Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

jeff237

ees1996

Try this site:

http:/www.superbuytires.com/GMC.html

Unfortunately the bolt pattern on the triplets are unique. This is the first I have been able to find. On Wednesday I'm going to check them out.

mgrcm

Well you have a point there badgerpaul but I don't mind looking at the black plastic it isn't much different than looking at those after market all weather mats and I find cleaning the plastic a whole lot easier than those stained dirty looking carpet mats.And when it comes time to sell its just one more thing that shows how well the car has been taken care of.I don't keep my vehicles more than a couple of years and I take care of them so that I can get as much as I can for them.And as far as I can see the back cargo mat looks like it would work a lot better flipped over than with carpet part up,as far as cleaning up a nasty spill.And besides I can't see the cargo mat very well while I'm driving,which was my main point to start with from an earlier post.Oh and the last thing I would do is waste my hard earned money bringing my Envoy to a detail shop when it takes so little time and effort to clean it myself.I'm sorry but detail shops in my opinion are for the filthy rich or people who are to lazy to clean there own cars.

Rick.

alease

My Envoy's hatch strap broke yesterday and I have had the part ordered. I have been very gentle pulling it down because it never seemed very strong to begin with, very stretchy. Has anyone else had this problem. I know its not much of a problem but I hope GM comes up with a stonger strap. Also, the rubber trim on the door windows looks terrible. It always looks spotted and faded. I have tried "son of a gun" protectant and it doesn't help much or for very long. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Other than that I love my Envoy. ps I'm getting 21 mpg highway and 18 in town

agenteleven

I'm with you on the rubber trim around the doors. On my TB, it looks like 2 or 3 different types of rubber were used at the window sills and around the windows.

By accident, I found that some cleaner/wax (Meguiars liquid, specifically) on these rubber pieces takes the spots out AND turns them all the same color. I don't know if this is good or bad for the rubber. If you try this, please test an inconspicuous spot, first. I also went back over the trim with Armorall just for kicks.

I'm sure there's a product out there specifically made to do this.

I don't know what the long term effect will be, but I'll keep you posted.

Also, I have not TOUCHED that back strap. I'm betting it will snap in two without my help.

And for curiosity's sake, do the Envoy's come standard with a rear cargo mat? My TB did NOT.

drew_

The Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Olds Bravada score a "Marginal" in the IIHS offset crash test results. The ratings are as follows (Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor):

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0119.htm


Drew
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mcgyver75

Does the optional rear cargo mat on the Trailblazer form-fit around the wheel wells and gas fill-neck... or is it just a square mat?

Also, is the BOSE system worth it for ~$450? Or do you think the base model radio and speakers are good enough to last several years of "big" volume?

All I have heard is the base radio system and it sounds OK to me. But my local dealer doesn't have any models with the BOSE system installed. Has anyone compared the two? What's your opinion?

agenteleven

I haven't heard the Bose system, but I can tell you about the base cd/cassette that came on my LTZ:

Radio performance is OK. Nothing spectacular. It seems like GM maybe cut the high frequency of just the radio to compensate for FM static and hiss...

CD performance, however, is actually pretty good. Again, not spectacular, but it satisfies my need for "volume" and frequency response. The treble is NOT rolled off like it is with the radio, and the sound is relatively clear and doesn't distort bass notes. I have been surprised to hear certain instruments or elements in songs that aren't reproduced or aren't audible on other stereo systems.

It can get loud enough to make me uncomfortable and turn it down, but then, loudness is relative for all of us. My focus is usually clarity of the program material, and the quiet cabin of the TB helps provide a clean starting point for the music.

I sometimes wish I had the 6-CD in-dash changer instead of the cassette, but that was more money. I have looked into upgrading speakers and/or the head unit, but the head unit is an integral part of the Onstar functions.

I like the features of the head unit, anyway. When presetting the stations into the radio, you can preset the tone settings along with it. That way, every time you select a station, your tone settings for that station get recalled along with the station. This is really useful for switching between talk radio stations and music stations.

I wish I could tell you more about the difference between the Bose and the base systems, but I think ultimately, you'll have to hear them for yourself.

macman246

If you really want to enjoy listening to music, get it. FM stations sound pretty good on it (better than the stock system), but CD's are awesome sounding. My volume pain threshold is about a third of the way turned up, so I can't say anything about distortion at higher volume levels.

I've had my Envoy SLT for 11 days now, no major complaints or problems. Just some minor complaints that I read about here all the time (wiggly bumper, spotted black window trim, downshifting transmission when trying to punch it around a corner). I got 18.8 mpg on my first tank, mostly city driving.

showmethemoney

I picked up my new Envoy SLT on Monday (it's only been three weeks since I ordered it). The sticker showed a base MSRP of $33,985 vs $33,820 at the time of order. The 1SH towing package increased by $135, and the running boards were up $50. There was no change in my dealer's cost since the order was placed before the price increase. Edmunds (and others) still have the old pricing listed.

hambone7

How are you getting 18 MPG in town? Is your A/C on? What type of driving is "in town" for you? For some people that would mean a traffic light or stop sign every mile or so, in which case I don't think you can't get 18 MPG. I am getting 12.5 - 13.5 in my "in town" world which has a lot of lights and stop signs (Atlanta).

rbtgold1

greetings!!!
i have 2000 miles on my new gmc envoy and it has now developed the dreaded passenger door rattle. has anyone removed the door panel and attemped to cure this problem?? any advise, other than taking it back to the dealer would be appreciated.
thanks in advance
robert

agenteleven

I have a rattle or squeak somewhere on the front right side of my TB cabin. I can't determine if it's from the door or dash.

Mine sounds like plastic rubbing against plastic... almost like a styrofoam ice chest rubbing against a vinyl seat, but not as loud.

What's the rattle sound like to you guys? plastic hitting metal? metal on metal?

crj1

Hi everyone.....I just picked up a Indigo Blue Bravada that is pretty much loaded on a 36 month 45,000 mile lease for 0 down and $338.00 a month. I think its a great deal but I got a GM discount plus Oldsmobile owner loyalty. Gotta love these GM discounts, the MSRP was $35,338.00 and we got it for $27,414.00. I will let you know if I have any problems with it.

rbtgold1

hello agenteleven:
my door rattle sounds more mechanical/metalic. (like something loose rattling around everytime i hit a midsize bump ).its nothing major,just a little irritating .
mileage has been pretty good.on a recent drive to chicago (160 miles round trip) ,i averaged 21.5
mpg w/air on.in city driving (not congested) ,ive averaged approximately 17-18 mpg.
overall,i think its a pretty nice vehicle. the only thing i regret is not getting the polished aluminum wheels. looks like i will be in the market for some aftermarket ones once they become available.
robert

agenteleven

I have about 600 miles on my TB... MPG (figured by actual odo miles divided by actual gallons of gas) on the first tank of gas was 14.9. I messed with the DIC too much to get a credible average MPG from it on that tank. This was mostly city, short 2 mile trips.

The next tank was 16.4 MPG, and the DIC said 17.1. This was mostly city, with about 118 miles of 55MPH hiway driving (in which the avg MPG on the DIC ran as high as 22.8!)

I'm going to try to remember to reset the DIC every tankful to see if it gets any more accurate as the engine breaks in...

macman246

Has anyone replaced their air filter with a K&N filter? Any noticeable difference in fuel economy or horsepower?

stever

Also check out the K&N Air Filters, bolt-on power? discussion.

Steve
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minn_tb

Has anyone put new tires and/or rims on their TB? I am looking to put some larger tires and would like to know if anyone has done this with any adverse effects (besides speedo and Odo being a little off).

Thanks!

Brendan

mcgyver75

Brendan: you have a good question. Would anyone know how to reconfigure the odometer/speedometer to allow for different size tires? It should be something as simple as a fuse box adjustment, since the Trailblazers can come with 16" or 17" tires depending on the model.

Actually, if anyone has access to the fusebox of to an LTZ (17" standard) AND either an LS or LT (16" standard--I think), you might find the answer.

-mcgyver

jht

I asked them if they had a filter yet - they said not yet, but probably in the late fall.

lyndellw

I just installed a K&N filter E-2417.It is a perfect fit. Got my info from post 2077,check out his web-site. Picture of K&N installed. As for any performance difference, I can't tell at this time. My Envoy is already a hot number. I paid $46 for the filter.

alease

Sorry, I guess I should have been more specific. My "in town" driving is mostly country roads with lots of bumps and curves and some stop and go but no stop lights (we don't have a single one in the county) I feel for you city drivers, although in my Envoy I probably wouldn't mind it too much.

fletch45

On the Silverados the dealer can change the programming on the truck to accommodate larger tires. It is a fairly simple process, and should be less than $50 (depends on your dealer). I'm sure the TB will be the same way. The Hypertech Power Programmer III lets you do this yourself (among other programming changes), but I read that it wouldn't be available for the TB and sisters for several months.
Good luck
jim f

hambone7

Thanks for the update.

I have no idea what the EPA considers as "city" driving where they averaged 16 MPG for the TB.

I can honestly say there is no way anyone can get 16 MPG in the city if the city is Atlanta.

stever

Chicago Sun-Times Review

Steve
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dindak

I think GM did pull a rabbit out of a hat with these trucks. I'm sure Ford didn't expect such a good truck or they would have done more with the bland 02 Explorer.

hambone7

I have the 3.73 rear end, and it's a 2WD. The other rear ends are 4.10 and 3.42.

I'm surprised that you are getting 16.7 in stop and go traffic. I get 16.7 only when cruising the burbs where stop signs are miles apart.

mfullmer

While I agree with most of what this article says, I'm not sure what they were on.

The Bravada is much more luxurious than the Envoy. Hence the single trim line rather than three.

The cupholders are the worst design I've seen yet. The front one is all but unusable, the rear one puts the beverage at your wrist when you try to shift or lean on the armrest.

I love my Bravada but I cannot stand ignorance!

minn_tb

I have kept records since the first day on my Indigo Blue LTZ.

Ovedrall, I have averaged 18.56 MPG (not the DIC, that measures about 0.7 high on most tankfuls). I am taking mileage divided by the actual gallons. This is a total average mph of 36 (I am using the miles dividwed by the timer on the DIC).

Best tankfuls:
20.5 at 50.5mph
19.7 at 43.7 mph

First 1800 miles overall-18.39mpg
Last 1800 miles overall-18.84mpg

I have driven with mostly a "non-lead" foot, but there are times...

brh

hambone7

I have the LT, so we have the same wheels. I would think the extra CA emissions would hurt mileage. The past two days I've been running without A/C and it seems to make a significant difference in mileage.

minn_tb

Has anyone seen this? I am pretty sure that it is a gimmick, but it says GM patent.

Thanks for any feedback. I am a little leery of any product that they won't give you a phone number to call, or a location, etc.

http://www.e-webhostcentral.com/ch8/gas-005.html

stever

All that stuff is mostly snakeoil. Check out The accessories to improve mileage and extend engine life for a skeptic link or two.

Steve
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tsprouse

Purchased my 4WD LT Trailblazer 2 weeks ago ($2002
below invoice $29521 on a $34935 retail). First long road trip was skiing in the NC mountains. 3 people and plenty of luggage. 60-70 mph average on the trip. 3.73 gears, the DIC calculated 22.7 mpg, my estimate was 23 at fill-up. Lots of smooth power, roomy, comfortable ride. A great vehicle so far.

adplusone

Am looking at a TB-LTZ for my wife. A couple of questions for you owners...

1) What problems have you had???
2) What three things would you recommend to GM as items or features to be improved or changed?
3) What is your favorite thing about the vehicle??

Thanks in advance!!!

njtblzr

I have had a Trailblazer LT since mid August and have 1350 miles on it.

1. My service 4WD light has come on twice. Today it is in the shop for the third time to try and get it fixed. The first time GM told my dealership to tighten the wire to the switch. The second time GM told the dealer that there is a re-designed switch for it and it had to be ordered. Today they are putting it in. That is the only problem I have had.

2. I agree about the OnStar antenna in post #2244. I have no problem with the CDs in the armrest, they seem to fit fine for me and there is no rattle.

3. I like the power and handling. It drives well and is comfortable.

All in all it is a great vehicle.

lurker01

Just heard from a friend who works for GM that starting tomorrow thru the end of October, GMAC will be offering 0% APR on all vehicles. All other current incentives are still in place.
I have not confirmed this but I think it has more validity than a rumor, given the source.

Now, I have a question. I have heard a rumor that the 2003 models will have a bigger gas tank. Does anyone have any info on this?

thanks.

-John.

adplusone

GM just announced 0.0%/36 months on every GM product. On trucks there is 0.9%/48 months and 2.9%/60 months on all 2001 models and 2.9%/48 months and 4.9%/60 months on all 2002 trucks. Effective dates 9/20 - 10/31. "Keep America Rolling" is the campaign.....

robz3

Can't find any reference to that at GM or Olds or GMC sites.

trailblazer02

I took my TB in because the steering wheel was off about 5 degrees to the right when driving straight. Now it's a few degrees to the left and the TB pulls slightly to the right.

Is this a hard thing to fix? This will be the 3rd time back so I would like to get this straightened out:)

racoonlodge

Well, after months of looking, driving to dealers checking out the lots and waiting for all the colors to come out....I think it's time! I've read and contributed to this forum and lastly GM wants to "keep America rolling". The APR just may put me over the edge to get the TB LTZ. I was waiting for the Sandalwood (Finally saw the color on a 2 tone model in PA.) didn't care for it. I did finally test drive one, and as previously stated, the steering was a little loose. So with the APR incentive and not caring for the Sandalwood, I may go for the two-tone! Must say, I haven't seen too many, but any opinions are welcome for the color combo. Also, Has the base price gone up on the LTZ? I'll have to check it out....
GBA (God Bless America)

adplusone

The break date is tomorrow....watch for it then!

diploid

Latest issue has a picture of a stretched wheelbase Envoy.

Interior may quite possibly be very large, but it just looks odd. Ever seen one of those limousine SUVs? That's what I thought when I saw the picture.

flyersrule

The incentive program will run from Sept. 20 until the end of October this year.

For 2001 models, three- to five-year financing for cars would carry a zero annual percentage rate. For trucks, it's no interest on three-year loans, a 0.9 percent interest rate on four-year loans and 2.9 percent for five years.

For 2002 models, three-year loans on cars and trucks will be interest-free. However, the rate on four-year loans will be 0.9 percent and 2.9 percent on five-year loans. For trucks, four-year loans will have a 2.9 percent rate and five-year loans at 4.9 percent.

I think this will push me over the edge! Here I come Indego-blue LTZ, with in-dash cd, bose and whatever else sounds good!!!

labrecque

Can you tell me where you found this information? Also, are they running any good lease deals? I have an Envoy due to arrive in the next few days and still debating which way to go.

showmethemoney

1. No problems with my new Envoy.

2. I would strongly recommend that GM move the gas and brake pedals to the left; the gas pedal is too close to the wall. The front seat backs should move vertically when the seat is adjusted up and down. The back seats should fold down farther, so that a flat load floor can be created. Also, they need to redesign the inner seat brackets (front and back rows)or do a better job of covering them up; they look cheap on a $35K vehicle.

3. My favorite thing is the leg, head and shoulder room available in the front seats. I'm a big guy (6"2", 250 lbs) and am very comfortable.

dindak

Good to see GM doing this. Ford did the opposite and shut down plants. I hope the program comes to Canada also. Around 60-70% of the cars sold here come from the big three also.

fdefulvio

Link to official GM statement:

http://www.gm.com/cgi-bin/pr_display.pl?2521

njtblzr

I have a question for anyone with a Trailblazer LT with the Driver Info Center. When you start the vehicle does the DIC say Driver 1 regardless of which Key Fob was used to start the car? The manual says that the DIC should identify the driver which implies to me it should say Driver 1 or Driver 2 depending on the Key Fob used. When my car was new I remember seeing Driver 2 on the DIC, but now it always says Driver 1. The dealer is telling me this is how it is supposed to be and I am wrong. Does anybody have any information for me?

agenteleven

My LTZ DIC displays "Driver 1" or "Driver 2" depending on whether I have unlocked the doors with the D1 or D2 key fob... If I simply start the truck with either the keys without unlocking the doors, it reverts to the last identified signal transmitted by the key fob. That is, if I unlocked with Driver 1, the DIC says Driver 1 regardless of whether I started with key 1 or key 2.

agenteleven

I took my truck back to the dealer to correct some minor problems... one of which was some chipped paint around the license plate assembly... I had thought they would simply "touch it up" with a small brush.

The service manager said the body shop wanted take it all apart and repaint the entire liftgate... he said they can make it perfect.

I'm worried that it won't look the same... the truck has a considerable orange-peel effect going, but at least it's consistent over the whole truck. I don't want someone repainting the whole thing and the finish not match... It's just a few inconspicuous chips!

Any thoughts?

For what it's worth, they couldn't fix the other problems, because "the truck is so new we don't have the proper diagrams"

Should I get my truck and run?