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Comments
I agree that power (or at least remote controlled) side view mirrors should be standard in the base model considering it's price, but it is not a secret if you read the sales brochure; a good idea before buying.
Bad news first: The transmission on my Envoy SLT (build 02/2002; 26,180 miles) failed while climbing a hill in AWD at 35 mph on a road covered with snow, ice, and dry pavement at 3 degrees F. Apparently, the transmission broke the Sun Gear (8642204) and the Reaction Shell (24217145) while transferring to a non-slipping wheel. The 120-mile drive to the dealer was without controlled shifting, OD, high gear, and reverse---the transmission kept going in third without any noises or unusual heating.
Good News: Only a day and a half total turn-around time for the R&R, a rental car waiting on arrival, an external wash for pickup, totally professional handling of the situation by the dealer, and no cost due to the warrantee.
I'm still pleased with the service and the Envoy, but I do not trust the AWD in mixed traction conditions anymore.
Came across a new TSB today it mentions "Whistle Noise.".
I know its not exactly your symptoms but hey you never know.
TSB 03-04-19-002
Subject:Squeak, Squeal or Whistle Noise From Front Axle(Replace Intermediate Axle Seal and/or Differential Carrier Seal)
Models: 2002 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4WD
2002 2003 GMC Envoy 4WD
2002 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada AWD
Condition:
Some customers may comment on a high pitched squeal, squeak or whistle noise in the front end of the vehicle. This noise usually occurs once per wheel revolution. This may be more common in cold weather below 50C (40F). The noise may be coming from the right front axle intermediate shaft housing outboard seal or the left outer differential carrier seal. For testing purposes, spraying a lubricant on the seal should temporarily reduce the noise. This noise should not be mistaken for a wheel bearing issue.
Cause:
A lack of lubrication in the seal may cause this condition.
So far this '03 Bravada continues to be the finest automotive vehicle I've owned, driven, or ridden in. The ride is so quiet and smooth regardless of the weather or road conditions. The engine deserves the 10 best-in-the-world rating it got from the automotive engineers. I realized after a while that when I "stomped" on the gas for quick acceleration, I didn't feel any affect on the vehicle from the engine reving to 6K rpm. No shake. No vibration. No noise. The only noise I was hearing was the exhaust pitch. Wow, what a well engineered motor!
The other thing I've really come to appreciate is the brakes. Best damn brakes on anything I've ever driven. Stopping is totally proportional to pedal pressure, not slight with the early travel and hard with the final travel, like 99% of other vehicle's brakes. With the Bravada, I can stop on the dime w/o ever causing my passengers to feel the slightest lean forward. Now that is brake control.
On our slick roads the past few weeks, the ABS stopped the truck fast and true. Never had anything but pure straight-ahead stopping w/o a slide on even "black ice". Followed an Audi Quattro to work this morning on slick roads and had to give him some more distance. He was slip-sliding on all the highway curves and couldn't stop in anywhere near the distance the Bravada could. So much for euro-engineering.
Anyway, the point of this post is to once again note for others that some of the "Triplets" are fine SUVs and a good choice for those looking to buy now.
How was the trade in value for the TB/Envoy for those who traded in a 02 for a 03 or any year tb for another vehicle? ( no lemon trade ins, etc)
I have no gripes against my 03 TB, but wanted to get a little bigger vehicle (tahoe/yukon). Got lowballed on my 1 month TB (LS, black, package 3) and was wondering how everyone else did.
Good luck on the venture.
tim
BTW, it was installed at Circuit City and the tech there thinks the computer on the truck is throwing codes to the alarm and the alarm doesn't understand them. He says it is because the TB has a new computer and the specs for the computer are not programed for the alarm.
Anyone have any input? Living in Chicago I really love the remote start during the winter but I am sick of being stuck somewhere with a brand new Tb and it wont start!
Doors: What do you look for? Is the wind noise people have complained about related to the door alignment issues? I assume you should take it on the freeway and drive at least 60 to reproduce the wind noise.
Other issues?
Should I just run away?
--jay
I wouldn't run away if I were you. We kind of went through the same thing two months ago when we bought our Envoy XL. From what I've been reading here, I would make sure it has power mirrors if it is the SLE trim. :-)
Also, there should be a checklist in the glove compartment that the dealer should complete before delivering the vehicle. I would make sure it has all been done. Check the high-beams, low beams, turn signals, brake lights, etc. before you drive off. Look over the body really well and make sure there are no dents/dings/scratches, and have them fixed or at least documented that they will fix them. My wheels had some numbers written on them in marker, make sure stuff like that is all cleaned up.
Check the interior really well for rips in the upholstery, stains, scratches, etc. Try all of the power equipment, locks, windows, cruise control, mirrors, sunroof, heated seats, etc.
Don't forget to take it for a thorough test drive. You might even want to pop the hood and check your fluids. Don't forget to check the tire pressure!
BTW, keep stomping on the gas, it will keep your mpg low.
Frank
I'm a sedan convert; I've previously owned 5 Bonnevilles. To me this is a Bonneville SUV. I have the SLT loaded and only miss a couple of things on the DIC; Fuel Used and the Tire Pressure Monitor.
I believe the wind noise is inherent in a truck of this shape. It certainly is noisier than my Bonnevilles were, but I don't think their is an air leak. I certainly am not getting any water leaks from the windows or windshield. It's probably no noisier than any other vehicle of this shape and size.
Go for it!
If you are looking for a truck (I know I am), then the TB/Envoy is a great vehicle, based on my reading. If you are looking for a car disguised as an SUV, look at the Highlander or Triibute. They are nice vehicles, but will not do what a TB or Durango or Explorer will do. Some imports are also good as trucks (Pathfinder and 4 Runner) but I tried them all and for the price, I believe that the TB is a better truck.
To make you feel better, look at the following reviews:
http://www.carreview.com/SUV/Chevrolet,TrailBlazer/PRD_135027_152- 4crx.aspx
I believe the majority of owners are very happy. The key is to buy from a good dealer. If problems arise, he will take care of you. Hopefully, you know just the one.
Good luck. I know i just can't wait!
I do get good results when I call GM customer service however. They really take the time to listen to you and they will take action. I had an earlier problem with my dealer when I bought the car and after giving them two tries to fix my paperwork on their own I called GM customer serivce and within 5 minutes the GM rep had the sales manager of the dealership on the other line and he had it all straightened out within 10 minutes. They are very interested in how the dealerships are doing - they were concerned that I was not happy.
So if you want to go that route rather than writing, here is the number.
GM Customer Service 1-800-462-8782
You will have to navigate thru some phone menus but its not too hard to get to a customer service rep.
Good luck!
My father bought a loaded 2002 Envoy XL SLT the exact same week that I picked up my loaded XL SLT back when they first came out in the spring of '02. I have a very early VIN number, build date of 2/02, and his is a little later - 04/02 or 05/02. I have 9000 miles on mine now, and I can say that we are truly happy with the vehicle. I have owned Blazers, and I currently own a Tahoe as well as the XL, and hands down, the XL is the best SUV I have ever driven (including fords and imports). I had some of the initial issues (wandering mirrors, separating running boards, hood squeak, etc), but a good dealer and tips from this board got them resolved and we are happy.
Now for your issue - the other XL in the family (my father's) has been making that bumping noise in the front end ever since he picked it up. We had it in ours as well, and my dealer changed the front end sway bar links, and it went away, and has been gone for 7000+ miles. My father has been through 4 sets of links, a set of struts, and countless other "Tightenings and adjustments" and the noise persists. The dealer was out of ideas, so they loaded one of those vehicle data recorders onto the XL, let it ride for a few days, then sent the data to GM. The service rep also drove the vehicle, and actually admitted to hearing the noise, and having no clue what it is. My dad is currently waiting for an answer from the Detroit engineers. Incidentally, the dealer told him that under PA law, this is not a safety issue, so no buyback can be done, even though they have tried to fix it 6+ times. If he learns anything about it, I will post it here. GOOD LUCK!
Sorry for the long post - I am one of those happy owners that reads a lot, and only posts every so often.
This is one of those things that I'd actually be willing to spend a fair amount of money to have done, to increase my range from approx. 350 miles up to nearly 500 miles. (I'm fairly consistently averaging right at 20 mpg on pure hwy driving.)
The noise has come back in the past few weeks and next oil change I will let them attempt to fix it again.
If you need more info, let me know and I will go back and look at the invoice and post specifically what they did. Looks as if that was just a temporary fix.
Joel
I don't know what triplet you have but there is a TSB for 2003's with a Long Wheelbase.
TSB 02-09-40-005A
Subject:Availability of Rear Seat Shoulder Belt Comfort Guides
Models:
2003 Buick Century, Regal
2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
2003 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado Extended Cab, Suburban,
Tahoe, TrailBlazer EXT
2003 GMC Envoy XL, Sierra Extended Cab, Yukon, Yukon XL
Some early 2003 production vehicles were manufactured without rear seat shoulder belt comfort guides. This comfort guide is a plastic guide attached to a short elastic tether that positions the shoulder belt away from the neck of short occupants, whether children or adults. A rear seat shoulder belt comfort guide may help improve the comfort of the shoulder portion of the safety belt for occupants sitting in the rear outboard seating positions.
While these vehicles comply with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, some customers may request to have these comfort guides installed on their vehicle. Comfort guides are currently available from GMSPO
Upon customer request, dealers are authorized to install these rear seat shoulder belt comfort guides at no cost to the customers.
Lets admit it, the tripletts were delivered prematurely.
They should have been tested for at least another year before going to market. We were used as beta testers and we are reporting the results of the test. Like the line from the movie A FEW GOOD MEN, some people can't handle the truth.
Frank
P.S. I'm not angry, but I do learn from my mistakes.
I also used it in sand, surf fishing, at the NJ Shore & it performed well. I really, have nothing to compare it with as this is my first 4X4, but I didn't get stuck! :-)
John
Methanol Alcohol is harmful to fuel injected engines.
Chevrolet Trailblazer -116%
GMC Envoy -116%
Oldsmobile Bravada -191%
These percentages are in comparison to the average reliability of 2000, 2001, and 2002 vehicles in their survey (0% being average). Doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling.
It's just a black steel wheel that won't look very attractive on your SUV.
'02 Tb SL. tim
I've in fact gotten better than 22 MPG in my Bravada. While on a trip from south Texas to Washington state we went though Yellowstone National Park. I filled up just before entering the park, went though on cruise control at the posted speed limits, which were quite slow because it took all day, stopped numerous times for pictures and such. Filled back up after we got through Yellowstone and doing the old trip odometer miles divided by fill up receipt gallons it came out be a little over 24 MPG so no DIC trickery either. I was shocked since we were no where near highway speeds. The averages during the trip outside of Yellowstone varied between 19-22 MPG. All of this mileage was done with the odometer starting at 2,081 miles and by the end of the trip I had 9032 miles on the odometer. Of course lately I've only been getting 13-14 MPG but I haven't gone on any long trips recently either.
Michael
P.S. See why I picked my screen name? I don't trust GM for more than 2 years. After owning a blazer, I am a battered spouse of GM!
P.S. What did you mean by the number in your post, REAR drive shaft (F1280)?
There are no doubt in my mind that there are many problems with the triplets. I do trust GM to fix them. I wouldn't trust Ford (they never fixed the transmission problem on the Aerostar, which was sold with an extremely poor trany for over 10 years). I also agree with you that perhaps these vehicle were sent on the road without proper testing. On the other hand, I have also found many owners who had no problem at all, which is very hard to explain.
This is why I (1) ordered the vehicle to get the latest off the line and perhaps they will have adjusted the line a little and (2) I am leasing this vehicle. If I get one of those lemmons, they will get it right back.
My comments do not aim at insulting anyone. This site and the comments people make are extremely valuable to me. I can guarantee you that my test drive will be extremely thorough. Every perk reported here will be checked and any "vibration" on the gaz pedal and I am not buying that car!
http://www.jpcustoms.com/Productpages/Line-of-Fire.html
Update: 14,000 miles on '02 Envoy SLT. Winter mpg is 18.4 (DIC) No problems. However, I did spray WD-40 on rear wiper blade joint. Worked great. Blade wipes better and returns to the holder like it should. Good tip!
Mike