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:

• 

  Worst minivan ever - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Chasm - December 28 - 12:36 pm

  This is the third GM van I have owned. We have had numerous problems with the power doors failing - either not opening at all, or not staying closed and requiring a manual close. The brakes wear out very frequently, and the front end will not stay in alignment. It has now developed serious electrical problems - short circuits are blowing fuses, and the power door motor wants to stay on continuously. Luckily our lease is up, we are returning the vehicle and will not buy another GM car.

• 

  Poor Minivan choice - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By G - October 8 - 8:16 pm

  05 Venture 106,000 miles. Ive owned minivans for the last 14 years and this is by far the worst in many aspects. I start with the poor suspension design. It requires lots of maintenance, constantly replacing sway bar components, ball joints, shocks, rear spring actually broke during driving. And it still doesnt drive as comfortable or responsive as my 2003 Chrysler town and country. The transmission is always in need of attention. Work done to trans as follows. Servo bores, solenoid, fluid, filter,magnet in pan, you name it, its been done. Engine is poorly designed. Spark plug wires arc of engine due to, who knows, dealer doesnt. Bad ground, poor design. Causes lack of power when you really need it. Merging on freeway etc. The interior is falling apart. Door handle cover constantly pops off. It is the glove box now. Door closes and it rattles everything inside the door. Ceiling vents fall on passengers heads as we hit any kind of bumbThe interior rattles from many different sources. Dash is cracked. Leather vinyl seats rub on lower seat trim cover and makes all kinds of funny noices. The rear park sensors stopped working years ago. Key fobs are glitchy for lock and unlock. If the MAF sensor or IAC isnt in tip top shape car wont start. Wont throw an engine code either, so if your not aware of this problem. Get ready to start throwing money and parts at it. Too bad because I replaced my 2004 Chevy venture after it was totaled with 180,000. I drive to Disney world every year and for the past 4 years I havent trusted this thing and take my 03 Chrysler Van that has about 150,000 over this thing. It rides way better as well. Just not as good looking in my opinion.

• 

  Never buy GM again - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Sean - October 3 - 10:04 am

  Owned this vehicle for two years and had starting problems from day one. Dealership told me "theres no codes coming up so theres nothing wrong with it". The front tires were replaced (Oh they only make one type of tire for this van and it there $140 a piece). The front stabilizer was replaced. The ABS sensors were replaced. The battery was replaced three times. The fuel sending unit was replaced. Went on vacation for a week and came back to a completely dead van. Dealership tells me now my warranty is up and the DVD player is drawing on the battery. Recently traded this in for a 2009 Toyota Camry and couldnt be happier. Dont waste your money on this vehicle.

• 

  Dont Buy An Uplander - Big Mistake - 2008 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Bill - October 2 - 10:39 pm

  To start with..The interior design is the worst ever.The seats in the second row are very poorly designed,you cannot recline fully because the seats hit against the interior side walls,they are too narrow and uncomfortable and lack knee space,they should also have been made to swivel.The side sliding doors should have sliding windows on them,not fixed windows.The cruise control is totally in the wrong location, and when in use is not smooth at all.The cigarette lighter or auxiliary outlet is in a very dumb and dangerous location (almost on the floor)makes it nearly impossible to use.The rear door is dangerous when opening,it will slam you in the face if you are not careful.

• 

  Not a realiable van - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Chris - August 16 - 6:20 am

  Was the first new car we bought always bought used. Had problems with this van from day one. Seems Chevy has a problem with the electrical system with this van and doesnt want to admit it. Was in the shop 3 times for the same problem with the gas gauge before it was fixed. Just got it out of the shop last with for another electrical problem. Not a very comfortable ride for a 6,3" person legs are very cramped. Dont like not having a center console. Be sure to get the extended warranty with van your going to need it. Been the most unreliable car I have own in the 18 years of driving. Never again buy a Chevy mini- van. Should have bought a Dodge.

• 

  Not good - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Amy - August 11 - 3:29 pm

  I have had my Uplander for 2.5 years and I have had the worst experience. The service department has had to replace the power steering shaft and steering column in it 2 times now and the sliding doors havent worked for quite some time. Its no wonder GM doesnt make this vehicle anymore. I feel it is a safety hazard. I dont recommend this vehicle.

• 

  Dissatisfied - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Camie - April 9 - 8:03 am

  We have had several trips to the dealership with repairs on this vehicle. The automatic rear passenger door tries to open while car is in motion. "fixed" at least 4 times. The car only starts when it wants to. You have to push the gas to start the vehicle. I would not suggest buying this vehicle.

• 

  van from hell - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Lisa - March 25 - 6:50 pm

  Ever since buying this brand new vehicle, we have had nothing but problems. Two weeks after purchase it was misfiring on 1 & 4 sparkplugs. Then the stability traction control comes on when you dont expect it. Youll be driving on dry pavement and then all of a sudden the abs comes on. Had the ebcm changed twice, the yaw censor changed but the problem keeps happening. Its really scary when your driving down the road at 70 km/h and the abs start applying for no reason. At first the code c0196 came up and now nothing comes up, it doesnt even store it in the computer. The dealer doesnt know what to do and GM isnt too concerned. I drive this with my 3 kids and Im scared to death. Beware!

• 

  Ill never buy a chevy again - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By B.Osman - February 19 - 5:34 pm

  Reading the reviews, I wish I had beforehand, I can feel everyones pain. This vehicle has been nothing but problems from the day I bought it. The drivers side seat is uncomfortable, taking out the 3rd row is practically impossible, it hardly even moves when you push the gas. I have high mileage and had to have major repairs done, Chevy told me that they cant do anything because of the mileage. And I asked them why the put 6 numbers on the odometer. I try to buy "American" when I can, but they will never see another one of my dollars again.

• 

  Nothing but problems - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By chief_tc - December 26 - 10:04 pm

  Overall the vehicle is stable and mostly comfortable at highway speeds and is responsive in around town driving. No idea of fuel economy - my fuel system (sending unit to gauge assembly) has been replaced - service cant tell me why my wife keeps running out of gas when the gauge says 1/2 tank. Also had brakes replaced (2x), all side power door lock parts replaced (both sides) and now it needs to have the headlights repaired.