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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  Certainly not the Venture - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By busymom - March 5 - 8:18 am

  This is the 3rd van type that we have owned as a large family - first one was a Dodge Caravan, then a Chevy Venture and now the Uplander. Really liked the Chevy Venture! Was absolutely my favourite vehicle. Reliable workhorse, comfortable, roomy, great value. Traded to this "new" model - first year for Uplander. Cramped inside - not nearly enough leg room and we are not tall people. Original tires were terrible in snow - had to replace them before the first winter was over. Great performance after the replacement. Not a lot of mechanical issues - very happy with that. Brakes squeal incessantly - told nothing could be done. Rotors and pads have been replaced on all wheels.

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  Very Impressed - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By VERY IMPRESSED - March 4 - 11:52 am

  I sell and own one of these vehicles myself and would recommend it to any customer interested in one. I have owned TrailBlazers, Avalanches and many sedans even sport models. I have a handicapped child and I put my wife and son in it every day with no hesitations. When it comes time to purchase another vehicle I will do another Chevrolet van.

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  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.

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  Uplander Lover - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Mark Clark - January 14 - 4:15 pm

  Family friendly: SUV front end, roomy, remote electronic side doors. Entertainment system. Traction control. Gave up my Suburban for these best options and comfort for my family. Started with as a car rental, now I own one.

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  Great Ride - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Stormy - December 30 - 1:47 pm

  Great car for an extended family. We just added a new baby to our family and the ease of the remote sliding doors on both sides really helps my wife and I get the boys in and out. The DVD players and wireless headsets are awesome. We can listen to what we want and they can watch their kiddy movies. I also love all the safty features, I am glad we bought this one.

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  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.

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  NOT worth your time to purchase - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By mickieS - December 24 - 1:30 am

  filed complaint with BBB, the van has been in the shop nuroums times since purchased. 5 times for the same problem. GM has horrible customer service, its clear they do not care about the consumer!! I will never by a GM protect as long as I drive. We hope that GM will settle with us, or will will have demand arbritation due to Lemon Law! We truely bought a lemon!!!

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  Great Minivan - With a look - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Samlock - November 24 - 11:27 pm

  We just got our minivan. Great look! Looks like an SUV but with sliding doors. Drives nicely. The extended version always has a smoother ride. But I cant complain. Very nice on the highway.

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  Hidden Gem - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Jerry D. - October 26 - 1:42 am

  I bought this "07 Uplander with 12000 mi. on it.As others have said it does resemble an SUV.This is my first van purchase and I am surprised at the ease of handling,smooth ride,excellent braking and adequate power. The exterior look is better than the normal van and the 17" wheels put it in another class.Im so glad I discovered this van as I had never heard of it before a month ago.Love it!

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  This Vehicle saved my familys life! - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Karen Box - October 3 - 12:14 pm

  On 9/12/07 I purchased this vehicle and I love it! Comfort, stlye and safety. On 9/30/07 We were victims of a head on collision at a high speed. This cars design saved our lives. We are alive today because my daugther keep this vehicle straight and the front is build to take on a head on collision. We did have injuries but we are alive to tell you about it! I plan on buying another one!! Great family vehicle!