Overview & Reviews
The history of Chevrolet's minivan models has been one of consistently trying to catch up with the other guy, but ultimately falling short. Through three generations and names, the Chevy vans and their various GM siblings struggled to match, let alone better, "mom-mobiles" from Chrysler and import competition. The final variant was the Chevrolet Uplander.
Introduced in 2005 as a "crossover sport van," the Uplander was designed to be more hip than the average mom-mobile. But this makeover did little to improve on its Chevy Venture roots. True, the Uplander succeeded in providing the expected features and creature comforts, but it lacked the refinement and ingenuity that other top minivans from Honda, Kia and Toyota provided.
Not finding much success, Chevy finally discontinued its van in favor of the Traverse large crossover SUV. In general, we suggest skipping over the Uplander (and the previous Chevy Venture) and looking at other, more desirable used minivans.
Most Recent Chevrolet Uplander
The Chevrolet Uplander was a minivan sold from the 2005-'08 model years. At the minivan's debut, it came with a 200-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a four-speed automatic driving the front wheels. All-wheel drive was available as an option. For 2006, a short-wheelbase version was added to the lineup, while a 3.9-liter V6 with 240 hp became an option on front-wheel-drive Uplanders. The base 3.5-liter V6 was dropped for 2007, as was all-wheel drive.
The Uplander came in LS and LT trim levels, both of which seated seven with a fold-flat 50/50-split third-row seat. The short wheelbase was only available on the LS, while the LT initially came in three different equipment subsets: 1LT, 2LT and 3LT. For '08, the LT was pared down to a singular version.
Standard and available equipment included 17-inch wheels, rear parking assist, power-sliding doors, a power driver seat, heated front seats, leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, an innovative multimedia overhead console, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, satellite radio and a "PhatNoise" digital media system.
The Chevrolet Uplander did an OK job of protecting its valuable human cargo but fell short of other minivans. Antilock brakes were standard on all trim levels, while stability control initially came on all but the short-wheelbase LS, to which it was added for '08. Front side-impact airbags that protect the head and torso were optional on the LS and standard on the LT. The 2LT and 3LT packages added side airbags for the second row. Although these airbags essentially did the same job as the side curtain airbags offered on all other minivans, there was no side protection available for the third row.
Inside, the Chevy Uplander had a two-tone color scheme with decent materials and a pleasing overall look. Lower-level Uplanders came with GM's old-school modular seating in the second row, while the 2LT and 3LT were upgraded with fixed captain's chairs. In the all-important minivan gizmo department, the Uplander had a few aces up its sleeve. An overhead rail system on the LT provided easy rear-seat access to climate and entertainment functions. The PhatNoise digital media system eliminated the hassle of shuffling through CDs and DVDs on road trips by providing a hard drive that could store music and movies.
Previous to the Uplander, Chevrolet offered the otherwise similar Venture.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 278.00-
Piece of Junk - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
By Joe B. - April 6 - 11:13 amI cant believe this thing. At 28k the glove box door completely falls off. At 37,000 the rear A/C line completely rots away. At 41000 both front hub assemblies need to be replaced. The gas gauge never worked right from day 1. Very poor quality. Engine and tranny have held up so far but Im getting rid of it. Chevy should be ashamed to put out such junk.
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Automotive Atrocity - 2008 Chevrolet Uplander
By Steve - March 5 - 11:06 pmThis vehicle is an embarrassment to GM. Its hard to believe it comes from the same company that brought us the Corvette. Interior design and utility is horrific. I have 2 kids, both in car seats. My kids have no leg room at all. I literally cannot use the 3rd row, as there is no way to get to it. Try hanging a jacket on the hook! You cant reach the hook from the sliding door, and you have to CRAWL INTO THE BACK to reach it from the rear! Ours has a roof console that Ive hit my head on many times. This car is a real head-scratcher, and I wonder how it was ever cleared by GM for public consumption. It clearly was not evaluated for everyday usability by families before its release.
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What a Joke!!!!!!!!1 - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
By DawnJ - February 25 - 1:36 pmTraded my Monte Carlo for this van used not even a year ago. Has been in the shop 6 times. Has cost over $1500 in repairs and has to go back into day because "starting is disabled" Have replaced a wheel hub. The brakes shake you out of your seat whenever you depress them. The steering grinds when you turn right. The electronic doors will close and crush a gallon of milk. When you hit a bump the door alarms go off. The reverse warning system tells you, you are going to hit something when there is nothing there and then lets you back into parked cars. The DVD player stopped working just after my baby discovered it was there. Interior noise it horrible! Dont just walk away for this buy, RUN!!!
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Never Again! Rather buy a Yugo - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
By rather buy a YUGO - January 30 - 3:14 pmIt was our first new car.So excited until a month later. lights flicker was told that it was due to a smaller than recommended alternator. Wasnt the case computer problem.Brakes replaced at 23,000 check engine,tie rods hubs@28000 automatic slider wouldnt close at times had to disable,o2 sensor which causes the check engine light still not replaced not paying $200 for extended warranty work to get it fixed.brakes still vibrating ignition problems.
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Worst Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
By John - December 15 - 11:12 amHaving driven Chevys my entire life, its safe to say Ill never own another after this experience. Im convinced that anyone who has anything positive to say regarding this vehicle must be a representative of GM. I have countless small complaints (doors not working properly, door panel coming off, dvd not working etc) but Ill stick with the major issues. At 40,000, the engine blew because the timing belt sprocket came off the crank shaft - $6000. Last week the driveshaft literally fell out of the transmission - $1100. These problems are unheard of for a vehicle with less than 50,000 miles. Mind you, this vehicle is used primarily by my wife for trips to the grocery store, not offroading.
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This Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
By wendy - October 5 - 8:12 pmThis van has been a pain in the neck since we bought it. It has 60000 miles on it and we have replaced the tie rods twice. Bought two set of tires cause the alignment is off because of the tie rods. If you have 1/4 tank of gas and park on a slant you will not be able to crank your car. I have gotten out with 1/4 tank of gas went in the store and come back out and crank my car and it says no fuel. The sliding doors will not close good and will come open while going down the road. I would like to shove this van up the Chevy peoples behind. It is a lemon and not worth anything.
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What a mistake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
By huffy13 - August 29 - 12:32 amBiggest piece of junk out there! That is the kindest words I have for the 2006 Uplander. Has been in the shop about 15 times since buying it 3 yrs ago. Leaked water into the back and soaked our luggage, lights on interior and exterior flickers all the time, poor brake quality, ABS lights on all the time, transmission slips when shifting from reverse to drive, DVD player skips even on brand new disks, road noise is horrible, steering column makes a grinding and knocking sound. Just an overall horrible vehicle.
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NEVER ANOTHER CHEVY - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
By NEVER AGAIN - August 14 - 1:53 pmI have always owned a chevy, well sadly to say never again. I bought the 2005 Uplander, and at first it was a very nice van which I liked alot. Then in January I had to take it in for the first time, my engine was starting up hard. Fixed that problem. Then my headlights were dimming in and out as I was driving. My voltage regulator and alternator were deemed the problem. Then the next month I had my van in because my passenger side tirod was bad. ( I dont drive rough). Then on my display screen it would tell me to check my gas cap replaced. The auto passenger door opens on its own while drivin. In the shop now. I HATE CHEVY WORST VEHICLE EVER. Will now buy Ford or import.
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Its gone after 8 months - 2008 Chevrolet Uplander
By Doug - August 4 - 6:10 amThis van has been nothing but problems since the day we bought it. We have kept it 8 short months and are trading it in today. The sensors continue to fail, the air leak in the front window, poor braking system, lack of interior style and comfort. I am a Chevy/GM guy but its time to switch to a Town and Country. GM was smart by dropping this van. Trading it in while its still under warranty so whoever gets it can get all the problems fixed under the bumper to bumper warranty.
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Never, Never Again - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
By Jen - July 19 - 12:59 amIn 2005, I was expecting twins we already had a 5yr old so we need more room and we like the way the uplander looked..more like and suv than minivan. bought new because I didnt have time to have a vehicle in the shop. This must have been a lemon..just a few month after purchasing I had repeated problems with doors (huge inconvenience with twins)and they continue to be a huge problem. also had charging system worked on, still not right and numerous other problems during the first 6 mths of ownership...at that time we tried to get the dealership to replace this junk with something of equal value but they did nothing and GM didnt care when I emailed them and called them...they had their money
