Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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Comments

  • aldan93aldan93 Member Posts: 202
    You could live with a truck with a limited slip rear. 4wd you really don't need unless you pull boats out in the winter and you get 145" of snow like in Buffalo NY, thats why I have 4wd, I live south of Buffalo in SKI country. If you don't live in the snow belt of the lake, limited slip will do ya fine!
  • 2002slt2002slt Member Posts: 228
    "If you review the owners manual, it calls for replacement, as I recall, around the 50K range."

    Actually, the manual states to change the fluid at 50,000 if the vehicle is used under harsh conditions. If not, it recommends changing at 100,000 miles. I'll probably have mine changed at 50K, but I just wanted to point that out. I think someone asked about 15,000 miles. That would be a waste.
  • dnunndnunn Member Posts: 10
    aldan93, how far south of Buffalo do you live? I live in Chautauqua county and just had the worst winter since I've been driving. The Bravada made through it fine.
  • drcsfdrcsf Member Posts: 36
    My 2002 Envoy does not have the Bose stereo and I'm thinking of upgrading the four door speakers. Can anyone tell me if you need to remove the whole door panels or just the grills? Are there any printed instructions for this procedure available yet? Thank you. Craig
  • onlyagirlonlyagirl Member Posts: 45
    kpp14 mentioned having the "cell activated"...what does that mean? My Envoy is being delivered to me tomorrow and this OnStar stuff is new to me...I did have Teleaid in my E320 but never used it.......
  • st1100v4st1100v4 Member Posts: 96
    You can use OnStar as a hands-free cell phone. They call it "personal calling." Pretty expensive on a per-minute basis, but you can buy the minutes to last for up to a year if I remember right. I would do it and get rid of one of my cell phones, but it's not available in my area.
  • kpp14kpp14 Member Posts: 62
    onlyagirl...today you pick up your Envoy. Thats very special! What colour? There is a voice activated phone that is an additional charge to the Onstar program. They had a promo where by I received 30 minutes free to try it out over two months. Its not cheap (.50 cdn per min). I do not suggest you use it as your primary phone if you have a high volume of calls. Being a "one button" phone you can not respond to numeric prompts for banking, recordings, messages ect. It does not take messages either. It is much more powerful (7.5 watts) than your personal cell (0.3 watts).
    I use it when my other cell doesnt work or I need two hands on the wheel
    Check their web site for more info.
    Careful today that gawkers don't drive straight into your new truck......its a looker.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,240
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  • onlyagirlonlyagirl Member Posts: 45
    Thanks for the responses..... my Envoy is Pewter Metallic....with the medium leather interior...I don't like the two-toned seats but I guess I will get used to it....I got the SLT 2wd,with a sunroof...running boards, side air bags and 6 disc changer.... also got the comfort/convience package....it will be delivered to me today...a bit nervous....I hope I will like driving a "truck"...my car was great but going out of warranty ....there was no other car I wanted to I started looking at SUVs......started out wanting a 4-runner and here I am with an Envoy.....we'll see...
    I will just keep using my cell and probably will not activate the cell feature on the Envoy...probably not available here in the boonies anyway.....
    Does anyone have any suggestions about whether to get the extended warranty or not? I've never done so in the past but seems these days so many things go wrong with vehicles......
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Can anyone tell me if you need to remove the whole door panels

    Yes the door panels have to come off.
  • kgbkahnkkgbkahnk Member Posts: 89
    hardhawk: Is your Envoy dark green? If so, then I'm pretty sure I've seen you cruising around southern KC/Johnson county.

    I too, have the KU tags on my Trailblazer (#3469 on the TB and #3470 on the wife's Legend). If you see me, be sure to honk and wave.

    Glad to see the 'Hawks are well represented on this site.
  • 2003carz2003carz Member Posts: 13
    There will be alot of new colors for this year, and also alot of Two Tone colors to choose from. Envoy's SLE wheels will go away, and the standard SLE, will have the SLT wheels for 2004. That is great b/c I hate the SLE wheels. There will be a navigational radio option for both the Trailblazer and Envoy. LTZ is gone in 2004.
  • 2003carz2003carz Member Posts: 13
    Chevrolet Truck TrailBlazer

    Deletions

     
      LTZ model
      Custom Cloth
      Light Oak and Medium Oak interiors
      Exterior color: (11U) Pewter and (58U) Sandalwood
      (QC4) Wheels, 4 - 16" x 7" (40 cm x 17.8 cm) aluminum

    New Features

     
      New Packaging
      (JF4) Pedals, power adjustable
      New exterior color (15U) Sandstone Metallic
      New exterior color (44U) Medium Red Metallic
      New exterior color (67U) Silverstone Metallic
      (UM8) Sound system, ETR AM/FM stereo with CD player, Integrated Navigation Radio (INR), includes seek-and-scan, auto-tone control, Radio Data System (RDS) and full-feature Autonomous Navigation
      (U2K) Sound system feature, XM Satellite Radio is 100 channels of digital quality sound that goes wherever you go - coast to coast. Displays song title, artist, and entertainment genre. Subscription fees apply. Available only in the 48 contiguous states.
      Light Cashmere Cloth reclining bucket seats
      Light Cashmere Premium Two-tone leather seating surfaces
      (N74) 17" Wheels (The North Face Edition)
      (N75) 17" Wheels (Optional on LT)
      Last door locking feature: system operates when last door is closed
      Front stabilizer bar size change
      Monotone IP
      OnStar antenna location change to roof
  • 2003carz2003carz Member Posts: 13
    GMC Envoy

    Deletions

     
      Oak interior
      Exterior colors: (11U) Pewter and (58U) Sandalwood
      (UN0) and (UP0) sound systems ((UB0) and (UB1) will replace these)
      Remove cargo power point
      4-way to 2-way lumbar on driver seat
      Remove lumbar from manual on power SLE seats (driver and passenger)
      Eliminate SLE badges on B-pillars (maintain SLT badging)
      Replace power lumbar with manual on power SLE seats (driver and passenger)
      Replace neon CHMSL with LED CHMSL (changes appearance when lit only)
      Replace cloth door trim insert with vinyl similar to SLT (maintaining shadow grid trim on SLE)

    New Features

     
      New Packaging
      New exterior color (15U) Sand Beige Metallic
      New exterior color (67U) Liquid Silver Metallic
      (UM8) Navigation radio system
      (U2K) XM Satellite radio
      (UB0) Sound System (New RPO)
      (UB1) Sound System (New RPO)
      (JF4) Electric adjustable pedals
      (N75) Sport aluminum wheel
      Light tan interior leather seating surfaces
      Light tan interior cloth
      Modified steering wheel for SLT
      New antenna for OnStar
      New antenna for XM radio
      DVD can play on vehicle audio system in addition to wireless headphones
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Wonder if it's going to be bigger, smaller, stiffer, lighter or???

    "Replace neon CHMSL with LED CHMSL" I guess the fancy Cold-cathode fluorescent brake light assembly is too expensive - another cost-cutting measure?
  • scottc454scottc454 Member Posts: 356
    It's got to be stiffer, that's for sure - whether
    that's by making it bigger or non-hollow or whatnot I don't care - I just want one.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Mebbe they'll make us a deal on TWO??
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    I wouldn't be surprised if they went to a smaller looser stabilizer bar just to keep people from going into corners faster. All this rollover stuff in the media.
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    I had the computer upgrades done on my 02TB and it feels like I have a new TB. The transmission shifts much better and seems to have more power.
    The hesitation is gone also. I hope my MPG goes up too.
  • scottc454scottc454 Member Posts: 356
    That goal has already been accomplished!
    The body roll scares the hell out of me sometimes.
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    My dealer has that power flush for the tranny. Thats the only way to drain the torque convertor.
    I am going to have mine flushed, probally about 30k, which will be 4 years
  • richlavoierichlavoie Member Posts: 56
    A fiend of mine has this brand new truck (6 months old). He loves it and washes it every week. It is his pride and joy. This morning, his wife departs for Quebec City alone with his daughter. Half way there, the engine blows up! She is stuck in the middle of the trip with a broken truck. Has to get a rental to continue the trip while a dealer has the truck.

    The catch 21 is: its a new mazda tribute. Just want to give a smile back to those who have had problems with their TB or Envoy. You will find problems in every car, I guess. Even the japanese (mind you Mazda is becoming more and more Ford!). :-)

    29 days and counting until the arrival of my TB ;-)
  • mookie14mookie14 Member Posts: 252
    i bought my tblazer last dec now i have took my tblazer to the chevy dealer and the brakes they say are fine. but it keeps dipping and im getting low stopping power. i get real close to cars then it stops. im not getting close on purpose. man its these brakes so what do yall think it a 03 ls.
  • cwhawkcwhawk Member Posts: 38
    Has anyone had a problem with the black window moldings (TB)at the top of the door? Mine have some discoloration. Has anyone had this problem? Did you have them replaced? Is there a way to remove the discoloration with a specific product?
  • cparise1cparise1 Member Posts: 109
    Anyone else out there that actually likes and enjoy's their Triplet besides me? I sure see lots of Envoys and Trailblazers. This morning before I hit the Interstate on the way to work I saw 3 Envoys and 1 Trailblazer. Usually I see more TB's.

    There must be some satisfied owners besides me.

    I find myself checking the boards less and less because its a real downer. Some of this grumbling is just senseless, especially false claims and accusations that On-Star is accountable for stolen vehicles.

    Be Happy Motoring
    Chris
  • tommy42tommy42 Member Posts: 70
    Discoloration/ fading of door glass molding.2002 Chevy T B,GMC Envoy,OLDS Bbavada. Came in Feb 2003.I found on GM Tech Link looking for door seal lube for Impalas.
  • twinrottstwinrotts Member Posts: 161
    Chris:
    I for one enjoy my TB EXT and appreciate the versatility and function it provides.
    I've carted home a pile of 8 footers for Home Depot in the AM, had a trailer with several yards of mulch behind in the afternoon and 6 comfortably seated adults driving for dinner in the same day. The amazing thing is that is not even using all the versatility it offers as I could have done the same thing without the convienence of a road if I wanted to
  • aldan93aldan93 Member Posts: 202
    I live up in the Boston Hill's area of NY, yes this winter was the worst, maybe thats why I cracked and purchased this after Christmas!!!From Christmas on I had 4wd on at least for 2 months straight!!! You now the snow is deep when its coming over the hood! Well thats a bad thought, lets enjoy summer!!
  • johntrjohntr Member Posts: 71
    I have a 2002 TB LT. I have 41k miles on it. I prolly see about 50/50 TBs to Envoy, but on rare occasions, I do see a Brevada. I live in the NW Philadelphia suburbs. BTW, I would buy again...
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    Greg:

    My Envoy is Indigo Blue, a/k/a Jayhawk blue, with the polished aluminum wheels. I have seen the polo green and it is sharp too. I too love my Envoy after 23 months and 24000 miles. Would replace it with another if were gone tomorrow. The looks, power and comfort all continue to score high for me.
  • paulyjsobpaulyjsob Member Posts: 48
    I too have the indigo Blue Envoy with polished aluminum wheels... I gotta say, it's a sharp looking SUV. Best looking out there IMHO. I added stainless steel lund running boards, ventvisors, bugshield, and thule roof rack. I get a lot of compliments. Good luck to all!
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    There are some happy owners here. Refer to my positive "testimonial" #11271. Glad I bought my '02 TrailBlazer, no regrets at all, would buy it again and definitely enjoy driving it.
  • kpp14kpp14 Member Posts: 62
    Its nice to see other people joining in. I have to wonder how many people sit on the outside looking (of the happy variety).

    Twinrotts.....I had 180 bricks in my truck on the weekend. Thats about 1000 lbs. I spanned the floor compartment with 2x4s and plywood. My envoy slt (with no air suspension) sat down a bit, the steering was a bit light and you could feel the weight when braking.

    Dan from Bostonmills.....If you leave your 4wd on all the time don't you get "front end shimmy" when maneuvering in tight areas. Does it "shimmy" in A4wd as well. I think thats when the rear drive direction tells the front to go straight.
    Who can comment on that one?
  • paulyjsobpaulyjsob Member Posts: 48
    In 4wd the front end will shimmy if the pavement is dry. As long as its a little slick, it's fine. I never had it bind in A4wd, I could see it happening if the rear wheels are on a slick surface and the front are on dry though.
  • zueslewiszueslewis Member Posts: 2,353
    being driven in 4WD on dry pavement? There should be a lot of kickback, because you're hurting things.
  • blrmkrblrmkr Member Posts: 40
    I'm no longer a 2002 TBLT owner. I traded in my TB on an 2003 Avalanche Z71. I was an owner who was unfortunate enough to get a 'lime' (30+ days in the shop for service) and every day my miles kept getting closer to the approximate mileage where I was told by a couple of engineers who worked on the testing of the GMT360s that engine failure would occur.

    Best of luck with your TBs, Envoys, and Bravadas.
  • paulyjsobpaulyjsob Member Posts: 48
    So what's this "magical" mileage at which the engine fails at? I know of 2 TB's and an Envoy which are over 40K miles without a problem.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    From: Overview 1 August 2000

    ALL-NEW HIGH-TECH GM VORTEC 4200 ENGINE TO
    SET BENCHMARK IN SUV MARKET

    Testing, Testing… and More Testing

    During its development and testing stages, the Vortec 4200 was benchmarked against the very best engines, including competitor domestic truck engines and the quietest and most fuel-efficient of the import passenger car engines. Once the engine was built, it was tested thoroughly. GM Powertrain built more than 800 engines during the testing process – 540 of those went into vehicles to support vehicle development. On the dynamometer, 24 engines were tested and met the 150,000-mile target. Five of those were kept on the dynamometer, running wide-open, until they hit 300,000 miles – a test of astounding durability. "They were still running very well at 300,000 miles," said Ron Kociba, GM Powertrain chief engineer for the I6 engine. "I'm confident they could have gone many more miles, but we had to move on to other development testing." Overall, the I6 reached more than 4 million miles of testing on the dynamometer. Outside the lab and in the real world, the engines also were tested extensively for durability, hot- and cold-weather performance, emissions and fuel economy. The Vortec 4200 fared particularly well in Death Valley’s hot-weather, trailer towing testing. Hauling a 5,000-pound trailer, the Vortec 4200 consumed 20 percent less fuel than the competing engines it was tested against.
  • kpp14kpp14 Member Posts: 62
    This was in the newspaper this morning.

    DESTINED FOR DEACTIVATION
    General Motors has announced that it will equip three of its SUVs with its Displacement on Demand engine technology for the 2005 model year. Customers who order the GMC Envoy XL, Envoy XUV or Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT with the optional V8 engine will get Displacement on Demand as standard equipment. The system works by deactivating half the engine's cylinders when the vehicle is at cruising speed, increasing fuel economy by about eight per cent. All cylinders fire when heavy acceleration is needed. This isn't the first time GM has tried to market this technology. It appeared on the Cadillac DeVille back in 1981 with disastrous results, but the automaker says it has since ironed out all the problems.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Go back to message 10053 - the bulletin's there. The search engine works quite well.

    Link to Message 10053
  • food4kpfood4kp Member Posts: 8
    I took my Envoy in for its 36,000 mile maintenance this morning. The grand total came to $545.41 Apparently, additional service was needed on the following: alignment ($199), power steering flush ($74.99), and brake fluid flush ($129). I was notified of the additional service needs via phone call from the service advisor.

    Anyway, on the way home from the dealer this afternoon, the exterior temperature on my auto-climate display showed 60 degrees and remained at that temperature for the duration of my trip (approx 10-15 minutes). 'Thing is, it sure didn't seem like 60 degrees at the time...more like 65 degrees. I haven't driven it since. Is it possible that the system could be stuck for some reason? Is it possible that the climate-control system could have been inadvertently altered by the mechanic? Or is it just in my mind? (the latter, I hope). Thanks in advance for your help.

    Kevin
  • ltz2003ltz2003 Member Posts: 24
    I to am a happy TB owner. Last week i tried my first tow. No problem in the WV & VA mountains in fact it was better than the 99 GMC X-Cab V-8. This is the best tk i ever owned.Majestic red & sandlewood.
  • zueslewiszueslewis Member Posts: 2,353
    "alignment ($199)" ?? That's a $50 job!

    "power steering flush ($74.99)" - takes 10 minutes and a quart of fluid, but not recommended at 36K

    "and brake fluid flush ($129" ?? - takes 20 minutes and a quart of fluid, and not necessary unless you've been towing 6,000 lbs around with you everywhere you go for 36K miles.

    I would definitely have a meeting with the service manager - those prices, and services done without manufacturer's recommendation, are ridiculous.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The Edmunds Maintenance Guide will tell you what we think your 36k service should have cost.

    Steve, Host
  • pepper50pepper50 Member Posts: 195
    The Edmunds Maintenance Guide will tell you what we think your 36k service should have cost.

    I just looked at this guide and can't figure out why Edmunds would recommend changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter at 15,000 miles on a 2002 Envoy. That seems to be quite unusual and against the recommendations in the owners manual. And then Edmunds shows that it should be done again at 30,000 and 45,000 miles. I wonder why Edmunds thinks it has to be done every 15,000 miles??
  • zueslewiszueslewis Member Posts: 2,353
    simply go by what your manual suggests. Maybe Edmunds has an "in" deal with their local GM service advisor? Spiff money?
  • bushskibushski Member Posts: 15
    I was travelling around 60mph yesterday when my 2002 TB STALLED. Everything shut off. I had to go across 2 lanes of traffic with no power steering or power brakes. What is going on?

    I read back a few months about stalling problems but couldn't find any new info. NATURALLY, dealer could find nothing wrong!!!! This is incredible!

    This is the 8th major item to happen to this piece of garbage in the past 18 months I have owned it - so far

    1. Wipers stopped working
    2. Gas Guage stopped working
    3. Intermittent wipers stopped working
    4. Catylytic converter and exhaust replaced
    5. Fuel line recall
    6. 4wd Drive stuck in 4 Low
    7. Stalling at Highway Speeds

    What is also amazing is that everytime I take it to the dealer he has no parts and I have to wait 2 weeks to get parts in, then schedule another appointment to get the item actually fixed.

    Of course now the car is out of warranty and the dealer starts telling me about how wonderful the warranty is. I questioned whether or not the car is supposed to last only 18 months!

    Anyway, sorry for venting but this is the biggest piece of garbage I have ever owned. Any thoughts on the next steps, especially in light of the highway speed stalling would be appreciated.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The tranny fluid change recommendation could be a mistake carried over from somewhere. Please send a Feedback Form if you don't mind and reference your manual (I'd do one myself but I've already complained about something else today and don't want to push my luck <g>). Thanks!

    Steve, Host
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    In the event that one of these (or any vehicle for that matter) does have the engine replaced, does that show up in the records like Carfax? Or is there some identification on the vehicle that the engine is not the original? Seems it would be required since the original serial-numbered engine would be replaced with a "crate" engine. And also seems that would cause a fairly substantial loss in value at trade-in or resale.
  • st1100v4st1100v4 Member Posts: 96
    I just took a look at this guide for the first time. It doesn't follow the manufacturer's service recommendations at all. Seems to be some kind of generic recommendation rather than vehicle specific.
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