ufcrusher

I figured some people here might have some useful knowledge about the GMC Envoy and its twin the Trailblazer. We have been looking for a new car/truck for a while now and in an attempt to save money have ruled out the new 5 series. As such, we are trying to figure out what will work. Most of the regulars know that I have one hell of a time finding cars that fit me. Most of the japanese cars are out since they are designed for minature people.

Now, we originally were looking at a Tahoe Z71 but my wife drove it and didnt like the way it felt nor the gas mileage. After a hiatus, we are once again trying to find something. We get special prices on most Ford and GM products and so end up getting more bang for the buck if we go with them.

Now, with gas prices the way that they are...we really are reluctant to get another truck...although my Mustang doesnt get the best mileage either. This meant that we were continuing to not consider the Tahoe

Over memorial day weekend we went and test drove the Envoy to see whether I fit and how it drove. My opinion of it was that it had way too soft a suspension and just sort of felt like mush. Every truck I have ever owned had a much tighter suspension and didnt feel like it was waivering while I was driving. (No, not from the wind...that I am used to) As for fit, it was passable but barely, probably on par with how the Mustang fits me. Between the adjustable pedals and very carefully setting the seat I can get it so that I am comfortable enough to drive. My head is about an inch off the top of the truck and my knees are almost in the dash. (This is with the seat maximized for my height.)

My wife on the other hand liked it...size wise and appearance. Thought it drove better than the Tahoe....more like a car. Although she admitted compared with both of our current cars it felt like rubber, but thought that after bit we wouldnt notice it.

THus, I am wondering what people know about it. How well do they hold up and would you recommend them.


Just a note:
By brand:
Toyota: The Tundra extracab works as well as the Sequoia...otherwise squat (although I didnt consider the Land cruiser)
Nissan: Titan/Armada might work but when we went to look at the Titan it looked cheap so we left. Otherwise, the only thing that is even close is the Maxima.
Lexus: The largest SUV is barely passable. I get cramps when driving it though (my dad bought one)...I have to admit its a nice truck. Otherwise nothing.
Infiniti: The only possibility is the M/Q45....I didnt try it though. I also havent looked at their largest new SUV. Otherwise bubkiss. The G35 doesnt work.
Honda and Acura: Nothing
Mercedes: S class, SL class both work. The E hits me in the freaking shoulder with its B column...same problem that I have in most sedans. Out due to $$$$.
BMW: new 5,6, and 7 work. X5 hits me in the shoulder with the B column. Out due to $$$$ for the time being. Housing and family have to come first.
Audi: A6 and A8 are both ok. Not perfect, but definitely not the worst. I would assume that the RS6 would also work since its base works.
VW: Nada....didnt try the Toureg though.
Ford: F-150, Expedition, and Excursion* work. * is because I am basing this on it being larger than the Expedition. The ultimate old person mobile Crown Vic aka the boat, would supposedly work, but I wouldnt consider it.
Lincoln: The clones of above would work.
Mercury: The clones of above would work.
Land Rover: Nothing....although I havent sat in the new version of the Range Rover. I am curious about how much larger the Discovery replacement will be. The old one was me driving a goat cart.
Mazda: Nothing that I have tried. Havent tried the RX8....dont want to.
Volvo: Nope.....S60/70/80 all dont work. The SUV didnt work.
Chevy: Tahoe and Ext cab silverado works. Surburban doesnt. Trail blazer possibly. Otherwise nothing that I have tried works. The corvette was funny...the dealer manager said I would fit in easily. Then he ate his words.
GMC: THe clones of above work.
Caddy: Dont know....dont care.
Dodge: The large truck should work. The old durango did not, I havent tried the new one. I would try and immitate DF but my wife thinks that its as ugly as the Avalanche for some reason. Ok, maybe not that bad, but she really doesnt like it.
I think I have listed enough......I have tried others as well.

__________________
Welcome my son, welcome to the machine...Where have you been? It's alright we know where you've been....

DarkFury

You shoulda shown her mine. And trust me, it doesn't "ride" like a truck either. One thing Dodge did right was stiffen up the ride quality. People tell me all the time how smooth mine is ride wise.

The HEMI is a Man's truck... But maybe you should take a look at that 300M... they are SWEEET!!!!

__________________


DarkFury's Pimptopia - Don't Hate the Playa, Hate the Game!
Home of the Original OG Pimp (accept NO imitations)

ufcrusher

I did show her pics of yours. She doesnt like the way it looks from the front. I dont get it.

DarkFury

She's just being a "woman" I guess....

attgig

I'm guessing the Maybach is out cuz of $$ eh? ;-)

oooh. yeah, 300M looks like a big car.
and I still think you should give the Marauder a try.

Seriously, you're just going to have to give in sometime and go for the crown vic/town car/ deville - old school american car. make it a low rider dude. it can be pimpin.

either that or go for a used S class.

__________________

ramazank2

I really liked the Envoy when I tried it. I wanted a smaller SUV but like you I am too tall for most of them. The envoy fit me nicely and I thought it drove very nice as well. I was surprised that the Toyota highlander and the 4runner both fit me well. The 4 runner is really nice. When I was looking I had it narrowed down to a 4runner and an Envoy. But then decided to fix my blazer and keep a few more years.

sizemic1

I really like my 04 Grand Cherokee.
You can probably get a pretty good deal on them since the 05's are coming out in a couple of months.

__________________
[___]
(O lllllll O)
[]==O=[]

brain

If he has trouble fitting in to the w211 E class, I doubt he will be able to fit in to the 300 since the 300 is based on the older, shorter w210 chassis.

ufcrusher

Well hopefully it wont be too long before money is not an issue....but until then, no Maybach....or S or SL. At least not a new one. I really dont think I will ever be willing to go for the crown vic/towncar...I absolutely hate them. Always have....way too many bad memories of the old people in Florida getting in my way in them.

As for the Cherokee suggestion....I dont fit. As I said, the Envoy is a barely fit...more or less if I dont mind looking out through the top of the dash and can stand being a little cramp. I was really suprised that any of the mid sized SUV's even came that close to fitting me as all the others I had tried were a joke.