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Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

18277 messages,  Last post on Nov 18, 2009 at 6:43 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy XL, Isuzu Ascender, Oldsmobile Bravada, SUV

#18090 of 18277 Envoy vs. Safari van ???? by spike99 Oct 02, 2007 (5:58 pm)
.   Our 2001 AWD Safari van is getting near its "end of ownership" time period. Within the next year (or so), we'll be selling this beast and replacing her with something that is simular (or close to it). Time to move to better technology and something different - that can still tow under 3,500 lbs (loaded utility trailer with full electric brakes) and still have 3 rows of seats.   I read the above post "18089 2003 GMC Envoy XL V8 - 50,000 Mile Report by glubash Sep 29, 2007 (11:52 am)" and found it very informative. Thank you for taking the time to post it. Well worth reading - especially being in bullet form.   Due to my small weight towing and 3 rows of seats needs, my wife is targetting the Envoy XL I6 version. And, we'll go with the 2WD version - instead of our current "gas hog" AWD version. Having AWD/4WD in my area isn't worth it - for me.   With all this in mind, just wondering how many folks have gone from a Safari/Astro van to an Envoy XL I6 engine replacement? Pros / Cons, would you do it again? ETC. ETC.   BTW: I do plan to read the many Envoy XL I6 reviews on this forum. If you've gone from Safari/Astro to Envoy XL I6 replacement, just wondering about your "transition / comparison" feedback. This type of feedback isn't usually found in individual User Review feedback.    Many thanks.   . Replies to this message: wlbrown9 (Oct 04, 2007 9:20 am) spike99 (Oct 04, 2007 6:51 pm) wlbrown9 (Oct 05, 2007 9:08 am) glubash (Oct 31, 2007 10:18 am) spike99 (Nov 19, 2007 10:20 pm) wlbrown9 (Nov 20, 2007 10:52 am) spike99 (May 10, 2009 9:16 pm)
#18091 of 18277 Re: Envoy vs. Safari van ???? [spike99] by wlbrown9 Oct 04, 2007 (9:20 am)
Replying to: spike99 (Oct 02, 2007 5:58 pm) Envoy XL last year was 2006 IIRC. The still have the 5 passenger, but the 7 passenger has been replaced by the Acadia/Outlook/Enclave crossovers. So, unless you are looking for a used one, you will need to look at something else. We do have a 2004 Envoy XL and really like it. It will handle 6 adults confortably...2 in each row... You could put 3 in the second row for a short trip, but I would not think that would be comfortable for a long trip...   RWD I6 gets maybe 18 mpg around town in mixed driving. Hwy cruising tops out at 21-22 in the 70-75 mph range. Replies to this message: spike99 (Oct 04, 2007 6:51 pm) wlbrown9 (Oct 05, 2007 9:08 am)
#18092 of 18277 Re: Envoy vs. Safari van ???? [wlbrown9] by spike99 Oct 04, 2007 (6:51 pm)
Replying to: wlbrown9 (Oct 04, 2007 9:20 am) .   Thanks for your feedback. Yes. We are looking at 3 year old used vehicles. We bought "new" many years ago and soon after, we discovered it was a lemon. Besides that, we lost tons of dollars on its initial deprecision fall. By doing research and looking for "patterns" (both good and bad) in this forum, we'll be able to determine if a 3 year old vehcile (like the Envoy XL with I6 engine) is a good replacement - for our current 2001 van. Thanks for feedback on your 2004 Envoy XL model. Sounds like a 2004/2005 is worth focusing on. thanks.   . Replies to this message: wlbrown9 (Oct 05, 2007 9:08 am)
#18093 of 18277 Re: Envoy vs. Safari van ???? [spike99] by wlbrown9 Oct 05, 2007 (9:08 am)
Replying to: spike99 (Oct 04, 2007 6:51 pm) Another one to keep an eye out for...Isuzu Ascender is pretty much the same as the Envoy... they had 7 passenger versions as well. My understanding in the Ascender was more like the Envoy that the sister Trailblazer. I'm an Isuzu fan owning a '00 Trooper, the Envoy is the wife's daily driver. One difference IIRC was the Limited Ascender had only the V8 engine, can't remember if the Ascender LS had the I6 or not...one thing to look at if you find one of those at a real interesting price point. I'm pretty sure the Isuzu depreciation was even larger than the GMC .
#18094 of 18277 Re: hitch carring capacity [paracanary] by bhille1 Oct 06, 2007 (6:48 am)
Replying to: paracanary (Mar 21, 2001 4:30 pm) The hitch can carry 400# weight. The hitch is capable of 750# with a weight distribution hitch. This does not apply to your situation. The motorcycle will be dead weight. IE use the 400# capacity as your guide
#18095 of 18277 Exhaust manifold cracked by jdavis12 Oct 09, 2007 (7:54 am)
I have had absolutely every warranty problem posted on this site with my '02 Bravada....a lucky guy, right? Well, with just over 61k miles I took it in to the dealer for exhaust noise thinking the manifold gasket had failed (typical for this engine) only to find out that the manifold is cracked! I baby this vehicle and there is no logical explanation from the dealer as to why it would crack. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
#18096 of 18277 How do I keep from getting emails? by bobed2121 Oct 09, 2007 (8:28 am)
Just a quick question. I get emails telling me when someone has posted here but I don't want to get them. I searched for a setting to not get email but can't seem to find it. Replies to this message: tidester (Oct 09, 2007 10:24 am)
#18097 of 18277 Re: How do I keep from getting emails? [bobed2121] by tidester HOST Oct 09, 2007 (10:24 am)
Replying to: bobed2121 (Oct 09, 2007 8:28 am) Click the "Change Tracking" link at the bottom of this page. You can unsubscribe then resubscribe making sure not to click the "send email alerts" option.   tidester, host SUVs and Smart Shopper
#18098 of 18277 Loud engine roar (fan) by seiford Oct 16, 2007 (5:51 pm)
My 2003 Envoy started roaring like a jet engine tonight.   I've seen some posts stating that the fan clutch was the cause of this awful roar.   I'm out of warranty... so is this something an independent shop can do? Is there a firmware update that has to be done after the new fan clutch is installed? I saw some posts that if you replace with the new 'improved' fan clutch you need a PCM update. True?   Thanks. Replies to this message: tblazed (Oct 17, 2007 5:56 am) jrtg (Oct 18, 2007 8:38 pm)
#18099 of 18277 Re: Loud engine roar (fan) [seiford] by tblazed Oct 17, 2007 (5:56 am)
Replying to: seiford (Oct 16, 2007 5:51 pm) I know of several that replaced the clutch without the PCM update and all is well. That update made almost a year before the new type clutch came out so it is not specific to the new clutch design. The manufacturer of the clutch (Behr) says it is backward compatible and reprogramming is not necessary. (GM dealer will probably tell you it is absolutely necessary and you must do it.) I replaced the clutch myself in my garage in a little over an hour, so I would think an independent shop should be able to do it. I would want someone to do it that has done this job before because there are a few details to know that will make it easier. Good luck! Replies to this message: jrtg (Oct 18, 2007 8:38 pm)

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