Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

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Comments

  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    Does anyone know GMO or GMS pricing for a 2WD Envoy SLT?
  • aleasealease Member Posts: 22
    I have a SLT 4WD Envoy and love it. I haven't had any major problems with it, no fluids leaking, trim loss or rattles. There is a favorable article in Field and Stream, July issue on the triplets. "Outdoorsmen planning to buy one of these SUV's will surely benefit"
  • pureevilpureevil Member Posts: 28
    Redline,

    Not sure of the pricing, but here is a phone number to call that should help: 1-800-GM-Giant.

    Also, check out this web site if you haven't already:

    http://www.gmemployees.com/faq.shtml

    good luck
  • arcoatesarcoates Member Posts: 221
    I don't have time to read all 2000 posts on this board, so I will ask this question, whether it has been answered or not- what is the Envoy like? Gas mileage, driveability, utility, comfort, durablity, engine performance etc... I know the last model was a dissapointment, but this new one looks fantastic. I am very interested in getting one, so would someone give me some info. Thanks~ A.R.
  • pureevilpureevil Member Posts: 28
    Gee, not willing to read 2000 posts huh? LOL. I did, and it gave me the info I needed to make an informed purchase. Also...check out any and all reviews...your buying it, not me.

    But in response to your questions: I have a new TrailBlazer. The combined city and highway driving will probably give you about 16-17 MPG. I drive almost all highway miles, so its hard to guess. I have found the interior to be very confortable so far, and ergonomics are great. The engine is awesome...really moves when you want it to, but still purrs like a cat. As far as durability, I guess we'll all have to wait and see how it stands the test of time. It certainly seems made well, and I'm sure GM has no interest in making a vehicle that will not stand up to the likes of the Explorer, Pathfinder and 4Runner. Sorry can't help more, but durability is proven over time.

    Good Luck
  • bryancosbryancos Member Posts: 282
    Here's the numbers I got when I purchased my 2002 Envoy SLE via GMS pricing: (I wrote the numbers down off the Invoice while the sales guy went to chase figures with the sales manager)

    MSRP: $31,045
    Invoice: $28,095
    Cost: $27,764
    GMS: $28,874

    Hope this helps give you ball park figures of how much you'll save. Too bad there's not currently any incentives, as they would also apply on top of the GMS savings...
  • bryancosbryancos Member Posts: 282
    I've got an interesting one... While driving in a downpour, I activated the Automatic All Wheel Drive (AAWD). When I switched back to 2WD the indicator did not light for 2WD and the Service 4WD light came on. It remained on until I turned off the ignition. When I restarted the car, the Service 4WD light was OFF and the 2WD indicator was on as if nothing were wrong...

    Has anyone else had this problem? I'm taking it in next week to have looked at...
  • pureevilpureevil Member Posts: 28
    The GMS deal doesnt sound that good. The deal had the purchaser paying nearly 800 dollars over invoice. I just paid 500 dollars over invoice for a new TB and I am in no way affiliated with GM. Im sure we'll see more posts with folks who got better deals than that, and better deals than mine....
  • fdefulviofdefulvio Member Posts: 47
    I recently got the GMS price for an Envoy SLT with sunroof, Bose stereo and running boards. The GMS price was within $100 of the invoice price. Both were around $33,000. The general manager showed me his price sheet.
  • pureevilpureevil Member Posts: 28
    That deal sounds much better
  • patxlbpatxlb Member Posts: 7
    Go to: http://www.gmfamilysavings.com/index2.html

    Select employee, family of employee, whatever applies. It will bring up another window where you enter your soc. security # if you are a GM employee, or enter your sponser's soc. security #. You will be able to build your own vehicle with GMS/GMO pricing shown.
  • hardhawkhardhawk Member Posts: 702
    Our new Envoy just went over 1000 miles this weekend. We love it. Have had no problems of any kind. The mileage in mixed driving has been around 17-18 on average so far. We have the 4.10 axle ratio and it gives wonderful power and performance but may have a very slight mileage penalty over the lower ratios. I prefer the power and can pass most anything on the road when necessary. As for comfort, I am 6'4" and my wife is 6'. We have more than enough room in front and headroom for me is OK even though we have the power moonroof that cuts out about two inches of headroom. The Bose 6 disc stereo is one of the best sounding systems I have ever heard, including Bose systems in a prior Corvette and several Cadillac models. The kids love the rear headsets for the stereo and the rear HVAC controls. I find the driveability to be very good, but then I just came out of a 1998 Dodge Ram Quad Cab so was used to driving a tank. The utility is on par with any offering in this category and the built in air pump that comes with the rear air suspension is handy for bike tires, etc. The air suspension gives the vehicle a great ride. We do not care about not having a third row seat as the competition's seats are useless to us size wise and my wife drives a Chrysler Town & Country van. If we need to have capacity for 7, we take the van. Overall, we could not be happier. My only complaint is that the ignition switch is too close to the dash, which causes my keyless entry fob to bang on the dash if we hit too big of a bump. The funny thing about the new Envoy is that my wife likes it so much she is already talking about selling the van when the 2003 extended Envoy with the useable 3rd row seat comes out. I guess we will see what happens next spring!
  • okay1okay1 Member Posts: 10
    I purchased a 4WD, Trailblazer LS about three weeks ago, and wanted to share my experience with any potential buyers. I have seen a fair share of complaints here, so I wanted to present the viewpoint of a very happy buyer. I have had no problems of any sort from my TB, and it continues to delight me every time I drive it. I have always been a sports car owner, with this TB being only my second SUV. The performance, handling and overall ride of this car is closer to my past sports cars than that of my former SUV, a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Whereas the Jeep drove like a truck, the Trailblazer drives more like a luxury sedan, with the heart of a sports car. The engine thinks it is a 300+ HP V8, and motivates the car quite nicely. I tend to be a stop light racer on occasion, and its nice to know that the Trailblazer can keep up with Civic SI's. The engine revs freely to 6000 RPM, like a Honda 4 cylinder. The exhaust note has a pleasant rumble. Chevrolet hit the bulls eye with this engine. The Indigo Blue paint job was also one of the finest I have ever seen on a new car.
    My TB had a list price of $29,300, and I was able to purchase it for about $27,000. This is one great vehicle at that price point. I would totally endorse anyone purchasing a Trailblazer.
  • jbossertjbossert Member Posts: 38
    Supplier pricing should be within $100-$200 of invoice. I purchased my TB LT as a GM Supplier. Here are the details:
    MSRP 35,635 (including shipping)
    Invoice 32,113
    I Paid: 32,124 (actual supplier price was 32,304)

    A reputable dealer will show you the printed GMS price that comes from GM.

    Good Luck!
  • debbin67debbin67 Member Posts: 35
    Yes, it was me that posted that earlier. Take it to your dealer and they will replace the whole bar. The latch won't lock, that's all. You may want to call first, as this part had to be ordered and took a few days. Works like a charm now! Good Luck.
    Debbie
  • ralforalfo Member Posts: 36
    Thank you debbin67. I'll give them a buzz. It gets kind of annoying!
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    Mobile Electronics magazine has an article on the BOSE system in the TB, Envoy, Bravada. Instead of a speed-sensitive volume it has a microphone that detects noise levels and adjusts the different tones accordingly. They gave it high praise and said it works very well. Has anyone with the BOSE system noticed this?
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    Actually I posted a few messages about this. I'm not really happy with it. I have a Bose system with real auto volume control in my Cadillac Seville STS and I definitely would say that it does what it should - I don't have to constantly fiddle with the volume control when enter or exiting the freeway, driving with the sunroof open, etc.

    The Bose system in the Bravada that I have is not quite as useful. After reading more about it I found out what you did, it doesn't actually increase/decrease the volume but it changes the tone, much like the old "loudness" button did on older stereos. My complaint is that it doesn't do what it should (afterall, the button is still labeled "auto vol"). When I get off the freeway the volume remains at the same level and sounds too loud. When I get on the freeway, the volume remains at the same level and sounds to faint.

    In my opinion, they should have not fiddled with it and just let it do it's job as the other stereos do. Afterall, this is a vehicle, you are NEVER going to get the sound quality of a home stereo yet you will always have the problem of increased ambient noise.

    It only furthers my complaint of people looking at a very small segment of consumers (those who think they are audiophiles yet won't look at the science of sound and realize that a vehicle is not the ideal place to smooth your listening senses) and changing things, to the detriment of the majority of consumers, to please these few. This complaint also includes the manufacturers zeal to please the auto magazine editors by putting the gear lever on the floor console where it wastes space instead of on the column where it is out of the way.

    Have you tried to use your front cupholder while the vehicle is in park? Obviously they didn't.
  • siebertmsiebertm Member Posts: 2
    I have some questions on a few things I noticed with my 2002 Envoy:

    Fuel, Engine Temperature, Battery Voltage dials. A month ago while on vacation, I noticed that on a morning start up all the gauges mention were to their extreme right position: Full, 135deg C, and 21 Volts. This problem persisted till the next day (after about 5 -7 restarts). Onstar did not find anything unusual. When we were home I went to the dealer. Apparently, there is a service bulletin to reprogram the "firm ware" of this instrument cluster. Has anyone notice this problem as well?
    On this subject does anyone have some feedback on the accuracy of the temperature dial? The reason I am asking is that on a good long hill climb ( 20 minutes at 4000 RPM and 50MPH/90KMH), the engine fan kicks in, but there is no change in temperature dial reading??.

    Suspension
    On a locked turn left, and hitting a moderate bump,moderate speed, there is a clunk in the front. It sounds like parts rubbing.

    Fuel Filler gasket
    The visible filler gasket that is supposed to catch spilled gas is badly cracked (4 months old), it looks like 5 years old. It is going to be replaced, but none-the-less.

    Engine power
    Again after a "long" hill climb, it seems that the engine lost some of its pick-up and go. Does any one know what indicates failure of the variable valve timing actuator? Even now, back in the city, the acceleration is lack luster. Maybe I am used to the engine's torque by now and want more ;-).

    Thanks for your feedback.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    TrailBlazer takes on Explorer Styling

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • greebogreebo Member Posts: 4
    Hi,
    My wife and I are currently evaluating 2WD Envoys v. 2002 2WD Mountaineers (V6). Envoy is pretty much winning in all categories except (i) no 3rd row seat (but not really a factor) and (ii) lack of cupholders in front two seats. In the Mountaineer (and Explorer) the front passengers get four generous cupholders (two in the doors and two in the center console). The Envoy only provides one good cupholder while the other seems to be more suited for holding change.

    Any thoughts on this situation from Envoy owners? How do you cope?
  • jmfreshourjmfreshour Member Posts: 57
    As an objective consumer who is in the market for a new mid-sized SUV, I read with great interest the article that the kind host posted. However, I have to take issue with the comparison. An all-but-the-kitchen-sink LTZ versus the workhorse and spartan XLT? Isn't that kind of like the NBA all stars taking on the Botswanan national team? From the review, "Both vehicles are top-of-the-line versions of what consumers generally regard as bread-and-butter SUVs -- family vehicles that do everything from school carpool duty to weekend off-roading." Since when is the XLT the top-of-the-line Explorer? Of course the LTZ is going to win that comparison. A bit unfair. The LTZ versus the Eddie Bauer is a little more realistic.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    I too think the General did a terrible job with the cup holders. The one in front of the gear lever is actually useful for drinks, however only while driving (with the vehicle out of park). The one behind the gear lever works fine except that if you lean on your console your forearm rubs against the top of the drink and/or straw. This is probably the worst of design in these vehicles. As I said in an earlier post, the General is trying to make all of these guys at the auto mags. happy by making the vehicle as close as possible to the only thing that they think is important - how much it resembles an indy 500 sports car. So, they feel obligated to stick the gear lever on the console when it doesn't make any sense to.

    I preferred the column shifter that my previous Blazer had. That was a plus for the Explorer but I have become very accustomed to tilt steering wheels and use it almost subconsciously. I still cannot believe that Ford went to that awful japanese design where you have to reach under, pull a lever, adjust, push a lever. That was the worst possible change they could have made.

    Regarding the CG comparison. I also thought that an Eddie Bauer or Limited (they both cost the same) would have been a better suit. I was reminded of something though. I'm not sure why but there were only XLTs anywhere to be found (here in Atlanta anyway) until the beginning of June. That includes the dozens they had on the lots. I just saw my first Eddie Bauer only a couple weeks ago and have yet to see a Limited. I'm not sure when the test was done but maybe the XLT was the only one they could get. They couldn't even get better for the Auto Show here in March.
  • flyguy5flyguy5 Member Posts: 35
    Here is the issue I had re the gauges. Also see post #1678. Haven't had an issue since they replaced the puter.

    #1697 of 1976 Pegged Gauges. The final fix (I Hope) by flyguy5 Jul 18, 2001 (04:39 pm)
    All my gauges died today!.. Yesterday they reprogrammed the computer that controls this and today after I had driven about 20 miles, ran an errand and then restarted none of the gauges worked. No speedo, tach, odometer or the others. Happened to be across the street from the dealer and brought it in. The mechanic checked the codes and says it is the "Body Module". They have ordered one and they think this will fix it....., checks in the mail etc... They checked the parts database and there are only 5 of these available in the US. It should be in Monday. We'll keep you informed.
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    I too agree the cupholder thing is a bit old. I've grown used to it. The one behind the shifter is what I use most. My wife uses the passanger side one in front and the other one in front on the driver side holds a round tin of mints just perfectly.

    Has anyone noticed though that the rubber boots inside come out on bottles pretty easily though? Lost one as I tossed a bottle out and must not have noticed it...oops!

    The shifter location though...that's a personal preference. I tend to drive through gears and generally like the location as a hand rest. Last car I had with a column shifter was a boring sedan in the mid 80's....and an Olds Ciera Rental car. Just me I guess.

    tim
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    I haven't noticed the temp gauge not working incorrectly or any others for that matter. Not unless I've removed fuse #24....controls all of them. Not that it's legal, but if you get over on your miles on a lease and stay aware of your fuel levels...well, I never use the speedo anyway. I tend to go with the flow.

    again, not condoning...just informing.
  • bglaysherbglaysher Member Posts: 6
    Phew! Just read through almost all the messages here... A few questions:

    - I can get the MSRP from the gmcanada web site, but what are people actually paying in Canada? Anyone know where I can find invoice prices? (I'm looking at a TB LT, 4wd, leather, etc...)

    - umm, actually that's my only question!

    Thanks for any input.
  • arcoatesarcoates Member Posts: 221
    Thanks for the input. I really like what I have been hearing about the vehicle, and I think it is as good as anything else in the segment. I like that it is not car-based, but has car-like ride. The I6 is fantastic. That is a selling point right there. Why car companies have gone to the V when the I is so much better is beyond me. Anyway, thanks again, and if anyone else has some more info, pass it along~ A.R.
  • siebertmsiebertm Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the feedback on the gauges folks.

    As for invoice prices for Canada, goto www.carcostcanada.com. For a reasonable fe one can purchase dealer invoice info.
  • pureevilpureevil Member Posts: 28
    bglaysher,

    In the US we are lucky enough to have great web sites like Edmonds and Carsdirect.com, etc. In Canada it is quite a different story. The US sites are free...In Canada, every site that offered invoice prices charged a fee for info.

    The rule of thumb is to take between 8.5% and 11% off the MSRP. I think you will get a great "ball park" figure if you reduce the MSRP by 9%.

    Remember: When negotiating with the dealer, work up from the estimated Invoice Price and not down from the MSRP. Expect to pay between $200 and $500 dollars over invoice. I paid $500 over invoice in Boston, MA (I know, I know, many of you got better deals). But I also negotiated free oil changes and free tire rotation for as long as own the vehicle.

    I wish you good luck, and I hope this helps.
  • sbwilliams1sbwilliams1 Member Posts: 2
    I am just waiting for the right deal. My dream is an Enovy but I will settle for a Trailblazer. Has anyone out there heard of any incentives. I know that they are fairly new. But lets face it they have to come sometime. I really want to purchase soon. I would hate to do it and the next month they are offering incentives.
  • topgun7topgun7 Member Posts: 412
    Car_man in the lease question board (search within edmund using the word lease) mentioned that GM has special money factor for TB 36 months lease(0.00138 or about 3.3%). I posted him a question on the lease rate for envoy there today. hope it help.
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    "GM has special money factor for TB 36 months lease(0.00138 or about 3.3%)."

    I don't believe GMAC uses money factors...they use percentages. Not saying 3.3% isn't correct, as I haven't seen the latest lease ladder chart, but percentages nonetheless.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    carcostcanada.com charges C$40 for one invoice and has deals if you want more. I suggest getting the invoice for all options. Can't hurt and then you have all the info. My guess is you could get about $3000-3500 off a Trailblazer assuming they have some in stock. Local dealer in Oakville only has one black LTZ last time I looked.
  • mgrcmmgrcm Member Posts: 53
    I was wondering how long I'll have to wait,I ordered a SLT Envoy with 1SF pkg,locking rear,3.73 gears,Bose sound system,ECAS in Indigo Blue with Medium Pewter interior.I placed the order on 6/27 so it's been 7 weeks and have heard nothing from the dealership.Any wait times out there?
  • ldcsteelersldcsteelers Member Posts: 2
    Call your dealer and get your order number. Then call Chevrolet at 1.800.222.1020. They can give you the week it will be built and if it has been released from the factory. They aren't very good at tracking it when it is in transit from the factory to the dealer.
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    I was looking at the GMS/GMO pricing on the BuyPower website, and the GMO price for a 2WD Bravada with the convenience package, heated seats, and BOSE was about $28,800. Does this sound about right? With my Olds loyalty certificate it would cost me about $27,300. Is this a good deal? I've never looked at or priced SUV's before, but I think my wife has her eye on the Bravada.
  • pdqgppdqgp Member Posts: 9
    Interesting to review http://carpoint.msn.com and look at the customer reviews and ratings of both the Trailblazer and Explorer for 2002.


    The TB did very well in the eyes of all those responding. Sure there were a few low and very low ratings, but check out the Explorer....every other one was poor and several even mention to go buy a Trailblazer!


    tim

  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    The General has produced a lot of junk over the years, so I don't think you should be throwing stones at Ford. GM has been infested with poor quality products that lag way behind their competitors. I do feel the new "triplets" are very good vehicles, but I sure wouldn't even consider buying one before the redesign. GM did hit a home run with these vehicles.

    Slowly, but surely, GM and Ford are getting their products "right", and this includes the Explorer. Unfotunately GM has lost a lot of customers that will not ever return. This is evident by their market share declining from about 45% to 26%. Let's hope the slide is over and it reverses years of declining sales/poor quality products that no one wants.
  • bglaysherbglaysher Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for the info folks... I may do the pay-for-invoice thing... Interestingly, cars4u.com has no-haggle price of $3200 below MSRP for the options I want. If that pans out, I'll definately go with them... I hate haggling. Went for a short test drive today - sales droid said 'yah, we've sold 5 off the lot, and they all went for MSRP'... I almost laughed, but settled for a smirk. If he'd just said 'we can talk', I might have gone back to see if he'd meet or come close to the online price I got...

    Test drive was short, but good. Been a while since I've driven a big truck, so had to get used to the 'feel'. Noticed the roof-rack wind noise even at moderate speed... not a big deal. The TB's definately at the top of my list right now.
  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    You're calling Ford junk and you drive a Chevrolet Caprice-talk about junk! I wouldn't be caught driving one of those if it was the last vehicle on earth. Give me a break Teo. You MUST have a low I.Q. or are you just one of those people who use a vehicle to get from point A to point B?
  • fletch45fletch45 Member Posts: 72
    If you move the front crossbar of the roof rack back so it is even with or behind the rear of the rear door opening, the wind noise will go away. You will love the TB. Have you checked out the LTZ? Noticed you were looking at leather, and LTZ gets you leather + a few things you can't get with LT...just thought I would mention. Happy hunting!
    jim f
  • rkh19rkh19 Member Posts: 4
    Hope this helps out the Canadian buyers looking for dealer cost.
    I bought my Trailblazer LT at dealer cost because I have A relative that works for GM, here is the break down.

    TB LT, ISE package, leather, moonroof, running boards, drivers convenience pkg. MSRP 45550.00

    I paid though the Gm employee discount 39439.00
  • pureevilpureevil Member Posts: 28
    Ok..so both manufacturers have had their trials and tribulations. GM has lost tons of market share due to poor quality, stagnent designs (they are finally getting rid of the Buick Century!), and poor leadership in the board room. They have recently gotten to a point financialy where they can design new vehicles. Ford has been the benificiary of GM's woes, and introduced the Explorer at an oppertune time. Between the Explorer, and the Tauraus when introduced during the 80's, Ford hit its stride. Now, lets not forget about Chrysler. They hit rock bottom, and the Mini Van revelution they started allowed them the cash flow needed to really re-invent themselves. The product introduced by Chrysler over the last 15 years has been, for the most part, top notch. They scored big on the new Ram (time to change this relic again), and homered on the neon (for entry level consumers). They also put a whole new face on all the Chrysler name plate cars, and continue to improve the Town and Country and Caravan. So, Ford wasn't the only one who really capitalized on GM's woes. I won't even mention the foriegn market. All and all, I think GM could roar back if they build on these triplets and upgrade they entire line of products.
  • salovekusaloveku Member Posts: 22
    Can you calculate what is GM discount and what is dealer discount in your price?
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    Hey Hey, I didn't mean to start a Urinary Olympic Event between Ford and Chevy....just pointing out an interesting thing on MSN.

    tim
  • pureevilpureevil Member Posts: 28
    Understood Tim. Just wanted to cool the flames with some dose of reality. I'm partial towards neither. Ive never owned a Ford, and this TB is my first GM. Fact is: I'd rather see someone buy a Ford than a Toyota or Nissan or any other import (although, ive owned a few, and still do-volvo). Go USA...LOL
  • rkh19rkh19 Member Posts: 4
    Not to sure what your after, but dealer cost is what the dealer pays for the vehicle from Gm, but the dealer still gets a kick back of 3 or 4% from GM when they sell a vehicle. Therefore if you have a way of getting a GM employee discount you are getting the vehicle for dealer cost remembering that the dealer still gets the 3 or 4% kickback from GM.

    GM employee discount is dealer cost.
  • acl1966acl1966 Member Posts: 24
    You should be getting your Envoy within the next two weeks. I ordered my Envoy a week later than you, 7/6/01. Order was accepted on 7/26/01. Scheduled production week is 8/20/01 (next week). My dealer, in Florida, tells me anticipated delivery date is 2nd week in September, two weeks after production. I also found out from the factory, that it takes 26 hours to produce a vehicle from start to finish. Vehicle testing is done after each vehicle is produced. This is done at the end of the line and takes approx. 2.5 hours. My order is the SLT 4WD, 1SK pkg,which brings premium Onstar and DVD player. Hopefully,in the next 3 weeks, I'll be able to join the ranks of all you lucky owners who are currently driving their vehicles. As was stated in a previous post, GM has hit a "homerun" with these three vehicles. I also want to add, I really enjoy reading these posts.
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