Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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Comments

  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    How long have you had this truck? My sister bought a Trailblzer LTZ, parks it in the sun all the time (lives in the city) and no paint problems yet.

    Although fit & finish is horrible. Can't believe she paid $38k for it.
  • agentelevenagenteleven Member Posts: 95
    To clarify: The paint is not peeling... orange-peel is a term used to describe the "texture" within the clear coat. Some car finishes are smooth like glass, some have small peaks and valleys. If you look closely at EVERY new car, there is some orange-peel present. GM Trucks seem to have it a little worse than others.

    I don't mind the slight orange peel texture. But I don't want to have the whole car with the texture and then have the rear lift gate exhibit a different texture.

    I've had the truck about a month. I don't think the sun will damage the paint much.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    The usual negetive review of a GM vehicle (in this case the Envoy) from Edmunds..


    http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/roadtest/47050/article.html

  • jw4gmjw4gm Member Posts: 27
    I received notification from my dealer yesterday that my 3000 mile RECOMMENDED service visit is now due on my Envoy. Of course, they are trying to drum up business by performing extra maintenance. My concern though is one of the items on their recommended service was "Install BG 'MOA' oil fortifier". Since my owner's manual highly discourages oil additives, I wonder what this stuff is. I would appreciate comments from anyone who has received a similar notification, or anyone who has a clue what BG MOA is. More snake oil methinks.
  • mgrcmmgrcm Member Posts: 53
    I read the article and I own an Envoy.And there was very little in the review that I couldn't disagree with.I have the the air suspension and this is by far the worse handling SUV I have ever owned or driven.Should have test driven longer before ordering.Loose steering and lots of body roll for a vehicle with this kind of redesign.The only thing that I have to disagree with in the review was the gas mileage,getting around 17MPG in rural- hilly driving,but that small gas tank is the pits.Spent the first week and a half moving the roof rack around trying to stop it from howling.Moving it over the back door opening didn't work for me.It's now two inches in front of the back roof rack.I've got the 3.73 and locking rear end and I've noticed there is no low end power with this engine and drive train,has to down shift a lot more than the V8 I had with less horse power(235).Even thougth it may have more horse power it still doesn't have that V8 low end grunt.But it still has some nice features and toy's for a SUV in this price range.I guess my point is I didn't get my feelings hurt reading the review.

    Rick
  • agentelevenagenteleven Member Posts: 95
    Do you guys have speakers in the dash of your TBs or Envoys?

    I have an LTZ with the non-Bose CD/Cass... NO SOUND from the dash, even though there are "grills" in place for speakers. The specs list it as a "6 premium speakers"

    The sound is fine, and unless you tested it like I did (cardboard tube from my ear to the grill), you would never know there was no sound coming from there.

    I think GM is pulling a fast one, because there appears to be a sep. woofer and tweeter in the front doors counting as two speakers each (add to the rear doors for 6 speakers)

    Do you guys have speakers in your dash?
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I have not driven but have heard the air suspension is not very good. If that is the case, why didn't Edmunds give the Envoy a fair shake and test one with out. I also noted they tested a 2WD. Why not test a 4WD? Most of the Envoys sold are of the 4WD variety.

    Edmunds says this SUV can't compete with the top competitors in the field, but they tested a version that makes up a small percentage of sales. The test is typical Edmunds which is almost always anti-GM and not thorough.
  • ees1996ees1996 Member Posts: 31
    I test drove both variations on the suspensions and I concluded the springs vs. the air suspension battle was won by the springs. The ride is firmer and there is less body roll. It seems as if the air "springs" give too much in the corners. IMHO
  • salovekusaloveku Member Posts: 22
    IMHO, the air suspension gives a more car like ride and the springs are a little more trucky; although way better that than the Explorer.
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    I just read through the review of the 02 Envoy and am confused. My LTZ makes the truck they reviewed sound like a whole different vehicle. Where does Edmunds pick their units?

    The fit and finish on my LTZ is the best ever. In fact that's why I selected it over other cars/trucks. The paint is flawless...no orange peel...haven't seen that for years. No sqeaks or rattles..outside the loose door fixed before I took it home.

    What's the deal? I can't say anything about the air suspension as I don't have it, but my LTZ handles pretty good for an SUV. Motorwise, heck it screams. Is it loud at 6k RPM. Not at all, but then at 6k rpm's most engines do sound peaked out...even V8's. Perhaps their used to lound Ford exhausts or something?

    Oh well....to each their own. I like it and suppose that's what counts.

    tim
    ranting
  • finally2finally2 Member Posts: 10
    Yahoo! Ok so I am a little excited about my new TrailBlazer. Though I am only on my first tank of gas still.. my mileage is coming in at 14.0. I recognize that the 3.42 (could?) have something to do with it but that number is rough. Anyone else seeing this? Is it possible I am looking at the wrong thing? Would appreciate any thoughts you may have. For those out there considering this truck~ Do the homework and you'll find this is where you want to be. Thanks to all of the great posters out here. Your comments helped out a lot. Nice truck....
  • mgrcmmgrcm Member Posts: 53
    I don't know where your driving or what your looking at but with those highway gears you should have done alot better than that.I've got the lower 3.73 rear end on my Envoy and I got 15.9 then 16.6 on my second fill up,and now after 1200 miles I'm up to a little over 17 MPG,but thats figuring it with a calculater not the DIC.Although the DIC seems to be pretty close on mine if I reset it every time I fill up.And finally2 hows the pickup with those 3.42 gears.I know if I had do it all over again I'd be getting the 4.10 rear end to get a little more out of the hole.Anything under 2 grand on the tach and mine is pretty much a dog.

    Rick
  • hambone7hambone7 Member Posts: 130
    Have you been reading my posts about gas mileage? I've got numerous posts about it over the past 100-200 posts.
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    If anyone has been looking for the polished Envoy wheels for either their Envoy or other triplet, someone has a set on Ebay. Here's the link:


    Polished Envoy Wheels

  • finally2finally2 Member Posts: 10
    Rick~ Thanks for the reply~I am hoping that this may just be part of the "breaking in" phase that had spoken about in post (2222) and it is probable that the DIC was not set properly to start. I am not real proficient in this truck as of yet (in case you didn't notice) and thought maybe I was looking at the wrong thing.. Better yet I guess I will review the manual one more time so that when I fill up I can ensure all is set properly as well as do the "manual calcs" on my own. I am sure it will get better..
    As for pick up.. I think it's great~But, honestly I don't have a lot of historical to compare too and I really have not pushed it much. I figure "she" should have the opportunity to break in a little bit before being pushed at all~

    Oh and Hambone~ thanks too~ I read a lot of your messages along the way too (I have been working on this truck for over three months)~I missed your correction to the 3.42 so I was looking for specifics on this option~Again, thanks.

    Time for a ride~
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Most of the vehicles that Edmunds tests come from the manufacturer's (GM's) own press fleet of vehicles, which are reserved exclusively for journalist use.


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • lurker01lurker01 Member Posts: 103
    Well, stopped in at the dealership today to take another test drive of an Envoy. The salesman pounced on me before I got 5ft from my truck. I had this coupon for a free oil change for taking a test drive and since the Jimmy needed one, I figured I'd at least get a bonus out of the visit.
    My main goal was to drive a normal and an air suspension version to compare the two.
    The salesman was a total Gill (Simpson's reference) which cracked me up. He was fun to talk to, but did not know much about the Envoy I was looking at. He did let me take a long drive with the standard susp. model. It rode very nice. When we got back, the truck manager came over and started to put on the hard sell. These guys don't get it. I told him I just wanted an appraisal of my Jimmy so I could decide if I should trade it or sell it myself. It took them over an hour but they did come back with the straight NADA price that I got off the web site. Still, that was too low for me, so anyone want a '96 Jimmy SLE w/63k on it? ;-)

    Anyways, the dealer first told me that the 0% was not available on the Envoy, then he told me that Sage Green would never be available as a color, even though it is in the brochure. Has anyone ordered or gotten Sage?
    The other issue was I really wanted the tan interior, but not in the colors they had. Since Sage was out, my second choice was Indigo Blue. I really wanted a light interior, but the dealer claimed that the factory did not make blue with the oak and I would have to order, which would take 2-3 months and by then the 0% apr would be gone. Has anyone seen a blue with oak?
    So, now it looks like my only option is a blue with the medium gray interior. They did not have one on the lot like this. I'm sure one of you has this combo. Do you like it? Does it get very hot in the sun?

    Anyhoo, my conclusion after driving the model with the air suspension is the normal suspension is very nice, but the air is just plain cool. Zipping around curves on the test drive, the car felt like it was glued to the road. And Edmonds be dammed, I could not induce any body roll no matter how hard I tried.

    So, it looks like my truck will be an Indigo Blue with the premium and pro tow package and the sunroof. Anyone have this combo? What do you think of it?
    I may have to accept the running boards, since all the ones they could locate have them. I really don't want them, however.

    Thanks for reading all that. I appreciate any comments or suggestions.

    -John.
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    I think that your dealer is full of crap. First of all, the 0% is available for a certain amount of months (I'm not sure exactly how long) on the Envoy. Second, Sage Green is available, is being made, and can be found with either some really good searching or ordering the Envoy. Third, yes, you can get the Sage Green with a Light Oak interior and I'm pretty sure you can get the same color with the Indigo Blue. So far since these have been out, I've actually only seen the Sage twice so I assume that it is a rare color. The first was on an Envoy SLE that passed by us on the highway and the other was a Trailblazer LTZ in a dealer's online inventory. Both looked really nice and it's not a color that you'll see everyday either. I also remember reading about someone on this board a few months back that had their dealer do a search for the Sage and Oak but ended up ordering it in the end.

    If you have the time, see if you can find a dealer that either has, or can find a Sage Envoy. That Indigo is a nice color too, but not as exclusive. Good luck.
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    Also, here's a link to the new Trailblazer LTZ in Sage and Oak:


    Sage Trailblazer LTZ

  • earlcearlc Member Posts: 34
    My advice is to run, don't walk, away from this dealer as fast as you can. He is lying, lying to you and wants you to purchase from his on site inventory. Find you another dealer. This guy can't be trusted.
  • nkampfenkampfe Member Posts: 1
    The cruise control RESUME button on our new in February vehicle causes the RPM meter to roar up to number 5 on the dial whenever we push resume after braking to shut off the cruise control. It doesn't matter if we push the button at 40mph or 60mph, it roars like the engine is going to blow up until it reaches where we have it set, usually at 65mph. This is not normal, is it? The car is still in warranty, so that's not the problem. But when I took the car in complaining about the shuddering during acceleration from a stop, they assured me they had fixed the problem, but it still occasionally does it. And since I'm a woman, no, the mechanic didn't tell me what he did to fix it! Help!
  • fletch45fletch45 Member Posts: 72
    Please don't take this as an insult, but if you have not had cruise before you may not know. To resume, you simply push resume for an instant...if you hold it more than an instant, it switches to the "accel" mode, and away you go! Otherwise, sounds like something is awry with your cruise control. My TB will accelerate fairly quickly when resumed, yet it is smooth, not hammer-down like you are describing. If it does it all the time, it should not be a problem getting them to fix it. Probably an electronic control module.


    I'm not sure what to tell you regarding the shudder...hard to tell without driving it. I will mention that my Silverado had a slight shudder/stumble/surge when I used Ethanol Blended fuel, that wasn't there with regular. It was a pretty subtle shudder, ie. not jerky, just there, and barely noticeable.

    Good luck
    jim f
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    Lurker01:

    I have had my Indigo Blue/Medium Pewter leather Envoy SLT 4WD for a little over 2 months. It has the 1SH tow package, sunroof, and running boards. The medium pewter is much lighter than the dark pewter, and was bearable in the 105 degree heat we had after I bought it. It has the air suspension, which I love, and the 4.10 rear axle ratio. The 4.10 has averaged 18.3 MPG in the first 3500 miles. It has very quick performance off the line and passes well. I was fearful about the gas mileage penalty with the 4.10 but am glad I got it from a performance standpoint. I just love this truck and have had none of the problems mentioned on this board. People love the color combo. The sunroof is great, although the kids wanted the DVD player and you can't get both. You can get a sage green with oak interior as well as an indigo blue with oak, which I have seen and did not like as well as the medium pewter. The oak looks very nice, but I simply prefer the medium pewter. The only complaint I have is that the factory pewter rubber floor mats I have ordered are still not available due to a "quality issue", whatever that may be. I don't understand how hard rubber floor mats can be to make. Got a cheapo set at Wal Mart to hold me over until they finally arrive. One last comment regards the Edmunds article. That is the first negative article I have seen on the Envoy. Different strokes for different folks. I wouldn't be caught dead in an Explorer, but, since hundreds of people have, I'll just keep my Envoy and let the Edmunds guy have whatever he wants.
  • robz3robz3 Member Posts: 28
    I've been having a rough time deciding between Indigo Blue or Pewter for the exterior and the dark and medium pewter interiors. I initially wanted the oak since I prefer a lighter colored interior. But I really don't like it since it's almost orange and the carpeting looks bad.

    I like the medium pewter interior and I think it contrasts nicely with the trim. But the dark pewter seats look a bit sharper. Problem is that there aren't many medium pewter around.

    Anyway, like you I'd like to get the 4.10 gears but none are around also. Might have to wind up ordering the vehicle I want after all.

    Is there a downside, other than gas mileage, to the 4.10 gears?
  • KelDarKelDar Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone have a link to preview photos of the extended versions of the Envoy/Trailblazer? Also, is there any inside info on what part of 2002 they will be available?

    I'm looking to purchase a Yukon SLT(want the third row seat)this winter but may wait if the new extended Envoy/Trailblazer is available by spring.
  • lurker01lurker01 Member Posts: 103
    I have located a indigo blue with med. pewter leather and the options I want at another dealer, except I really did not want the running boards and it has them. I may just go for it anyways. I doubt I will ever find a Sage with oak before the 0% runs out. I would order, but there is no way to gurantee they will extend the 0% long enough for it to be in effect what the truck arrives.
    I loved the air susp. that I test drove, so that is a must.

    Now I just need to visit the other dealer and see if they will give a good deal on trade-in.

    thanks again.

    -John.
  • flyersruleflyersrule Member Posts: 47
    Well, I finally got one! After following these cars since early March, and reading every post in this group, I bought a TB LTZ on Saturday. Here are the details.

    I originally wanted Red Majestic, but then I saw the Indego-Blue. I thought I wanted that one, so I searched GMBuyPower.com and found one with all of the options I wanted, plus some other I didn't, but in a two-tone color. I really don't like two-tone cars, but I went to check it out anyway. I didn't like it. Just didn't work or me. So, I walked the lot to see what else they had, and there was a Majestic Red metalic with Sandalwood two-tone exterior and interior. I fell in love with it. Plus, it had every option I wanted: Bose, 6 CD, locking diff, 3.73 ratio, heated front seats and 17inch tires.

    So far, I have put a little over 100 miles on it. Everything is great except for one thing. While driving, just around 51-52 miles an hour, there is a vibration or shutter that I feel in the gas pedal. Everything else feels normal when this happens. It happened just about every time at that speed. It would dissipate if I went slower or faster. And I was cruising from a slow speed to that speed. Any ideas? Is this normal (hope not)? Will it go away after 500-mile break-in?

    Some other questions for owners:

    Is this the correct part number for the running boards: 12497885
    Is there only one color for them? Is partsdirect.com the best place to get them from?

    Are there any ski racks made for the luggage rack?

    Has anybody gotten Husky liners? I had them for my last blazer and they worked great? Any others that are good (for skiing and beach).

    Here's how I purchased the truck.

    I traded in my 96 Blazer, took all the cash back and financed the entire price of the truck for 3 years and zero percent. I will put the cash back from my trade in the bank and start getting interest on it. So, no money down, zero interest and 36 payments! I also got $200 over invoice!

    That's to all who have posted all of their comment over the months. They all greatly helped. Thanks in advance for answers to this post.

    Mark
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    My sister scared the heck out of me by playing back a portion of the conversation we were having just a minute ago.
  • imototoimototo Member Posts: 22
    In light of everything that has happened, I realize this is very trivial. But I just would like to know whether this is standard or was cost cutting measures brought into play for my 2002 Bravada.

    I have the leather interior that comes standard. I was told that only the actual seat bottoms and backs are real leather; the rest is vinyl. No problem. The seats look and feel great. Fully enclosed in leather/vinyl EXCEPT on the 2 front seats, the sides closest to the console are upholstered in CLOTH. Is every Bravada like this?
  • fletch45fletch45 Member Posts: 72
    I think the cloth on the side of the seat is to prevent noises caused by the seat rubbing the console while you are driving. They are pretty close together.
    jim f
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    I have found no downside to the 4.10 gears at this point. The truck just drives very well. When I ordered I thought about skipping the 1SH package and building the same truck with individual options but the 3.73 ratio. At that time, you couldn't get all of the options on an individual basis and I figured that GM put the 4.10 ratio in that package for a reason. So, I went with the package and am glad I did. I agree that the dark pewter leather is probably richer looking, but I had a Park Avenue Ultra that had the dark graphite leather and it was as hot as a stovetop in the summer. The most comfortable leather interior I ever had was a light gray pigskin suede in a 1985 Pontiac 6000 STE. It was never too hot or cold.
  • mikeelmendorfmikeelmendorf Member Posts: 19
    Am I correct to think that the acceleration on the 4.10 would be a little slower than the 3.73?
  • agentelevenagenteleven Member Posts: 95
    fletch45 is right. The cloth is there to keep the squeaky noises down.

    The new jeep liberty is like this, also.

    The wife's 95 Dodge with leather has vinyl in place of where the cloth is and unless you treat the center console with some slippery stuff, it squeaks up a blue streak.
  • ducky87ducky87 Member Posts: 11
    avoid buying from jenkintown pontiac buick gmc, an especially criminal bunch of crooks
  • okay1okay1 Member Posts: 10
    Flyersrule:
    I also had the same small vibration in the gas pedal at about 52 MPH when the car was new. It seems to disipate by about 55 MPH. For what it is worth, I now have about 3000 miles on my TB, and the vibration has all but completely dissapeared. I would give the car a chance to break in, and then see if it continues.
  • cheech004cheech004 Member Posts: 12
    im looking at the new 2002 chevy trailblazer, and gmc envoy. i know they have the same engine, same basic suspention. but im confused in which one i like better, i like the chevy because it looks tougher and meaner, but i also like the envoy cause the interior is nicer and more plush. please give some opinions.
  • hambone7hambone7 Member Posts: 130
    The acceleration is quicker with the 4.10 gears.

    At 70 MPH, there is about 2000 RPM difference between the 4.10 and 3.73 gears. So, gas mileage will suffer slightly with the 4.10 gears on the highway.
  • hambone7hambone7 Member Posts: 130
    What kind of driving enables you 18+ MPG? Mostly highway? A/C on?
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    So far, I would guess the miles I have driven are about 70% highway (65-70 MPH average) and 30% in town. When it has been hot, I run the A/C full time. Only now is it cooling off enough to turn it off. I use the cruise control as much as possible on the highway.
  • beach15beach15 Member Posts: 1,305
    For those of you wanting to see what the Envoy XL looks like, here's the pic that has been in a few new magazine's. Too me, it looks kind of wierd, like some kind of armoured stretched vehicle but not that bad. I think it's because of the third window shape and size and because there's a painted area between it and the door. Well, anyway, here's the link to the pic (Click on 2002's):


    2002 Envoy XL

  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    Looks wise, each model has its pros & cons. The TB definately looks "Butch". The Envoy looks more upscale, but not as tough. The air suspension, which I love, is only available on the Envoy as I understand it. The Envoy interior looks much more upscale than the TB. I love everything about the Envoy, but there is lots to love about the TB too. The TB has some nice two tone color options that the Envoy does not. Bottom line, you can't go wrong with either one.
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    I have been looking for some winter tires for my Envoy. To say that the pickings are slim is an understatement! The 245-65-17 tire size is quite unique it would seem. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions? There are virtually no aftermarket wheels available either, so it does not appear that moving to a 16" wheel with a taller tire is an option. The Michelin Cross Terrain (factory) tires look more tuned to non-winter driving that for snow and slush, even though they are M&S rated.
  • lyndellwlyndellw Member Posts: 31
    I think you mean 200 RPM. My Envoy with 4:10 gears will tach 2000 RPM at 60 MPH, and 2500 RPM at 75 MPH.
  • edl55347edl55347 Member Posts: 46
    I picked up my Indigo Blue/dark pewter interior TB about a week and half ago. It is a great vehicle!!
    I am travelling for business this week and happened to get a 2002 Blazer LS(50 mileson it) for a rental. What a huge difference between the Blazer and new Trailblazer.
    I was never too excited about the Blazer, and never really considered buying one, but after owning a TB and then driving the Blazer, the difference is unbelievable!
    If you are trying to decide between these two, there is no comparison.
  • labrecquelabrecque Member Posts: 18
    Has anyone hooked up electric brakes to their Envoy or TB yet? I just got m ine last night and love it, but need to hook up my controller. Are their anywires that need to be hooked up under the hood, or is everything under the dash as it states in the manual?
  • imototoimototo Member Posts: 22
    Thanks, Fletch and Agent11....feel much better now.
  • imototoimototo Member Posts: 22
    Hardhawk, the Bravada also comes with rear air suspension. As far as I know,, if you are talking about snow tires when you say winter tires, the manual doesn't recommend them at all....at least for the Bravada. Something about them damaging the frame/wheel wells. Ditto for chains.
  • hambone7hambone7 Member Posts: 130
    Oops, yes I meant to state a 200 RPM difference.

    My 3.73 tachs at 2000-2100 RPMs at 70 MPH.
  • iwsiws Member Posts: 12
    Under the dash on the left side (behind the flat plastic removable panel)you will find the wiring harness for the brake controller (4 wires) labelled as necessary. Once you have connected your controller to these everything will operate except for the 12 volt positive battery feed which charges the trailer battery. If you need this feed you must look under the hood at the front of the Fuse box. There you will find a red wire taped to the wiring harness. It has a connector which fits the binding post next to the 30 amp trailer fuse. What you will need to connect this is an 8mm nut to thread on the binding post (and a lock washer would be a good idea). Remove the 30 amp fuse when making the connection so you don't accidentally short something then re-install the fuse when you have tightened the nut on the binding post.

    It's not clear to me why this wire was not connected at the factory nor is it clear why the manual doesn't address this. I only dicovered this after driving 350 miles and wondering why my trailer battery was half discharged. After 20 minutes with a multimeter I traced the problem to this red wire not being connected at the fuse box. I hope this saves everyone the time and frustration I went through in the middle of a trip...this should have been mentioned in the manual.

    Happy wiring
  • labrecquelabrecque Member Posts: 18
    Is the wire that is labeled CHMSL the one that is hooked up to the brake lights? The aux the brake feed to the trailer?

    Thanks!
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