2006 GMC Envoy Denali review from North America
"Lot's of power and ride comfort"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Just after purchasing the car, I noticed the both rear door weather strips were coming loose by the rear wheel well. I had some black weather strip adhesive and used that to re-glue the weather strip. No problems since.
Radio/CD unit went dead (no power) at 15,000 miles and was replaced under warranty.
Radio/CD unit ate a CD at 35,000 miles and was replaced under warranty.
A/C runs after car is shut off at 35,000 miles. Dealer provided a service bulletin, which explains that this occurred after the radio unit was replaced due to an updated service module in the new radio console, which causes the A/C to run for 10 minutes after the engine has been turned off and the A/C has been running on days with high humidity. This is supposed to eliminate excess moisture in the A/C system and avoid a musty smell developing. Once this update is applied, it cannot be removed.
Broke the driver's side seat control panel sliding out of the car without using the running boards for a step at 40,000 miles. Dealer ordered a new part for $20 and installed it for no charge. I could not believe that part would be that inexpensive.
Squeal developed in the engine compartment at 41,000 miles. Turned out to be the lower A/C belt tension pulley. Out of warranty so I did the repair by removing the air filter intake (to make some room to see), removing the small lower splash plate (2 bolts), removing the lower belt using a 1/4 inch ratchet to release the belt tension and remove the belt, and then removing the lower tension pulley (2 bolts). A bit of a tight space to get a ratchet and light into.
I was prepared to replace both tension pulleys and the idler pulley, but the aftermarket idler pulley was slightly different, causing the front washer to not fit. After finding play in the lower tension pulley, I only replaced that. Original lower tension pulley wheel was metal, but aftermarket had a plastic wheel similar to the upper tension pulley. I went ahead and replaced both belts as well. No more noise from the engine.
General comments?
Lots of power and great towing capability with the 5.3L and 373 rear end. Not so great fuel economy, 15 city and 19 highway. Runs great on 87 octane fuel.
Very comfortable ride and seating for 4 or 5 passengers.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2006 |
| Year of manufacture | 2006 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.3L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 6 miles |
| Most recent distance | 41000 miles |
| Previous car | Cadillac Escalade |
| Date of Entry | 17th May, 2009 |