Toyota Highlander vs GMC Envoy

gm_litogation

Sorry man, but please don't consider the biased review of CR. Although I'm not a huge fan of the Rendevous it is a great vehicle. If you pit anything GM against anything foreign at CR it will always lose.

A good example of this was when they compared the Toyota Corolla with the Chevy Prism. They recommended the Toyota over the Prism, their reason: the build quality on the Prism wasn't up to the Corolla's..... WHAT!!!!! Hello same exact car!!!!!!!!!

Anyway why don't you do this, go to a comparison site like the one found on Toyota's website. Now compare the HL to the Pontiac Aztek. I guess the easiest would be the V6 HL 4x2 vs the Aztek 2WD.

First off you'll be shocked by the difference in price. The one advantage the HL holds will talk about now, more horsepower and torque, 35 more horsepower and 12lbs more torque. Torque is where it really matters anyway, this is a truck, well sort of. Now you'll find that almost all the options available on the HL are also on the Aztek. You'll also find that the Aztek gets better gas mileage. If you look on Carpoint.com you'll see that the Aztek offers alot more cargo room, more payload capacity, more passenger room, more ground clearance, it's quieter, has more optional features, it's more versatile, side airbags standard, tighter turning circle, and it comes with a really cool Icechest.

Oh now go ask the Aztek owners how much they love their vehicles, I think you will find a resounding wail of gushiness towards a car. I guess it's why it won that most appealing vehicle award. Anyway I don't think Lutz will axe the Aztek. I think they fixed it up pretty well and it looks alot better now. I'm talking about the 2002 of course.

Now about that quality thing, even CR couldn't kill it, check their report ha ha poor CR.... Just so you know, the Aztek is probably one of the highest quality offerings from GM right now. That's probably not saying too much to you, but hey GM quality is pretty good and I'll prove it.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2001-10-17-gm-quality.htm

Now lets do a TMV on the Highlander and the Aztek, then lets factor in that $2002 rebate, gulp that's like $7000 when comparably equipped.

Man I hope you really like you HL, you certainly paid for that Toyota name.....

heatwave3

brad 22: on my remark "You get years more use of both the Envoy and the money you save over the wannabe suv Highlander."

you stated "Heatwave, this statement seems out of place for someone who's a stickler for "proof"! : )" You got me and I agree there's no support for the statement that you have the Envoy longer, although I think its accurate you'll keep more of your money in your pocket vs the dealer's:)

heatwave3

tbuchta: regarding your comments "But if you are like most consumers..... I think you will choose a HL over GM products after reading all the information I cited before."

Uhhhh...last time I looked the GM triplets far outsold the Highlander therefore I think its fair to say most consumers see the value of their investment in a mid-size suv abit different from you and in fact find that the new GM triplets better fit their needs and wallets than the Highlander. I think the sales figures are much better indicators of "what most consumer's are like" than your opinion.

you state "After you realize that, lets face it, the Aztek as currently designed is history, and the Rendezvous based on Consumer Reports is only going to be purchased by diehard GM loyalists. GM doesnt really have anything to compete with the HL, unless you put credence in publications which receive most of their funding from GM advertisements...."

The Rendezvous and Aztek, last time I looked, outsell the Toyota Highlander, therefore is it your view the Highlander is also "history"? And I believe GM's has many fine vehicles that compete with the HL....there called awd minivans such as the Astro, Venture, Safari, Silhouette, Montana:)

pluto5

The GM vehicles have style; the Toyota is probably more reliable but it's a wussy looking thing.

tombuchta

You are right, in spite of all independantly verifiable facts concerning quality and reliability to the contrary, more GM products will be sold than the Highlander, to change that Toyota would actually have to build enough of them to compete, like they did with the Camry...To go a little further, in spite of the fact that not 1 in 10 people buying the envoy/trailblazer, or even the explorer will ever go off-roading or tow a sailboat, they'll outsell the Highlander even though they are giving up ride, handling, comfort, quiet, traction in wet and snow etc,

And finally, although the USA Today report of GM finally breaking into the top 3 in initial quality, it kind of verifies what I've been saying, Toyota has been there for 20 years.

gm_litogation

Nothing to really comment about because the 2 vehicles aren't really comparable as I've already stated.

Oh well check your username I don't think 2 are allowed??? If they were I'd get my name spelled right.

Also I doubt the Highlander is much quieter than an Envoy or as comfortable. Again though you are comparing the Highlander with the wrong vehicles.

You should look here, the Highlander really needs help in this topic.....

corey76 "2002 Aztek vs. CR-V vs. Highander." Jan 16, 2002 11:36am

1davidn

Please update your thoughts on the features and preferences between an Envoy and and Highlander. I am at a point where I think the two best choices for my family are the two and the most recent posting is 4/1/02. The board had also gone somewhat astray.

I want to make the best choice (don't we all).

Thanks.

gm_litogation

As I've already stated these 2 vehicles aren't really comparable. If you want to compare though there are plenty of posts that did. Just start at the beginning and go through the topic. I think the real competitors to the Highlander are the Buick Rendevous, Honda CRV, Pontiac Aztek, Saturn VUE, and Ford Escape. Anyway the Highlander is a jacked up wagon, and the Envoy is a real truck. If you need a truck get the Envoy, but remember it will drive and perform like a truck. If you need a minivan with less cargo room get the Highlander.

hardhawk

I agree with gm litogation. I bought an 2002 Envoy in July, and just love it. I looked at the Highlander, but since I already have a more than adequate Chrysler Town & Country, I went for the Envoy because it is truck based rather than van or car based. I have a 3000# boat that requires the Envoy's towing capacity and I am involved in my sons' scouting program, which can take us places I would not want to go in a HIghlander. I also prefer the power, luxury & features over the Highlander. I also really prefer the looks of the Envoy. I have had a few minor problems, such as wandering memory mirrors, but nothing serious at all. The Highlander is a nice vehicle. The Envoy is a nice vehicle. It all boils down to what you need it for. I really do not think you can go wrong with either vehicle. Good luck!!!

niel39

My research has concluded that the Highlander is the vehicle of choice for me. Now to get the best deal. Most of the dealers don't want to but I found a wholesaler in Massachusetts (45 min from me) who says that he gets his vehicles in Canada and can sell near or below invoice. When I brought this up to a dealer to use as leverage he said he would never buy a vehicle from Canada. Other than the 50 state emissions option what other differences could there be. Should I be wary of buying from the wholesale guy. So far the best deal I can get on a loaded Limited is 33.7. Not that I need all the features but I would like the JBL, VSC and Tow options.

lmacmil

Be careful on this one. I know that Chrysler will not honor the warranty on a vehicle built for the Canadian market that is sold in the US. Don't know GM's position but you'd better check before you buy.

motormann

I've been reading the posts in this forum with some interest, as my wife and I are near the end of a 39 month lease on a Lexus RX300 (kin to the Highlander)and are considering the purchase of a 2003 GMC Envoy SLT 4WD as a replacement. Just a few observations:

1. Our Lexus RX300 has been an excellent vehicle, with no return trips to the dealer (outside of normal maintenance) since purchase.

2. Our recent test drive of the GMC Envoy showed a vehicle with (our opinion) ride comfort only slightly firmer than the RX. My wife feels its more "sporty" than the RX. I would assume that the Highlander rides similar to our RX.

3. The Envoy has vastly more "seat of the pants" power than the RX, with a corresponding reduction in gas mileage.

4. The Highlander is UGLY! Maybe its the "Emperor has no clothes" syndrome, but the Highlander is another Japanese vehicle that the stylists were out to lunch during most of the development cycle. GM has some sins in that department as well, but the Envoy isn't one of them. I guess I'm surprised that no one mentions the poor styling of the Highlander.

mjs504

The reason you haven't read anything referencing 'poor styling' is that obviously the majority of posts feel good about the styling. The reason I purchased my Highlander was Toyota's reputation for reliability. Maybe GM could take a lesson from Toyota when it comes to quality.

2002slt

I have no idea why this message board even exists. You can't compare apples to grapes. The Envoy is in a whole other class. You should compare the Highlander to either the Xterra, or the Escape.

hardhawk

Actually, the best comparison would be to the Buick Rezendavous. The Highlander is merely a Camry wagon with all wheel drive. The Envoy is a truck. Both are great vehicles for their intended audience and uses. If I needed what a Highlander can provide, I would have considered it. I needed to be able to pull a 5,000 lb. boat & trailer. If I tried that with a Highlander, it would all have to be downhill.

toyotaken

Be very careful before buying a new Toyota from Canada to bring back over the border to the US. Toyota, like most manufacturers subsidize Canadian dealers somewhat, and with the exchange rate where it is, you can certainly buy a Toyota from Canada for less money than in the US. However, just like most other manufacturers, Toyota WILL NOT honor factory warranties on a vehicle that was imported into the US new. So if you buy your new Toyota from a Canadian dealer or from an "importer" (who is doing so illegally), you will forfeit your warranty.

stever

I don't think it's "illegal" if you do the right paperwork. But the warranty is a big issue.


Gray Area; What You Need to Know About Canadian Cars in the U.S.

Steve, Host

toyotaken

No, it is not illegal if you pay all of the appropriate tarrifs, get the right inspections, etc. The biggest difficulty is the lack of backing if anything happens.

stever

I think it was even easier than you make it seem - there's probably 40 posts in the Nissan Pathfinder discussion from people who did just that last year, before Nissan cut off warranty coverage. One member sent out lots of emails outlining the entire process in detail. No inspections, just the manufacturer's certificate, and sometimes the label on the hood sufficed for that. No tariffs, just a 6 week wait to get the tax you paid in Canada back in the post.

The biggest hassle some people had was getting their bank to wire the money to the Canadian dealer's bank. Most people got through the border in ~15 minutes. Converting the speedo was a concern since there was a question whether you could "certify" the miles when you traded your gray market car in.

There were also some people posting last year about their nice Toyota service managers entering VIN's into their computers for the new "import" owners to ensure warranty coverage.

People were reporting savings upwards of $4,000, which paid for the airfare to Toronto or wherever, with lots left over. But it t'was too good to be true (for too long).

Steve, Host

redline65

Shouldn't the Envoy be compared to the 4Runner instead of the Highlander?

gasman1

I do like the looks of the Envoy from the front and side. However, the rear isn't nice at all IMHO. It has to many lines, angles, curves that just don't mesh well. But that's all in the mind of the beholder and doesn't really effect the purpose of having a $30K vehicle.

During a test driver I found major problems with the Envoy that led me straight to Toyota and the HL. From the drivers seat, initially you get a nice feeling about the vehicle. As the driver progresses, you begin to notice the A-pillars block your view considerably, the steering wheel is offset to the left instead of being centered on the driver, the wind noise past the A pillars and/or mirrors is totally unacceptable, and some of the switch gear is CHEAP.

Check out the rear passenger compartment. Foot room demands that a 6-foot passenger place their feet together and their toes are under the driver seat between the seat support brackets. This can't be comfortable for a drive of any duration.

Go to the rear compartment and check out the storage compartment. Not much there to brag about. Compare it to the HL or to the Explorer and it becomes a joke IMHO.

I like the engine/transmission. I like the leather quality and the seat heaters are powerful. However, GM didn't do their job well enough to gain my business.

hooverj

Since I was unable to post this in the Rate this Vehicle even though the title, review, favorite features and suggested improvements were well within the 700, 300 & 300 character limits (check for your selves Edmunds), I will try this.

Review: Before I invested 36+K, I read all the reviews and drove most of the others “domestic” and “foreign” in this field. Only Toyota was even close in performance & quality, but with better gas mileage. What are you guys smoking? On a tippy or numb steering scale, Envoy ranks far lower than all the others except maybe 4-Runner. There is NO problem when pushing through corners “in the twisties", even on dirt roads. Yes, the ride is unusually comfortable and steering is very smooth, rather than feeling every pebble and crack with your butt and hands. Folks, there is no under or over steer, no hop, no rear end drift or tendency for the inside rear wheel to lift like some notable others.

Favorite features: Interior layout, comfort of seats and ride with loads of power (bottom to top end). Envoy has smooth reliable handling on the flat lands or mountains, with excellent off road performance and stability if you are willing to risk scratching a 36K SUV on Jeep trails in Colorado.

Suggested improvements: Envoy gas mileage is underwhelming at 14-16 in town & 17 maybe 18 highway in cruise control and not loaded down. The gas tank, even in Envoy XL, is TOO small! With an average 16 mpg, better gas mileage or a 25+ gallon tank is needed for reasonable cruising ranges in western states!

stever

Hooverj, if you have time, please fill out a Technical Support Form about the rating problem. I'll pass a note along too. Thanks!

Steve, Host

redline65

Go to the rear compartment and check out the storage compartment. Not much there to brag about. Compare it to the HL or to the Explorer and it becomes a joke IMHO.

Huh? The HL has like .9 cu ft. more than the Envoy. Not to mention the HL has those wheel wells that intrude on the cargo area.

the steering wheel is offset to the left instead of being centered on the driver

I did not notice this in my Envoy XL until I read your post. It's maybe 1" off center, hardly an issue IMO.

Suggested improvements: Envoy gas mileage is underwhelming at 14-16 in town & 17 maybe 18 highway in cruise control and not loaded down. The gas tank, even in Envoy XL, is TOO small! With an average 16 mpg, better gas mileage or a 25+ gallon tank is needed for reasonable cruising ranges in western states!

The Envoy XL has a 25 gallon tank. It's plenty big. Any bigger and I couldn't afford the fill-ups. :-)

beagles3

Go for the Envoy if you plan on trading in about 3 yrs. If you care about quality and durability, go for the HL. Apples and oranges with this comparison. You CANNOT compare a Toyota to a GM product. Toyota offers quality and durability and the Envoy can only offer a better price tag? You get what you pay for!

2002slt

Have you driven an Envoy?
Have you driven a Highlander?

THIS comparison is like apples and oranges. One's a practical SUV that can be used to tow a 5,000lb boat, and the other is a glorified station wagon.

On quality - My mom's 2002 LS430 (basically a decked out Toyota) has had more quality issues than my Envoy (1 vs. 0). You never know who is going to build your vehicle. Everyone has a bad day.

redline65

Actually, DON'T go for the Envoy if you plan on trading it in 3 years. Go for the Highlander in that case, because the depreciation will be much better on the Highlander and you will lose a lot more money on the Envoy. As far as Toyota quality and durability, read the message boards here, you will find Toyota owners with problems. Sure they are number one in quality, but they still have their share of defects per XXX number of vehicles. Not trying to knock Toyota, the Highlander was actually our second choice after the Envoy XL. But the GMC just had much more to offer than the Toyota.

lennx

But it is a bizzare comparison. Envoy was smooth but felt large and truck like. HL drove like a car but seemed to have have a harsher ride.

Interior of Envoy was much better. Lower level HL had odd looking silver plastic parts.

Biggest killer on Envoy - Gas mileage.

Worst thing on HL - steering wheel is too close to the dash.

But what do you need? A car with extra height for around town or on the highway - HL might be my choice (except fo r the steering wheel issue). A vehicle for serious foul weather, to go offroad, tow, or haul stuff - Envoy

beagles3

If I was going to tow a 5,000 boat, I wouldn't buy either. I would look at the Sequoia, Tahoe, etc...

I did not mean to be offensive and I agree that Toyota, etc..has their fair share of problems,but, the 2000 Envoy that my brother-in-law has, has been in the shop more than he has practically driven it. Alot of fancy electrical gadgets that Toyota did not have back then and yes, improvements have been made,but, SUV's cost so darn much that, it is good advice to check out forums like this, in order to hear the truth from previous owners of these rigs?

If I didn't own a 2002 Limited 4 Runner, I would have chosen either the Sequoia or Yukon/Tahoe!!

But, there again, apples and oranges with usage, gas mileage woes, etc..

bill01923

There is little comparison between a Highlander and an Envoy much less an Envoy XL. They are both vehicles that technically are SUV's. It doesn't take long to notice more than a few differences. We bought the Highlander over the Envoy for our needs. It's a very comfortable all season vehicle that will hold it's value for a long time. If you're planning on climbing a mountain or towing anything heavy, don't buy it. I drove all three. The Envoy wasn't bad for a truck, they ruined it with the XL (way too long, but 3 real seats). I don't disagree with calling it a tall station wagon, after all it drives just like a car.

89blazer

1)My friend has an 89 Blazer and the back window has broken twice on them once with the arm motor inside so they replaced it now the window(glass) is broke but the window crank arm is working I'm trying to help them find "good" used one...we are from the carlisle,pa area if anyone can help or know where to order a new one cheap..
2)They were also thinking of eliminating the back tailgate and replacing it with a swing out door does anyone know a year,make and model that we can probably swap out.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!

meyervilla

Our Envoy was trouble free until 30K miles: then it started to fall apart. It was very comfortable unlike the uncomfortable Honda Pilot we own now. We long for our Envoy but not its problems. It was the best vehicle we ever owned until it started to fall apart. The ultimate answer could be to buy an Envoy and trade it every two years before the warranty runs out.

wlbrown9

I solved that problem by purchasing a low deductible 60 month / 90,000 mile GM Protection Plan on my '04 Envoy XL. That is much less expensive than taking the depreciation hit by trading every 2 years or so. So, about the time it is close to paid off and the GMPP is getting ready to run out, it will be time for a new ride for the wife...It may not be a 7 passenger then, maybe not even a SUV. Still have 2-3 years until we plan on having to make that decision.

johnyg

Maybe when this discussion started there was a comparison between the 2 well I just bought a 2007 Envoy LST 4WD with the IL6 4.2 291HP engine paid $31,000 I test drove the HL and the 4Runner and gotta tell ya neither one really stack up, the 4R is a better comparison but either one of tyotas have the HP the hauling or towing capabilities the Envoy has, not to mention the superior styling and preformance but if you compare the factor spec's Envoy for the money is the hands down winner

gasman1

I wish you well and hope that GM fixed the A pillar wind noise that was on both the Envoys and the SAAB 9X that I drove. Also, the large A-pillar blind spots and the minuscule foot room for the rear passengers were turn-offs for me. As for styling, everyone has their opinion and let's just same that ours aren't the same. Good luck!

derekgaddy

Toyota = Reliability
GMC = Problems