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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  Overall satisfied - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Bob Gaul - September 3 - 6:48 am

  The only problem I have is with the A/C. The vents cannot be aimed at the driver. This is a major design fault which is still a problem in the 06 & 07 models. The dealer claims they cannot be fixed.

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  Not bad but needs some work - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Ray - August 10 - 9:44 am

  Good warranty but not up to Kia. Its about time Asian companies started to force GM to back thier vehicles instead of thier pathetic 3/36 coverage. Seats are not well designed with some seats missing armrests in some models. Standard model lacks side air bags. Engine is cramped for having a large front end. Cheap to buy 1 year old due to fact they dont sell very well. May be best kept secret.

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  Comfortable and Great Gas Mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By jimmyp - August 8 - 6:35 am

  To start, I am over 6 tall, weigh >250 pnds, and have personally driven/owned Corvettes, Mercedes, Jeeps, BMWs, VWs, Hondas, Nissans, and Toyotas. We rented an 05 Uplander in Miami for vacation for 2 weeks in Aug06. My family was so impressed that we purchased one in Dec06. Being a big guy, I found this van to be very comfortable, even on long direct trips from NJ to GA with over 2000lbs of cargo. With a light foot, I have been able to achieve up to 33mpg hwy/20city. This isnt a sports car or SUV, so do not expect high performance as some reviewers expected. I have driven up to 6 adults at 1 time who all commmented on comfort. My wife took my van and gave me her $40K Jeep. I miss it!

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  Great Minivan - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Silas - July 31 - 9:53 pm

  This minivan replaced my 2000 Honda Odyssey. We purchased this van in February 2005 and have driven 46K miles so far. We dont expect it to perform like a sport car but it definitely out-performs our previous Odyssey, both in power and handling. We averaged 2-4 family trips to Florida yearly and it is a great vehicle for our three kids in a 9 hour ride. Yes, we had some maintenance issues like others rating this vehicle but nothing major. Gas mileage is great when compared to our other car, which is an SUV with 15 mpg. We are about to purchase the 2008 LT model.

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  Thumbs Up to Uplander! - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Superbill01 - July 31 - 12:37 am

  I have owned this 2007 Chevrolet for a month, and have driven in the mountains and city driving all have been a pleasureable experience. The Uplander is roomy, convenient, economical, comfortable and handles like a dream. Average 23 mpg with both air running on hot days. Small issue of no arm rest on second row seat and small arm rests on front seat for large persons. Made new arm rest that slips over old ones out of foam and plastic sheet. I would reccomend this vehicle to anyone with children. DVD keeps them entertained while you drive.

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  Not best choice on market - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Phillip Smith - July 29 - 12:11 pm

  Vehicle is underpowered, has a hard time catching up with cruise control settings. Often resulting in high engine revs and downshifting. Even with no cargo load. Removing seats for cargo space is cumbersome and could result in back injury. They are extremly heavy, release and locking mechanisims do not work well. Center console not well designed or user friendly.

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  Overall performance - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Rhonda S. - July 23 - 7:11 pm

  Overall, its been a good vehicle, but compared to the Venture (which we also had), the comfort of the Venture was far better and the interior of the Venture with its Captains chairs (minus the table as the Uplander has) was easier to access the 3rd row seating. It drives fine but already we have had problems with the air conditioning failing (pinched wires and blown fuses). Headphones with the radio/DVD system in the Venture were an easier fit for the kids.

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  Nice mix of Minivan and SUV - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Don Bistrow - July 6 - 9:56 am

  What caught my eye was the Uplander styling when I saw it in a parking lot. I like the hood styling and thought it was an SUV until I noticed the sliding doors. The exterior and interior styling is very nice. Some things could be improved like the cheap plastic on some parts. The seats front and second row could go back further, the middle row does not leave much leg room, especially for adults. I like the instrument panel, the cruise control should be higher up on the side of the wheel instead of near the bottom. The ride and handling are very good and with the rear seats out this vehicle works perfect for cargo. The sliding doors make access easy. Its like an SUV with van features.

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  Sorry owners - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By McKinley - June 29 - 4:37 pm

  The front bucket seats are not very comfortable for long trips. This van lacks the small storage spaces that we have been acustomed to in the past 3 GMC vans that we have owned. The fact that the middle row bucket seats do not adjust allowing more leg room is very uncomfortable. I never realized that the storage behind the front seat would not hold the Atlas we always carry and that the earphone holders were not removable. We really wish we had not bought this van.

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  Dont do it - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By joe s. - May 7 - 3:49 pm

  Im thoroughly disappointed in my experience with our Uplander. We made the switch from a Madza Tribute as our family was growing and the quality difference was noticable. The plastic door handle cover has been falling off since the first month. It often sputters before it starts, remniscent of a vintage auto. The interior is shabby at best. I miss my Mazda and kick myself everytime I send the payment in. Bottom line, the quality of this vehicle is near that of a Mazda, Toyota, or Honda. Dont do it. Put forth the extra money for quality. Youll get it back with better gas mileage in no time.