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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  Excellent Sport van - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Orich - June 19 - 12:38 pm

  We needed a bigger car for our expanding family, so we broke down and decided on a mini-van. After researhing many brands, we came across the Uplander. At first look, we thought it was an SUV. This made us feel better about buying a mini-van. When we went to the dealer to see one in person, we were more than impressed with the features of the Uplander. It didnt take long after that before we went ahead and bought one. We love it!

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  Top of the Line - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Satisified - May 31 - 6:47 am

  Our family was getting larger and much busier. We bought the Uplander and it has been the best decision that we could have made. My children love to drive in the new van due to the dvd player and they have more room. It is stylish and sporty, without the feeling of being "old". I would definetly buy it again if the chance arises.

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  I wouldnt choose an Uplander as my 1st - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Yvonne Sween - April 27 - 5:54 pm

  We have some problems with our 05 Uplander. The outside trim has been replaced twice and still is crooked. Our airbag had to be tightened and we still have a loud rattle sound under our dash. Overall I would buy a Toyota Sienna or a Honda Odessey if I was to do it over again.

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By toni - April 24 - 3:05 pm

  I wasnt expecting such a smooth ride and decent gas mileage when we purchased this vehicle. We had it packed up with 5 people for a couple of road trips and were comfortable.

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  Fun to drive, reliable from day one. - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By bernie - April 17 - 1:28 pm

  From the day I picked it up to the present day I have enjoyed and depended on this vehicle. Made several trips to Florida non stop 1000 miles one way. The fuel averages overall 25.9 miles per gallon.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Rick - April 15 - 2:44 pm

  This car is fun to drive and is quiet on the highway. It gets great fuel mileage and the DVD system is very good. Also the accelertion is very good.

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  2006 Chevrolet Uplander - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By kenneth Berg - April 5 - 3:57 pm

  I purchased this vehicle two weeks ago and have driven it about 800 miles. Its very comfortable and quiet. It gets 22 miles to a gallon all around and 29 on the road. (driving about 60 miles per hour)

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  My Third Chevy Minivan - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Mic hele - April 1 - 10:15 pm

  After driving a Lumina APV and Venture for 140K+ miles each, I had to give the new Uplander a try. I saw some negative reviews, but much to my delight, the van has performed without any issues. The front seats are comfortable providing good back support and allow you to get a good view of the road. The headlights are amazingly bright. It has a smooth, quiet ride and has been better on gas than my past vans. The inside is roomy and the sound system is great. The DVD player with remote is good for movies or video games for the kids. The dashboard displays are easy to read and the controls are easy to use. Ive received a lot of positive feedback on the new exterior look as more SUV-like.

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  Uplader Quality Automobile - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Robert - March 22 - 8:28 am

  This is one great vehicle. This Suv/Mini Van has all the features you want in an automobile. Extremely quite ride, interior quality with that Mercedes like feel and looks. I could not be more impressed with this vehicle. Plus, dealership was as nice as I have ever had deal with. A 10 all the way.

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  I Love Our Uplander - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Al in Burke, VA - March 21 - 7:51 pm

  This is a great vehicle for any family. We really are happy with it. The ride is great, the power is more than sufficient, and the comfort, especially for trips, is outstanding. All this for under $20K.