looks.

Envoy's exterior features are elegant if not chic; I was truly impressed with the overall look the SLT had. I was not in the Envoy for more than 30 minutes the first day I had her and I received 3 compliments on how good she looked. I'm tellin' ya, this baby is definitely a looker. The new bolder, more provocative look over the old Jimmy is truly a step in the right direction. The Envoy is stunning. Add in the 17" polished aluminum rims and big tires and you surely can't go wrong. They extended the wheelbase as well as her axle width to create a lower center of gravity, which can help prevent the possibility of a rollover. The nicely trimmed exterior on the SLT is smooth and head over heels better than it's predecessor. This wide-stance ready-to-tackle-anything look is striking.

I had the opportunity to test drive Envoy's fraternal twin Oldsmobile Bravada, which had characteristics similar to Envoy, but I was not as impressed with the Bravada as I was with this Envoy. Two big things stick out. One, the Bravada's power was nowhere near the quality of the Envoy. Two, the look of the Bravada's front nose still did not hit it off well with me and I thought the Envoy had more grandeur and meat to it's look. Basically the same car, but truly poles apart.

The Envoy has impressive features that make the vehicle stand out. Power, yes, true raw power, and power when you want it. It drove exceptionally well and did not let me down in any way. With the all new Vortec 4200 Inline 6, she was thundering with power. Let's try 270-horsepower and an even more impressive 275 lbs of torque, which comes on at around 1200 rpms and remains tough all the way through its rev cycles. Then add in their impressive Hydra-Matic 4L60 Transmission, which is one of GM's more famous transmissions. The Hydra-Matic has been around for years and improves in quality year after year. The smooth transfer the transmission offers as it travels from gear to gear is truly one of the nicest features most people might overlook. The estimated fuel economy for Envoy is impressive with 15-mpg city and 21-mpg highway, which is excellent for a vehicle of this size and weight. The 6100-pound towing capacity for the 4x4 models really augments the additional capabilities this multi-talented sports utility has to offer it's owner. With 4x4 capabilities at your fingertips, the Envoy is ready to go anywhere. In addition to their top of the line engine and transmission you’re set, you might be able to conquer any obstacle that you come up against.

Envoy's suspension has improved considerably over the Jimmy. They have completely re-engineered their suspension package from front to back to provide a more elegant, yet sturdy ride. There are several new additions and improvements to the suspension from a fully independent front suspension that uses a coil-over-shock design, rear coil springs and an intricate multi-link suspension. Envoy's rear axle remains solid. GMC has added an optional unique feature to their suspension; the all new electronically controlled air suspension. This system theoretically improves road isolation and automatically pumps air into the rear suspension to raise the Envoy's rear end to keep its body level when carrying heavy cargo in the rear or when hauling a trailer, boat or your Jetskis. Driving in town was smooth and easily handled all the bumps and grinds of the treacherous road we drive on around town. The velvety luxury feel was impressive; I would compare the ride and feel as well as the handling to some other top of the line sport utilities like Infiniti, Lexus and possibly BMW. Boy, I know I'm going to take some jabs for mentioning those guys, but drive the Envoy and you will truly know that this is everything it's cracked up to be.

I'm really jazzed about the interior. Upscale every where you look. Fantastic appointments from leather seats that have improved cushion pads and 6-way power adjustments and lumbar controls to boot. They also have heated controls for the front two seats. Then there is the nicely redesigned dash and upgraded instrument panel with multi functional information controls on the steering wheel to the AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer. Other noteworthy features include dual air conditioning controls for front and rear passengers and simulated wood trim on the dash and door panel. Add in the sunroof, power everything, open rear seating area that has lots of head and legroom for your guests. There were plenty of features inside that will keep you in complete comfort. Don't know where you are going? You're lost? Call Onstar. Excellent cargo area too. Just drop down the 60/40 split rear seats and you can haul almost anything from bikes, wood, small appliances to even groceries. Add in their cargo net and you're ready to go.

The interior and exterior safety features were as impressive, as they come with front and side airbags, 3-way seat belts for all 5 passengers, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and a great deal more.

The overall dynamics and upgrades that GMC has thrown into the Envoy are spectacular. I'm very impressed that they didn't call the Envoy, Jimmy II. Most redesigned products get the old name with a fresh look, like the Bravada and the Trailblazer. I'm betting that no one is losing any sleep at GMC now that the Envoy has taken over for the once popular Jimmy. The all new Envoy hopefully will capture your interests, as it did mine, and more importantly, you will go out and buy one of these absolutely, attractive, smooth riding very responsive toys from our friends at GMC. Yes, I know the Bravada and the Trailblazer are from the same General Motor's gene pool, but very different. Very, very different.