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:

• 

  Very disappointed - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By sweteach - November 21 - 9:06 am

  This is the third Chevrolet minivan we have owned. Unfortunately it has proved very disappointing. The Uplander has had numerous problems. The windsheild seal was bad, power sliding door problems, alternator problems, suspension problems, rotors replaced. There are too many too mention. I have lost confidence in this brand. It looks nice, but the aggravation of all the problems makes it hard to like.

• 

  Family Vehicle, Family Price - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Bret - November 17 - 9:00 pm

  Write all you want about SUV/Minivan looks, builds or whatever but to me minivans are family vans. The Uplander is for Families. We got a program one which means families like ours can afford one. It has room for families. It has comfort for families. It has durability for families. My only complaint would be Id like to see something to replace the false buttons on the ceiling console. Why have false buttons to show me what I could not afford? Other than that this a minivan for familes.

• 

  2006 Chevy Uplander - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Dan - October 29 - 8:18 pm

  Overall, the van is roomy and has a smooth ride. Great look, drives and feels like an SUV. This is a great van for the family. We love our Uplander!

• 

  New standard 3.9 liter engine has power! - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By MikeLaw - October 7 - 11:25 am

  The new standard engine has a lot more power to it, worth the small loss of mileage, which still is good for a minivan. A lot of space, 120 cu ft of cargo with seats down. Comfort is excellent, and safety looks to be very good a 5 stars (frontal) and 4 stars (Side) They dont sell well so you can get a great price,under 20,000 with 4 wheel antilock DISC brakes standard.

• 

  I love this car - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Heidi - October 5 - 4:16 pm

  This is one ofthe best cars I have ever had. I love the way it does not look all minivanish. I am a young mom, and it is still stylish.

• 

  Never Buy Another Uplander - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Nothappyuplander - October 3 - 12:57 pm

  I will never buy another Chevy product again! No fixes for the flickering problem. No arm rests in the middle row seating. The 3.5 engine is very lazy. The radio pops when I first turn on. I had water leaks. The dealership hit my van and repainted the bumper that doesnt match. I really wish I would have done more research before I bought this van. I am looking for a way to get out of this loan and trade in for a Ford. I didnt pay all this money for these kind of problems.

• 

  Greatest Van Ive Ever Driven - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Darlene Di Masi - September 18 - 10:24 am

  Greatest van Ive ever driven. The comfort of the seats is awesome. The van handles just like a car. In fact, sometimes you really forget its a van. Its a smooth ride whether in sunshine, or the rain. Traction is great. Great seats, supports the back, comfort for long legs, and it is just right. Great if one has kids, or just alone, and carry a lot of things. You dont even notice the things that you carry because of the roominess of the van. I love it, and will get another one when it is time to trade in if it is just as comfortable, and has the assets that this one has.

• 

  I love my Uplander! - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Vanman10 - August 27 - 6:35 pm

  My experience with this vehicle has been great. The seats do not have the excessive flexion positioning problem that Honda, Toyota, and Chrysler have, and people comment on how nice the rear seats are. The A/C works quite well even in 105 degree heat in Tucson, AZ. The 3900 engine is very smooth, quiet, and has plenty of low end torque, but also is relatively economical. We have 8000 miles on it, and have obtained an aggregate gas mileage of 23.3 MPG. The steering is light, predictable, and can be steered with one hand around corners easily. There is very little sway around corners. The ride is quiet and smooth, and bumps are not annoying like on the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.

• 

  Great product by Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By C. Thompson - August 26 - 9:53 am

  We bought our van and within 3 weeks took it on vacation. Averaged 24mpg highway and had a smooth ride the whole way. A/C cooled down quickly and with rear air conditioning the van was comfortable all the time. If I had to pick out a weak point it would be the middle chairs dont have arm rests. Sounds silly but this can be important on longer trips. Our van has the DVD system that was great for the kids. I am not sure the back cargo area is as big as some other vans. But there is more space for the passengers so it is a nice trade. If you are going to drop 30K get a Honda Oddesy but for 20K-23K this is a great choice.

• 

  Enjoying my van - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Chuch - August 10 - 2:58 pm

  II have had this van for 3 weeks now and have racked up over 1,500 miles. We are getting a little over 19 miles per gallon average and with the special ride package, it feels more living “roomish” (Like my Lincoln Town car). It turns on a dime. Getting in and out of the back seat is more difficult than my Village and the gas peddle feels very light, however we cruise at a high rate of speed very often and it feels great both on the highways as well as streets. Everyone raves about the fact that the front looks more like an SUV. Our kids and church kids love the entertainment package. Screen easy to see even from 3rd row. Color and trim looks great. Scotch guard is the watch word for the seats