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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  I just bought one - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By lisa - May 31 - 7:30 pm

  Overall my experience with this vehicle has been overwhelming! I enjoy driving this, and moved from a sedan to this minivan.

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  Endurator - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Val - October 11 - 2:42 pm

  I bought my Uplander minivan 11 years ago with 12K miles on it. It currently has 344,000 miles. The maintenance cost was ridiculously low over the years. Rebuilt transmission first time at 333,000 miles because of a bearing noise. When transmission was opened technicians at Aamco were amazed by the little wear many internal parts showed after such mileage. The engine, as mentioned, has now 344,000 miles and it has developed a noise on its top end in the last 500 miles. No smoke no nothing, pulls very strong and has good fuel mileage but just that noise on its head. May be it is time to put some money and get it ready for more. The car is worth very little, and I have other newer vehicles but I am curious to see what this little Chevy has to show. I have had very little issues over the years but it seemed to get more and more reliable over time. I do long distance travel, almost on a weekly basis (600 miles a shot), and feel very safe on it. Maintenance and a good initial quality are key.

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  Chevy did their homework - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Brian Krakovec - January 10 - 4:46 am

  Well designed. LT suspension is excellent. 17" tires give a solid feel. Engine extremely quiet.

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  Nice spin on a Minivan - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By dollfin343 - March 12 - 6:03 pm

  I love this van! I know it isnt fooling anyone by looking SUVish in the front, but it is enough to convert this Mom. I swore I would never buy a minivan but I couldnt resist it! It is loaded with comfort! The DVD is priceless (spring for the wireless headsets). It rides GREAT and handles solid. Visibility is WONDERFUL! The interior is very spacious. I can easily manuever in the rear area. Like most GM cars, the driver seat has a lot of lumbar for me at 53. I wish it was adjustable but the seat adjusts so much that it hasnt been a big issue. The sliding passenger door and rear liftgate are hard to close sometimes (the gauge has an area that will digitally tell you when they arent.)