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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  The Uplander is a good vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By BadBender - March 30 - 11:03 pm

  I have had this vehicle for over 2 months now. It drives very well, handles curves great and the stabilitrak does wonders when you hit a puddle on the side of the road. Is rides real smooth, you hardly feel the usual bumbps in the road. The standard DVD player is worth every penny as it keeps the kids quiet. Mine is a XLT with convience package so the rear assist has saved us from backing into stuff. The wife likes the hands free phone/on star feature, she can make calls with out fumbling with a cell phone. Have not had any problems with this vehicle as of yet. It drives well, gets good gas mileage and is exactly what we were looking for, a nive van for the family.

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  Chevrolet Uplander - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By kyle crosslet - March 23 - 12:01 pm

  We as a family really liked the Chevrolet Uplander. It has a really good look outside and inside. The van gave us no trouble except a power door that ran for a extra few seconds, a minor thing. The dealer could not fix we just put up with it . If youre looking for a stylish van with nice preformance get one! And if you need extra room get the EXT it helps a lot! But if youre looking for a van thats a little more useable look at the Honda. It has the seats that fold in the floor. The Uplander sort of has it but not as effective. I worked with all 3 vans and my fav is still the Yplander. I think next van from Chevrolet should be more thought out!

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  Problems with Uplander - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By daizy43 - March 21 - 9:00 pm

  I love the comfort of this vehicle and driving it is very easy. I have not been very happy though with all the problems. The outside tempature gauge is incorrect all the time. The vehicle once in a while wont start over correctly. It constantly says on the dash that it needs to have maintanence. I have already had to turn in this vehicle for problems 3 times and its not even a year old yet. I regret buying a Chevy Uplander. I should have listened to all my family and friends and bought a Honda or Toyota minivan. I have reported all my issues with the dealership but they tell me they cant repeat the problems with their computers. Would not recommend this van to anyone!

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  A comfortable vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By arnold hilde - March 5 - 8:26 pm

  We bought this vehicle during the summer. The A/C worked very well, we enjoyed driving it a lot. We were disappointed in the traction and handling in the snow of northern Minnesota.

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  The good and bad - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By ecurts - March 3 - 12:16 pm

  Just purchased this vehicle. Drove 2000 miles to FL, and was overall very well satisfied. Fuel econonomy 25- 26, with full load of luggage and 4 adult pass. Ride was very comfortable, better than the Camry I prev. owned. Only complaints were, needed longer armrest for passenger side up front. Arm rest for drivers side OK. Difficulty trying to get in 3rd row seating. Liked the exterior design which was not the typical minivan look. Dont know why this van hasnt been given a better review from the experts, based on my experience so far.

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  Uplander its a great option! - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Roger M. - February 8 - 2:26 pm

  My wife and I did a full research about this segment. Its true other cars, especially Japanese, have great "expert reviews", but how can you trust a website that its endorsed and have ads of this cars? After checking included accesories and of course prices, and asking real people about their experiences, we decide it for the Uplander, obviously the intention for this car its to be used as a familiy car and to enjoy it on long trips. The day after we purchased the Uplander, (by the way Red its the best color), we made a 400 miles trip, 2 adults, 2 kids and a lot of luggage.Great ride not a problem, in general terms its a great car, nice power a lot of safety features and full equipment.

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  Bobs Review - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Bob Horgos - January 11 - 3:34 pm

  Having minivans for the last 8yrs, this one is just another in a long line of vans. So far though we like the ride with larger wheels it feels smoother and quieter. With the dvd in the middle the driver no longer has control of the machine and that is good, not such a distraction. The only thing we would like to have is a power tailgate, which chevy does not offer. The lighter color looks nice, but shows dirt more, and will need washed more often. We have captains chairs in the middle, which are fixed not removeable, the jury is still out on this, as we havent had to remove them or not yet. Our last van we took them out once in 4yrs. Overall we are happy with our new van.

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  My first new van - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Regular Van - January 1 - 3:55 pm

  In spite of some less than glowing reviews by the experts I noted that consumers seemed to be quite impressed with this unit. I purchased it just before Xmas so made a 500 mile trip to Northern Sask to break it in. My wife and I were impressed with the ride, it felt more like a caddy. I set the cruise at 130 most of the time and it just purred along. I work summers in construction so require a more SUV type vehicle as well. I believe that I got this vehicle for much less cost than any Asian brand so highly rated. It has a 3.9 V6, ABS, remote start, tinted windows, 160,000 Powertrain warranty, OnStar, free road assistance, power windows and locks at a cost of $22,000.

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  Do Not Buy Chevrolet - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Tonya Thomas - December 15 - 5:44 pm

  I purchased a brand new Chevrolet Uplander and after 3000 miles I started having problems with it not cranking. Now way past lemon law requirements the vehicle is still not fixed and I am having to go to arbitration. They told me at 3000 miles this was a problem with the vast majority of the Uplanders and they did not have a fix but yet would not replace or refund. My van has been in the shop more than I have had it and now at 20,000 miles the starter is slipping and the rear passanger sliding door wont open half the time. I do not wish this hassle on anyone else because if you are like me you bought a van for a reason.

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  2006 Uplander - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Missdeefied - December 12 - 2:32 pm

  This van is pleasing to me and my family. It is comfortable, roomy, and entertains the entire family with no issues. Great van if you have kids!