The GMC Envoy was launched for 2002 as an upscale, "professional grade" iteration of the prolific General Motors GMT-360 midsize SUV platform that has spawned the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Oldsmobile Bravada, and most recently, the Saab 9-7x. The Envoy's high feature content, strong powertrains, impressive on- and off-road ability, and varied work talents earned it praise and distinction. For 2005, the Envoy range is expanded with new Envoy Denali and Denali XL models. As with other GMC truck lines, Denali models tout upgraded interior trim and bigger standard engines. Most noteworthy of the Denali add-ons is the 5.3-liter/300-horse V-8. When it comes to fuel efficiency, Displacement on Demand, which deactivates certain cylinders while cruising, compensates for the V-8 XL's weight penalty. Other trim levels are equipped standard with a 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine making 275 horsepower. Both powerplants can drive the rear wheels, with part-time four-wheel-drive a desirable upgrade. Unfortunately, 2005 will be the last model year for the transformable Envoy XUV. The idea of an SUV that could turn into a pickup sounded brilliant in theory, but the miniscule bed opening left auto shoppers wondering how many giraffes they would possibly need to haul, and slow sales of this pricey variant have prompted GMC to cancel production.... Read full article