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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  1st Minivan - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Aimee - August 7 - 9:20 pm

  This is a great compromise between a minivan and SUV. The DVD player is easy to use (says my 8 year old). The ride is nice and smooth and comfortable. Great sound and safety. So far, no complaints.

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  2005 Uplander - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Fritz G Heinrich - August 1 - 2:38 am

  The test drive impressed us und we continue to like the car with one major exception. We noticed that like with many cars today the doors look automatically. We do not consider this safe and we told this the sales person. We were told that it is possible to program the controls that the doors do not lock automatically. The operating manual confirmed this. But in reality, this vehicle or the control software version does not allow the automatic door locking do be disabled. The dealer could not do it. Chevrolet/GM Customer Assistance Center claimed that this cannot be done as it increases the companys liability regarding security, trading safety against security in our opinion.

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  Never Again - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By disappointed - July 26 - 12:13 am

  Since it was purchased this spring we have had to replace or repair the air conditioner, brakes, alternator, strut work, body mouldings, and the driver side sliding door was locked shut twice. This is not a vehicle I would purchase again!

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  Perfect for families - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Dk Blue Matallic - July 19 - 11:33 am

  I bought the Uplander because of all the interior room and because of how much it really doesnt look like a minivan typically looks. I love the sporty size and was really surprised at how comfortable the Uplander really is. I rate this van an overall 10 because its perfect for my family of 5.

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  I dont see whats so special here - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By MAG - July 19 - 1:17 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 14 days and I absolutely hate it. The horsepower is embarrassing, so forget merging into traffic. Exceptional loss of power while driving uphill and sloppy steering on the highway. I cannot accurately rate the vehicle reliability because I have not owned it long enough to be fair. On the up side, the interior is comfy and is loaded to the hilt with neat options. If this vehicle wasnt so slow and sloppy, Id give it an A. Definitely not worth the $35,000 price tag.

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  Best family vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Cel - July 16 - 11:04 am

  I had previously owned a Venture which is VERY plain and boring . When Uplander came out I researched a lot about it until I test drive it and fell in love with it! Love the feel and how it drives very smooth. My whole family loves it, especially the comfy captain seats that are HEAVEN SENT! I love the styling of the interior and exterior as well, feels very much SUV style and room size like a van. How perfect! Met our needs. My husband would joke and said it feel like we are driving a Lexus. Uplander is like a Lexus to us!

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  Disappointing (Borderline LEMON) - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By dandrews - July 11 - 5:08 am

  Just under 4000 miles. Transmission, radiator and converter replaced (three times in the shop, one more and its an official lemon). The transmission started acting up with less than 500 miles on the vehicle. Almost caused 2 accidents. New one works wonderfully so far. PCV valve is whistling on acceleration, needs replacement (per GM service bulletin). DVD player makes clicking sound in speakers when accelerating. Intermittent problems with radio and power sliding door. Rear seats are heavy and awkward to remove. No power liftgate option. Middle windows on side doors do not open. Only ONE built-in child seat on ONE trim level. Without headphones, everyone listens to DVD.

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  New Uplander- Great New Vehicle! - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Mike C. - July 6 - 4:37 am

  We purchased this vehicle after having two Astro vans and two Chevy station wagons. This van has all the features anyone could want! We recently took it across country, and got 23 miles per gallon while averaging 85 miles per hour! The van handles like a luxury car! By the way, we compared it to our Aunts Honda Odyssey and it had more features, better gas mileage and better overall performance for a better price! We highly recommend this vehicle, and suggest people consider it now, as General Motors is having its greatest sale ever!

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  Great mini van - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By holly - July 5 - 12:56 pm

  I had back surgery and purchaced this vehicle because I do not have to bend to get in or out, strap my 4 yr old in, or to get out the groceries. I really like the style and all the features that come with it. I would recommed this van to any one with children or health issues.

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  Disappointed with Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By myuplander - July 1 - 6:23 pm

  The door locks on the Uplander are programmed to open when you shift into park. Chevy claims this is a safety feature and cannot be changed. Any mother with children will know that this is in no way a safety feature. It is ridiculous to suggest that doors unlocking are for my personal safety or for that of my children. Women with children are the primary users of minivans, and we need time to gather our children and belongings when we stop. We hope to do it in a safely locked car. Women with young children will worry that both doors will open at the same time letting their children free, to go in both directions.