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:

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  Wish for better mileage - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By bchcrab95 - January 31 - 4:19 pm

  Overall I am satisfied with the Uplander. I have had the exterior molding rust (its plastic.. go figure) The miles per gallon was rated at 19/26 and I get no where near that. Definitely a gas guzzler. Very disappointed with the mileage. Comfortable, the heated seats are great for someone with back problems. Husband is diabled and is easy to get in and out of the car for him. The rear seats are hard to put in the upright position. One thing that I would fix is that is nearly impossible to see to the rear passenger side to look for oncoming traffic with the seat in the upright position.

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  2006 Uplander - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By e - January 5 - 2:19 am

  The ride is very smooth and quiet.It handles very well for a van. Good sight lines through the mirrors.

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  Not bad... - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By dakota - November 24 - 12:06 am

  Honestly, I am very impressed with the interior luxuries of our fully loaded LT. Exterior is a little bizarre, but bearable. As far as performance, anyone who would describe any mini-van as "fun to drive" is really reaching, that, or they have not owned anything else. My van accelerates well and offers reliable safety - precisely why I bought it. Dont get me wrong, Im not trading the Benz in for another one...

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  Uplander LT - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By John S - September 30 - 7:03 pm

  Wasnt too thrilled with roof rail, thought it was like roofrack where you could put things on roof. Also do not like not having key lock tailgate. Am also not happy with advertised fuel economy, advertised 24/18, more like 19/15 ordered trailering package, only received wiring harness, no trailer hitch installed

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  TS Uplander - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By TSUplander - September 17 - 1:31 pm

  Not the average mini-van. Acceleration and power are more than acceptable for this vehichle. Overall good ride, tight steering with loads of interior features. The best part is American Made by an American Company!

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  Overall nice vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Illinois Mom - September 8 - 11:14 am

  We love the exterior look of the van and the interior is attractive also. The only major downfall we have found so far is the back seats sit so high that you have a very obstructed view when backing up. As far as handling and perfomance, we are happy and we are a family that always had sports cars and this is our first family vehicle.

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  Seats - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By madd - August 19 - 1:14 pm

  The front seat wont go back far enough. No leg room on second row seats. To access third row seats one must crawl between the second row seats (very difficult) The third row seats are too heavy to remove @ 75 lbs each. All 4 brakes had to be turned down at 6500 miles due to warped roters. Air conditioner is week in the front, takes about 10 minutes before cold air comes out.

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  Disappointed with Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By myuplander - July 1 - 6:23 pm

  The door locks on the Uplander are programmed to open when you shift into park. Chevy claims this is a safety feature and cannot be changed. Any mother with children will know that this is in no way a safety feature. It is ridiculous to suggest that doors unlocking are for my personal safety or for that of my children. Women with children are the primary users of minivans, and we need time to gather our children and belongings when we stop. We hope to do it in a safely locked car. Women with young children will worry that both doors will open at the same time letting their children free, to go in both directions.

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  Best MiniVan Ever - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By MetalMomma - April 12 - 4:43 pm

  This is the best minivan design ever! It looks like a SUV with the inside of a minivan. It is wonderful for young mothers like me who need a minivan but dont really want to give up the sporty look of our SUVs. I have only had the van for 2 months but so far I am very happy!