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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  Love It - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By LOVE IT - March 20 - 10:52 pm

  We love this van. I have looked at them all and this one gave us the room that we need. It does not feel like you are driving a van. It’s great on gas too. Lots of space and much more

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  Best work van - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By ccoker5 - March 20 - 8:45 pm

  After years of driving an Express van for work I was afraid the Uplander wouldnt have the space I needed. But the 2 side doors actually make it easier to get my things out and the fuel economy is way better than my old Express. It is far more comfortable and for the price I couldnt be happier. I think its a great electricians van. Acceleration is poor, but Ill trade for gas mileage. I save $300 a month in gas over my old Dodge 350 van.

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  One of the best vehicles I ever owned. - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Robert - March 19 - 7:21 am

  When I went to my dealership I went to buy a truck with an extended rear seating. The dealer had this Uplander on display in the show room. After my wife and I looked over this Uplander we were very impressed. Just a great looking vehicle. After driving the vehicle for 2 months now we are really impressed with all its feature and quality. It had all the room that a truck would have with a covered extended rear area and the comfort of a luxury automobile. We are very satisfied with this fine automobile.

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  2006 Uplander LS Reg wheelbase - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By kennyo - March 15 - 10:50 am

  Ive got 2000 miles on my 2006 Uplander and I havent had any problems at all. I think that this is a really good value minivan. The reports of the 3.5 liter being under powered are probably a little exaggerated. Compared to a SUV or a car maybe, but the 3.3 in my wifes Sienna is equally sluggish and probably worse off the line than my Uplander. I wish their were a few more cup holders and storage compartments, but other than that the initial quality has been perfect. I think alot of the bugs in the 2005 models have been worked out in the 2006s. Handling is pretty good for a minivan, steering and braking response is great. Im averaging between 19 and 20 MPG around town.

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  My unpleasent experience - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By simon - March 9 - 12:24 pm

  I bought this with the hopes for a nice comfertable car that was suposed to be an upgrade from the standerd Venture. What a disapointment.

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  Ticked at Chevrolet - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Ticked at Chevrolet - March 6 - 3:53 pm

  I have always preferred Chevrolet over Ford products. Mostly I am more satisfied with the workmanship and performance of the vehicles. The Uplander LS may change my mind. I was told on 3/6/06 that the rearend of the vehicle is designed so that if you do not rotate the tires every 6000 miles it will cause the inside edge of the tires to wear faster and feather (have high and low spots.) The owners manual recommends for the tires to be rotated every 8000 miles.

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  Need some improvements - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By soft ride - February 25 - 11:48 am

  I have owned this car for a year, had some trouble with the front end, other then that, it has been a pretty good car so far. It could be better on gas and comfort on long trips for the passengers. The only thing I do not like is the middle seats do not have arm rests for the passengers, so they do not like to ride in the car.

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  Uplander - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By donna h - February 15 - 10:15 am

  Quirky little things that need to be fixed. Gets better gas mileage than expected. Would like it to be a bit more stylish and needs automatic rear hatch

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  Not a bad Minivan - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By DanLaw - February 8 - 11:09 am

  After driving an Uplander that my company had purchased for about 6 months, I bought one for my family. Having 2 young children the standard DVD player has already made traveling much easier (I have only had the vehicle for 9 days now). The interior design seems well thought out and the creature comforts make it even more well rounded. My wife, as the primary driver, has had 1 small problem with the rear cargo light and I am most certain that it will be fixed shortly, and the gas mileage seems very good. It came with a 20 Gallon tank, and we are at 250 miles traveled and the gauge is still reading more than half full. All-in-all, I would recommend the Uplander

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  Good Value/Good Choice - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Amy - February 6 - 5:33 am

  Vehicle was bought as the primary vehicle for my 3 kids and my wife. Our kids 10 month,3, and 5 required 6/7 pass seating and an easy way to get to the back row. Uplander was compared to Odyseey and Freestyle. The LT verison was evaluated - MSRP 32.2K for LT,FWD,Premium leather,XM,CD changer,Remote start,(2) power doors,Conv package, towing package, others - reduced to 28.5 k financed b-4 trade in. Likes - XM, DVD, interior trim. Confortable seats (front and last row) for 60 200 lb adult. Dual power doors Dislikes- rear hatch close effort high Rear windshield wiper control location Overall: Solid value/price - good choice