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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  Sad to have - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By james caldwell - August 4 - 10:18 pm

  The little van has a choppy ride. It is top heavy and handles poorly. Its hard to drive.You cant take your eyes off the road. It is front heavy. Older children will be uncomfortable in back seating. I took the third row seats and put them in the garage.

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  Standard review - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By uplander lt - August 3 - 10:25 pm

  We have drivenit 1100 miles, about half being on interstate. It handles great on the highway while staying within the speed limits. I found it sluggish when passng other cars, but it is sufficent for passing and has power left over. The nice part, my wife can get up from her seat and reach the back seats without stopping. That is a luxury with other people in split seats.

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  Chevy Uplander best car I have driven - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By C. Gedeon - July 30 - 12:00 am

  This Chevy Uplander has been a pleasure to drive. My family just drove from Ohio to Florida for a family vacation and the Chevy Uplander traveled us in comfort and entertainment for the kids and the in-laws. It is also nice to drive a vehicle that has no problem keeping up with traffic on route 77 and route 90. This is the third Chevy I have owned and for the third time I am impressed.

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  So not satisfied, wish I can trade it in - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Maria Kerr - July 26 - 9:34 pm

  The van is very uncomfortable to ride in and also drive in. Seats are not made for anyone overweight, no excessive weight. The car is only a year and a half old and has been recalled twice. The gas pedal is so small that our feet always slip off. Should have made it a little wider than it is. I have owned a Chevy before and never had any problems, until now. I know I would never buy another Chevy again.

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  Liked my Venture Better - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By bamman - July 25 - 1:39 pm

  Overall I like to appearance of the Uplander but the reliability of this vehicle is horrible. Ive had the rotors replaced twice, new tires, the lights (internal & external) flicker constantly and their is a constant buzz in the windshield (I have a friend with the same van and the same buzz). My Venture was a nicer vehicle.

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  Up with Uplander - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Richard Waterstram - July 22 - 7:49 am

  I was not considering an 06 Uplander in my car search but am glad I came across one. I tried it and I like it. The ride is smooth and quiet. The visabilty and handling are perfect. The mpg is about what I was getting in my Windstar LX (19 & 26) and the price is right. So far there have been no problems.

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  Why GM stock is down - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By S Anderson - July 20 - 12:52 am

  If this werent my company lease vehicle, I would have returned it. Why is Toyota about to knock GM out of the #1 car co. spot? The Uplander is a perfect example! They succeeded in making a Suburban looking minivan, and gave it a decent engine, but failed to take care of the customer. No arm rest for 2nd row bucket seats! No cup holders for 2nd row seats and pathetic front seat holders! No back air vents! 2nd and 3rd row seats weigh a ton to remove while Dodge, Honda, and Toyota have stow and go. GM can build an engine and advertise cars, but they cant design to save their lives.

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  Worst car I ever owned. - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Jim - July 18 - 2:42 pm

  This car is the biggest piece of junk GM ever made. In the 1.5 years I owned it it has had 8 things wrong with it. The dealer had to turn 3 rotors because they were warped. Then the had to replace the front rotors again because they warped again. They had to replace the rear hatch struts since the door would not stay open. They had to replace the radio since the volume control on the steering wheel would jump two to three positions up or down. The dealer had to replace the altenator because the lights would randomly get brighter and darker. The car randomly stalls, dealer doesnt find anything wrong. The DVD player skips on any DVD, new or old. Dealer cant find out what is wrong.

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  A great vacation van - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By mm - July 16 - 8:44 am

  I like the dash layout, son loves the DVD player. It keeps him entertained for hours. Love the power doors. Real handy if hands are full. Great safety features like abs/traction control, antiskid control, side airbags. OnStar is great.

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  Uplander 05 - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By d. postlethwaite - July 4 - 1:50 pm

  Enjoyable to operate though gas mileage is less than told. The horn does not work. Good view and ride.