Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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Comments

  • gmcmangmcman Member Posts: 30
    The big thing is what axle ratio do you have? The 4.10 will make a big difference over the 3.42. Also, the HP and torque numbers do play a part but the 4.2 is tuned to really rock-n-roll. It has a flat torque curve very similiar to a turbo-charged engine. Once it hits 2500 rpm's it pulls hard all the way to the redline, the mitsu however is more peaky. If you line up and run him for about 1/4 mile he will be with you until about 30 mph then you will just walk away from him. I wish they would put the 4.2 in a grand prix with a 5-speed, the big reason I bought my envoy was because of the I6. The triplets have alot of weight to get moving but once they do the I6 really sings. BTW, whipple has a supercharger kit for the I6 and gives it 110 more ponies if your interested.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    "If you really want a good 0-60 time order a new 2005 Dodge Magnum RT AWD with the 340 HP Hemi"... Just what I want- a Chrysler product derived from early 1950's "hemi" head design. The term "hemi" does sell a lot of Dodges and Chryslers though. Think I will stay with '80's GM Vortec technology.

    FWIW.. Here's some Motor Trend numbers quoted from another post: Don't know what the rear end ratio was in the TB they tested. Probably 4.10 gears to get it up to 60 that quick.
     
    Trailblazer I6 275HP, 0-60 in 7.7 sec, 1/4mile(sec/mph) 15.9/86.8.

    Durango Hemi V-8 345HP, 0-60 in 8.5 sec, 1/4mile(sec/mph) 16.1/84.8.

    Explorer V-8 240HP, 0-60 in 8.0 sec,1/4mile(sec/mph) 16.0/84.2.
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    I'm not talking about the whale Durango Hemi, but the sleek new Magnum Hemi. The RWD version has been tested 0-60 in 5.3 and it still gets 25 MPG on the highway. I love the performance of my Envoy with the straight 6 and 4.10 gears, but even in 2WD mode the mileage leaves a lot to be desired. My whole point was if you want a hot rod, you shouldn't be looking at a triplet or any other mainstream truck based SUV.
  • scottc454scottc454 Member Posts: 356
    To bash the legendary hemi as being old-tech is a sure way to earn disresepect in the automotive circle. The hemi is the undisputed king of drag racing even to this day.

    That said, it's still just mostly a marketing term, as the new Dodge hemi isn't even a true hemi. The drawback to a hemi is that it that the engine has to be huge.

    I agree about the triplet speed issue. You can't make an SUV too fast without lowering it and tightening the suspension radically or else it would be a death trap. If you do do that, you might as well just get a sport wagon in the first place.

    I too like the Magnum but despise the Durango.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    No not looking for any more disrespect. But you made my point that the term "hemi" as thought of in the 50s and 60s in the big displacement engines really doesn't apply today, and it gets lots more people into the showroom. Plus I see way too many 8-12 year-old Chrysler products leaving a trail of blue smoke as they go down the road. Maybe they will bring back pushbutton torqueflite transmissions, too. That Magnum - bizarre looking to me. If I want a "wagon" built for performance, I would prefer a Cadillac SRX with the Northstar V8. Or maybe a Trailblazer SS with a 6.0 V8 and AWD. That'd be cool.
  • navymattnavymatt Member Posts: 3
    If it's not a 'new' engine then where is it coming from? The dealer and GM rep said they had to order it from one of their warehouses, unless a nearby dealer happened to have one.

    Is it going to be a rebuild or what?

    I'm supposed to get it back by the end of the week, with the replacement engine installed, so we'll see.

    Thanks for the info though.

    --Matt
  • ficussficuss Member Posts: 541
    To answer your question with another, what do you think they did with my TB engine with 2100 miles on it when it broke apart. They replaced it with a new engine. That was nearly 3 years ago, there weren't any "new" rebuilt engines back then. Do you think they scrapped my engine for its weight in aluminum. My bet would be they repaired mine and sent it back out to someone else. Perhaps you can do a engine number check through carfax or some other agency that could get the information for you. Just remember, you gave them an engine with 36 k miles, they can repair or replace the engine, they may not want to give you a brand new engine in exchange.

    Frank
  • navymattnavymatt Member Posts: 3
    Oh, I understand that my engine had 36,000 miles, and I know that they're going to replace it with some kind of new engine, they're not repairing the one that was in there. I was just curious as to the origin, which I guess I'll have to find out from the dealer doing the work.

    --Matt
  • raleighraleigh Member Posts: 98
    Those of you with good memories may remember that when the triplets were first introduced to the press a few years ago, a new Envoy setting an all-time record for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb -- beating Porsches and everything. (If I remember right, the time was 11 minutes and change.) Granted, this was no doubt a specially-prepared Envoy, but it sure got my attention. What other SUV do you know that could come close to setting a world record in the Pikes Peak race?
  • polarbear6polarbear6 Member Posts: 16
    We gave them the car for two days to try to duplicate the problems we were having. We gave them a list;
    1. Delay 1 - 2 shift upon cold start
    2. Engine races upon cold start
    3. Drivers mirror does not seem to lock into position as it has swung out away from the car when I back around or once when going down a rough road. We do not have memory.
    4. Rear hatch fails to unlock on occassion
    5. Radio changed channels while driving
    6. Vibration heard at 57 to 62 mph
    7. Light bulb / circuit board replaced
    8. Seat belt retractors replaced

    They took care of the last two as there were recalls on them, however the rest they say "operates normal". Guess that is their new way to say "cannot duplicate problem".

    We will call the dealer and yell at them since they could have not tested all the problems as the odometer did not change while they had it in service. Then we will take it out of town to the dealer we purchased it and our 2000 Suburban from. Have never been able to get a good deal from GMC or Chevy in Muncie, IN.

    On the radio: yesterday it started changing channels again. This time it would change from one to another and then back and forth while the information still displayed the second channel's. We just sat there in the parking lot, not touching anything while it would change back and forth. It did seem like it was possessed.

    We were told that the latest programming was installed, however it was not listed on the invoice so I do not trust that it was done.

    Any more possessed radios out there?

    Hope to take it elsewhere tomorrow. Any more information before then would be helpful.

    Thanks
  • st1300v4st1300v4 Member Posts: 4
    "Granted, this was no doubt a specially-prepared Envoy..."

    You can say that again! This Envoy tells you next to nothing about your production vehicle. It had a purpose built tube frame off-road chassis, carbon-fiber body, full race engine, etc. About as close as a street Monte Carlo is to its NASCAR version.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Looking at the service manual it states (with pictures) that there is a drain cock located on the bottom of the radiator. Instructions say put a drain pan underneath, and with a 1/4 drive inserted into the drain cock, unscrew it all the way ( after letting everything cool down completely!) Haven't actually done this myself yet, but will be doing so later this year.
  • cwalker29cwalker29 Member Posts: 20
    FYI, to all, i know i do not own a race car.

    But i too, bought my Envoy for the I6. It was a good compromise between V6 & V8 power. And decent mileage. I believe that i have the middle gears ratio, so whatever that is. So far, im happy, although my tail light went out this weekend, ugh.

    But thanks for the feedback, now i know how to whoop his [non-permissible content removed]. hahaha

    whipple? couldnt find any info on thier site, but hey thats another 4K, better start saving.

    Any input on audio/speakers?

    Im looking to replace the stock stereo in my 04 SLE this weekend. I do not have Bose. Later,
  • gmcmangmcman Member Posts: 30
    I believe it was an all aluminum I6 but had 5 liters of displacement and was pushing just over 600 ponies, I bet it would haul [non-permissible content removed] up the hill.
  • aldan93aldan93 Member Posts: 202
    Most likely the H3 will be on the 360 platform, I believe you people are quoting a story from car and driver or motortrend witch was grossly wrong. I work for a GM supplier, its the GMT 360 Platform, our platform. The H3 is a fairly big vehicle. If it is the Colorado platform, they have not made that decision yet, I would be shocked if it is.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    From several of many sources I have read...

    "The H3 will be built in Shreveport, La., on the same chassis as the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickup trucks." USA Today

    "Underneath the characteristic gyrene Hummer styling, complete with faux-military leanings, is a version of the recently introduced Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon pickups." Car & Driver

    "The H3 will be built on the mid-sized pickup architecture developed for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon." AutoWeek

    "The H3, which is expected to go on sale as an '06 model, bears a strong family resemblance to the H2 and the original H1. Built on a version of the Chevrolet Colorado pickup chassis, the H3 will feature body-on-frame construction." Detroit News

    Edmunds has a few pictures too. http://www.edmunds.com/future/2005/hummer/h3/100301493/photos.htm- l
  • adamjeepsadamjeeps Member Posts: 56
    Does anyone know if anyone makes a cover/fill for the fog light cut-outs on a TB not equipped with fog lights? I think it would give the front end a cleaner look to fill up the gap there in the bumper. Thanks in advance.
  • bhetzelbhetzel Member Posts: 3
    Okay, here's the deal. My 2002 TB is once again at the dealer. At 32,000 miles (a year ago) they replaced the Torque Converter and Overhead Trans Coupling (?).
    The invoice states that the Reaction Carrier was stripped. So, after having it for 6 days I got it back. Yesterday, at 70,000 miles, the same thing happened. When I called I was asked how I knew it was the same thing. Duh.
    Anyway, am going there tomorrow to get their version. I was very adament about the fact that it happened again within a years time.
    Has anyone had the same problem? Am at the point that I am ready to get rid of it as I travel a great deal and don't need the hassles.
    If anyone had had this problem please let me know?
    I am ready for the fight, but some support goes a long way.
    Though other than this reccuring problem the truck is okay, minus some trim and finish issues, I don't want to be surprised again.
    By the way, I do ALL highway driving.
    Thanks much!
  • bhetzelbhetzel Member Posts: 3
    Searching on line and came across your post. 2002 TB in the shop again w/ tranny problems. First time at 32,000 miles, again, after they say it was fixed at that time, at 70,000 miles. Going in the morning to hear their side. Happened 1 year apart. Did you ever get any resolution? Let me know?
    Thanks!
  • amom3amom3 Member Posts: 4
    A GM rep told me today these are 2 seperate items. I feel the climate control must rely on the outside air temp in someway. Does anyone know if this is true or can point me in the direction to find more info? I have seen many a/c complaints on this site and we have had our share too. Please help.
  • allenrallenr Member Posts: 89
    He is right, there are 3 or 4 sensors inside the truck to tell the HVAC system what's going on. If you are having problems, it should be easy for the dealer to test the sensors with his scan tool?

    Allen
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    There is no cleaner better than Redline's SI-1.
    It is synthetic and does not break down during combustion like the others that harm injectors and contain petrolium distilates. get it at adance auto or pep boys, about $6. read for yourself.
    http://www.redlineoil.com/products_fueladditives.asp
    http://www.redlineoil.com/whitePaper/15.pdf
    image
  • cameokidcameokid Member Posts: 31
    I'm going to attempt to put a photo here from our trip to NC -

    2003 Trailblazer - Off road in the sand north of Corolla NC, Outer Banks
  • cameokidcameokid Member Posts: 31
    not just covered with sand....filled with sand (at least the undercarriage) I washed half the beach out when we were back to the house!
  • cameokidcameokid Member Posts: 31
    Aha..got it this time

    image
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I noticed you didn't deflate your tires. Did you have any problems?

    tidester, host
  • ross1962ross1962 Member Posts: 229
    I washed half the beach out when we were back to the house!

    And most importantly, the salt! Found this out from riding my bike on the beach.
  • cameokidcameokid Member Posts: 31
    No, I asked a few other folks coming off the sand if we had to do anything special (it was my first time doing this). They told me if we get stuck, reduce the air pressure in the tires. Turns out, that wasn't necessary - it cruised right through the deep sand and across the ruts without a problem.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Here's a couple of bulletins that might apply that you can mention next time you take it in... if they haven't done these yet.

    #03-08-44-002A Radio and/or HVAC Systems Change While Driving (Reprogram Body
    Control Module) - (Jul 22, 2003)

    #03-06-04-018A Cold Idle Fluctuation at Altitude, Hesitation on Acceleration or 1-2 Upshift
    Delay (Reprogram PCM) - (Dec 8, 2003)
  • elevatorguyelevatorguy Member Posts: 87
    Have you seen performance and mileage gains using this? I used to use the Redline cetane boost additive in my Ford diesel pickup and it worked great. I'll have to see if my local Pep Boys carries this as well.

    Thanks
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    been asked, what the hey, let's do it again...I am comparing like-equipped GMC Envoy XL and Chevy Trailblazer EXT, for the extra room and the possibility of the 5.3L V8, as they both seem much less expensive than the Rainier (a Ranier would be OK, and I never see any on the road, so I thought the rebates would be larger, bringing the price down to a Trailblazer, but does not seem to be so)...anyway, the Envoy, after all rebates and Edmunds discounts, is $1,000 more than the Trailblazer...aside from some mild styling changes between the two, would you rather buy the GMC XL or the Chevy EXT and why?...any thoughts would be appreciated...further.. does anyone who owns a Buick Ranier feel it is worth the extra premium, meaning, would you buy Buick again, or seek to buy an Envoy or Trailblazer next time around???...lastly, can anyone vouch for the level of dealer service for their vehicle as better than another (do GMC and Buick dealers take better care of customers than the high-volume Chevy dealers, kinda like Lexus dealers take better care of their customers than Toyota dealers, but the cars are quite similar)...thanks for YOUR thoughts, hping you can follow MY questions...Bob
  • jpk257jpk257 Member Posts: 43
    I have a 2002 Trailblazer LT with about 38k miles on it. Recently the external temp gauge has started displaying the wrong temp. The real outside temp is 90+, but the gauge will read anywhere from -9 to 30. When this happens the AC stops blowing cold air and blows warm air. Setting the AC temp to the lowest setting does nothing since 60 is still warmer than -9. From what I have read in the manual it sounds like there is a relationship between the outside temp and what the AC will do. Has anyone else experienced this problem or have suggestions on what I should do?
  • gmcmangmcman Member Posts: 30
    Sounds like the temp sensor, mine went pretty early and the dealer replaced it under warranty. With yours having 38K did you get the extended warranty? Hopefully your dealer would replace it anyway if you don't, pretty close to the cutoff.
  • drlawrencedrlawrence Member Posts: 28
    As a satisfied Envoy driver and occasional participant here, I wanted to share some thoughts on my new vehicle as they apply to the Envoy.

    Returned my Envoy after two years and one month. Couldn't get the same model for less than $33,000 this time, so I looked around and half-heartedly settled on a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica AWD.

    After driving it for the weekend, I cannot understand why I was half-hearted. I love the Pacifica as an alternative to the Envoy.

    Like the Envoy, the Pacifica is underpowered, but my complaints stop there. The ride is smooth and handles like a sedan, but you're still high above the road like a truck. It's also the quietest Chrysler I've ever been in.

    The Auto temp actually works (it has auto-hi and auto-low buttons) and even turns recirculate on and off by itself.

    The Infinity Intermezzo 5.1 sound blows the premium Bose sound away. No more muddy mids. The in-dash cd-changer also plays DVD's. I can listen to my video concerts in the car. The steering wheel controls volume, AM/FM and presets, but also scans frequencies and switches discs and tracks.

    The heated leather seat option includes the rear seats, and speaking of rear seats, they're buckets with lots of legroom and the ability to recline and slide fore and aft.

    The interior is beautiful. Mine is capped off with the in-cluster Navigation display. Easy to see and use. All this and tire pressure sensors, power liftgate, hitch-receiver, load-leveling susp., moonroof, 19-inch wheels and third-row seats for $30,750? I couldn't turn it down, and I'm glad I didn't.

    If you're in the market for a triplet, I'd give this luxury half-cousin a look.

    DR
  • paulyjsobpaulyjsob Member Posts: 48
    Compared to what? I think the Envoy has great power for a mid sized SUV. Does it have the pep of my 3.2TL Type S? No... But compared to the 4runner V6, V8, Explorer V6 and V8, is gives up nothing. I tow a 5500lb 21' boat and it doesn't skip a beat.
  • drlawrencedrlawrence Member Posts: 28
    Good point. Underpowered on acceleration compared to a performance sedan I suppose.

    I never minded the Envoy I-6's pickup much, and thought it was a pretty nice engine. But other's in this group have complained about the umphh factor, and I understand what they mean. In the same way, the Pacifica is a bit lacking in the acceleration lane, I suppose that's a use for the autostick. Of the two, Envoy's engine is better, but both are satisfactory.

    However, I wouldn't want to go near your boat with the Pacifica. <g>

    DR
  • johntrjohntr Member Posts: 71
    Hey all,
    Been a while since I visited. Wanted to see if anyone seen anything on this. I did some searches but could find anything. I have 2002 TB LT, one of two bulbs which are used for the night time illumination of the electric windows, driver side, has burned out. Was at the dealer to see if bulb was available but was told the whole arm panel must be replaced, no serviceable parts. Does anyone have any info about this assembly? I opened it myself and found two bulbs which bayonet into the circuit board. These bulbs are tiny w/o numbers. Any info would be greatly appreciated. The price from the dealer for the assy was 190.00.

    TIA!
    John
  • 01_hoe01_hoe Member Posts: 273
    If unsuccessful in replacing bulb, contact gmpartsdirectdotcom for reasonable pricing. You can replace it yourself and save the labor charge.
  • tblazedtblazed Member Posts: 945
    Take a look at this page from Chicago Miniature lamps. You can measure the one you took out and compare. These are the smallest of the "neo-wedge" type lamps I have seen.

     T-1 Neo-Wedge Base Incandescent Lamp

    If the right size then all you have to do is figure out which one of the 9 listed it is. And where to buy them. Likely one of the 14V ones. It would be fairly easy to measure the current of one that works.
  • raleighraleigh Member Posts: 98
    Has anyone had any experience with a JBA aftermarket exhaust on the triplets? This and the Borla seem to be the only two available right now ... and you can get the JBA for half the price of the Borla. I am particularly interested in the quality of the sound produced, whether there is any unwanted resonance, and, of course, whether it makes any more power. My new Envoy sounds like an 80-year old asmatic.
  • twinrottstwinrotts Member Posts: 161
    The external temp sensor is definately part of the climate control sensing system. Mine acted up several weeks ago and the dealer replaced.
    The system has been AOK since the repair
  • tmac8tmac8 Member Posts: 32
    I think I know the answer to this one, but I wanted to check with you guys also. I had the Borla system installed Monday of this week, and when I got home, (a 10 minute drive), there was smoke coming out of one of the exhaust pipes. Quite a bit I may add. The next day a trickle, and now none, but there is a distinctive smell in the garage after I shut it off. New system burn off? Or, could there have been something in the pipes, muffler, or resonators. I will contact Borla in the morning, but curious if anyone else experienced this. I'm guessing there was something in the system, but before I have them take it apart to check, I'd like to know if this happened to anyone else. Thanks for your input.
  • 01_hoe01_hoe Member Posts: 273
    Had a similiar experience. You correctly described it as new system burn off.
  • betsybetsy Member Posts: 7
    I am curious to know why no one mention the Ascender when talking about these vehicles. I realize Isuzu dealers are few and far between, but it seem to me that the Ascender is by far the best value of all of these vehicles based on warranty and selling price. Are people just afraid to buy it because of service issues or being afraid Isuzu won't be around to honor the warranty? I would appreciate any thoughts on the matter as I have been looking at an Ascender.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    People aren't talking about it in the topic created for it either - it went to the archives for lack of posts. I'll turn it back on, but even Paisan. a long time Trooper fan, seems to be abandoning Isuzu.

    Isuzu Ascender

    Steve, Host
  • thedrakethedrake Member Posts: 14
    Marsha, the Rainier is definitely worth the premium over the chevy or gmc. I turned in my leased trailblazer to get the rainier and it is a big stepup in overall comfort and luxury. The rainier is super quiet
    on the highway and the ride is way better then my old TB.

    The best part of the deal is I am paying less for my $41K leased rainier then my $28K trailblazer lease.
  • ross1962ross1962 Member Posts: 229
    I chose the Trailblazer because I have a more utilitarian need for an SUV. I wanted a sturdy vehicle with rear-wheel drive that could go camping, or surfing. So, I don't have a need for leather seats, wood trim, or any other more luxury appointments that the Buick, or GMC units offer. I also got the LT trim level for the same reason. (LTZ comes with leather and other extras that would hinder my outdoor lifestyle).
    A couple of nice things about the Buick is that you can get a V8 with the short-wheelbase model as opposed to the others which only offer it in the extended models and it's quieter as a result of added insulation.

    As far as level of service at the dealership; that seems to vary at the dealership. My Chevy dealership has always treated me and my vehicle as if they wanted me to buy my next vehicle from them. And that's what I expect. Perhaps if you buy a $70K Mercedes, and spend $700 for its quarterly maintenence, you'd expect Earl Grey tea and scones in the waiting room along with a fresh wash and wax, but after all, a TB is just a truck.
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    Betsy,

        I'm about as big an Isuzu backer as Paisan and looked real hard at the Ascender back during the winter (I drive a '00 Trooper LS 2/wd). I was leaning real hard toward that as a replacement for my wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee. We ended up with an Envoy XL SLT. The wife wanted a few options that limited us to the Ascender Limited. The Envoy SLT is pretty much equivalent and is more flexible in what options you can choose. We could get the Envoy with the I6 while the Ascender 7 pass. Limited only has the V8. Other options seemed to be about the same.

    When we got to shopping in early May, GM bumped the rebate to $5000 on the XL and we found my wife qualifed for GM Supplier pricing. (GM Supplier pricing seemed to be only a couple hundred less than another dealers Internet pricing, so just about anyone should be able to negotiate down to that range these days.) I think the Ascender was about $3500 rebate at that time. That difference and the $1500 difference I6 vs. V8 brought the Envoy down to about the same selling price as the Ascender.

    In the past I felt the better warranty was a real bonus, but now feel that adding a FACTORY warranty to cover all the electrical/high tech/engine/transmission is a necessity unless you are not going to keep a vehicle after the bumper-to-bumper warranty is out. So, less advantage to the Ascender. (We bought a 60 mo/90,000 mile warranty on the Envoy).

    Also, not sure how much longer Isuzu is going to be in the USA...a long time I hope, but I was not willing to bet a $30,000+ purchase on it. Oh, another plus for the Envoy is the resale value will probably not drop as quick as the Ascender. My Trooper has taken a beating on resale, but I'll probably keep it another couple of years... Come to think of it, the Trooper and Jeep Grand Cherokee both listed and cost about the same... Jeep did not hold much more value over 4 years than the Trooper and I had enough issues with the Jeep to not even think about keeping it after extended warranty expired!!!

    Bottom line is I feel that Isuzu has lost critical mass in the US and will have a hard time especially since the plan seems to be get GM out as part owner and bring in a new Isuzu vehicle in 2-3 years. Without even the minimal GM support they have had in the past, I don't expect them to last.

    Good day, sorry for all the rambling.

    Bill
  • scottc454scottc454 Member Posts: 356
    (LTZ comes with leather and other extras that would hinder my outdoor lifestyle).

    I don't see how leather hinders an outdoor lifestyle. Leather seats may be a luxury item, but they are nonetheless rugged and easily cleaned, just like a good old pair of hiking boots. Leather seats rule.
    I seem to recall having this exact same conversation before.

    Anyway, one thing I've found is that gray is a poor color for carpets. I'm losing the battle on the driver's side footrest region.
  • ross1962ross1962 Member Posts: 229
    Personally, if I liked the looks of it, I would have no qualms buying the Izusu. I have no doubt that either the Oldsmobile, or the Ascender will be fully supported in the future by GM.
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