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:

• 

  The Lemon of all Lemons! - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Cross - June 27 - 12:35 am

  Since the day thiw minivan was purchased it has been trouble. Zero confidence when driving long distances. There is a pinging sound (safety one presumes) that comes on when the read slide door opens and never stops when it is closed. Dealership has been worthless in resolving the issue. I will never buy a Chevy again.

• 

  Chevy Uplander LT - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Wes Cleaves - June 23 - 12:00 pm

  Ours has 2,200 miles. It has a much quieter engine than our previous 98 Olds Silhouette, with great acceleration and gas mileage. Little road noise. Superior handling. The ride is a little on the firm side, but very controlled. Very attractive exterior styling--many believe its an SUV. The interior is good too. Driver controls are well designed and positioned. However, black on white radio display is harder to read than green on black. Also, the smaller speedometer numbers are harder to read. It seems that the drivers "leg well" is narrower than the former model. Also, leg room for second row captains chairs seems less. Conclusion: an excellent vehicle and value -- vast improvement over former model. Highly recommend.

• 

  Uplander - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Jason - June 22 - 1:44 pm

  The auto sliding side doors are nice, but what if my teenager gets mad and wants to slam the door? She cant! I dont like the safety feature that will not let the sliding doors open until the vehicle is in park, but I can understand why they did it. Makes for a longer drop-off time in the school car-pool loop though.

• 

  Great vehicle for a large family - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Mike - June 17 - 7:14 pm

  The DVD player and capability to hook- up PS2 is very nice on road trips. Interior is very user friendly, with plenty of cup holders and storage. The kids really like the reclining captains chairs in the second row, and my wife loves the heated front seats. I had a 1994 Suburban, so the gas mileage has been fantastic for us. We have cut our gas bill just about in half. On two road trips we averaged almost 20mpg (pulling a small trailer) and over 23mpg (no trailer). Around town we are averaging about 20mpg. If you have more than a couple kids or frequently have more than four people ride in your car, the Uplander is a very good alternative to the much more expensive and less fuel efficient large SUVs.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By ronald peluso - June 4 - 9:39 pm

  Vehicle is fun to drive. Font end is very "sharp" looking. Lots of compartments and holders.

• 

  Old Blue - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By basspro - May 27 - 10:08 pm

  With upgraded seats and all electric, it is very comfoprtable. Auto start is great. Power is not good, way to much noise. With upgraded suspension, traction control and stability control, handling is adequate.

• 

  Its my wifes, but I want one too! - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By KennyMac - May 23 - 12:23 am

  We really like our new Chevrolet uplander. The interior layout is very luxurious and the electronics and options offered are incredible. The car rides higher than our old Passat, giving the kids (twins!) a grand view, which previously they did not have. We think the van looks upscale, and the white one has darkly tinted windows which makes it stand out. They is plenty of room for 6 adults or 7 if theyre friendly. Rides great, great price, looks great. The XM radio and 6-disc CD and DVD player will keep everyone entertained. Bye Bye Honda Odd (you look stodgy by comparison), and Bye Bye Sienna (cheap plastic layout), and Bye Bye Town and Country with those fancy folding lawn chair seats.

• 

  2005 Uplander AWD after 1000 miles - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Eric - May 14 - 2:04 pm

  I love my new Uplander! It is more powerful than my Grand Voyager. The seats are very comfortable and my kids love the convenience of all the storage. I like the information center displays. The black and white display took some getting used to. The DVD is great for trips. All the seating allows us to take our kids and other team members to practice. The folding seats are easy to use. The vehicle is quieter than expected. The vehicle is loaded with features.

• 

  05 Chevy Uplander - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Sundevil99 - May 4 - 2:52 pm

  Our family has been very pleased with our purchase. The exterior styling is great for those of us who arent extremely happy about transitioning into a minivan. :) The large wheels are a nice feature. The van sits a little higher and other minivans, putting the driver above traffic. Thus far we have had no mechanical or cosmetic problems (such as molding). We love it.

• 

  Excellent Choice - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By shari and milton - April 27 - 11:14 pm

  Does not look like a van in the front. Very smooth ride and very comfortable. Easy to get in and out of the seats. Door in the back opens very easily and closes with no problem.