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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  Stay away from this vehicle. - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By James Sosa - October 12 - 2:23 pm

  Overall this is the worst of many vehicles I have ever driven. Chevy attempted to combine a mini van with an SUV and came up with a vehicle that has the worts features of each. It lacks the 4wd and road commanding capabilities of any SUV, yet lacks the space and ease of entrance typical of other mini vans. Performance wise, this vehicle is a joke. Its acceleration is so poor as to almost be dangerous on many highways, and the V6 engine actually gets worse mpg than many Chevy V8 trucks. The suspension is soft, but there is too much travel. Every single bump is felt with a wave of motion, creating a very unsmooth ride. Compare this to anything else, such as a Mazda MPV, to see how it performs.

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  Uplander LT - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By John S - September 30 - 7:03 pm

  Wasnt too thrilled with roof rail, thought it was like roofrack where you could put things on roof. Also do not like not having key lock tailgate. Am also not happy with advertised fuel economy, advertised 24/18, more like 19/15 ordered trailering package, only received wiring harness, no trailer hitch installed

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  Its a keeper - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Scott Sloan - September 23 - 3:36 pm

  With 3 kids and a mother in law, the Uplander is very functional for us. I think Chevy did a great job, given that this wasnt a new design from the frame up. The interior doesnt even resemble that of the former van, the Venture. The dash has a particularly sophisticated and quality look. The seats are also a huge improvement in the comfort/asthetics department. The exterior only looks like the former model from the back. The front, sides, and wheels are new. Its a combination that comes together well and grows on you. All of our friends really like the look. I think silver is its best color

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  TS Uplander - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By TSUplander - September 17 - 1:31 pm

  Not the average mini-van. Acceleration and power are more than acceptable for this vehichle. Overall good ride, tight steering with loads of interior features. The best part is American Made by an American Company!

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  Mel Uplander - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Mel - September 14 - 5:58 pm

  Went to buy a Suburban and saw this . Had more usable room and priced much lower. So far runs great and handles very good.

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  Overall nice vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Illinois Mom - September 8 - 11:14 am

  We love the exterior look of the van and the interior is attractive also. The only major downfall we have found so far is the back seats sit so high that you have a very obstructed view when backing up. As far as handling and perfomance, we are happy and we are a family that always had sports cars and this is our first family vehicle.

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  Our road test - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By rich - August 30 - 11:04 pm

  Just returned from vacation (Ia to NJ) total trip avg mileage 22. Very nice ride kids entertained by DVDs. Power could use a few more ponies but had no problems crossing the Appalacian mountians. Maintained 75 mph on all interstate grades.

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  Mediocre at best... - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Cecilia M - August 27 - 1:33 pm

  Im disappointed overall in this vechicle. The acceleration is poor, which affects me greatly as I communte 50 miles/day. Two blind spots in the back of the van when 3rd row seating is in place. Will definitely get rid of this vehicle within one year! Should have purchase the Explorer!

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  Good van, but could be better - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Chris Lynch - August 21 - 2:19 am

  I really like the exterior look of the van. After driving it around town and on a long interstate trip determined that it handles very nicely in both types of driving (feels safe, too). Absolutely love the DVD player, satellite radio, and other extras like 17 inch wheels. The two tone leather interior is very sporty. I had to remove the rear storage unit since it took up too much storage space.

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  Seats - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By madd - August 19 - 1:14 pm

  The front seat wont go back far enough. No leg room on second row seats. To access third row seats one must crawl between the second row seats (very difficult) The third row seats are too heavy to remove @ 75 lbs each. All 4 brakes had to be turned down at 6500 miles due to warped roters. Air conditioner is week in the front, takes about 10 minutes before cold air comes out.