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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  Its not a van but a SUVan - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Dawn - April 25 - 11:19 am

  I enjoy driving this van it handles good in snow and rain. I love everything about this van!! I love how it gets up and goes when youre trying to get on to the expressway. And its easy on gas (especially with the prices as high as they are).

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  Safest Feeling Yet - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By jbmmp1 - April 12 - 8:24 pm

  New IIHS Frontal Crash test ratings were nothing short of awesome. This is a vehicle I feel safe hauling around my most valuble cargo, my family. It has outstanding handling and a fresh new look.

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  This is a REAL winner! - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By deborah - April 12 - 7:46 pm

  It is sporty looking. It gets great gas mileage! It is roomy inside. It has great safety features. These are all important to our family of 6! Plus, it has a get up and go that an 8 clyinder would be envious of. This IS the perfect vehicle! It rides smoothly-like a big, fancy car. It has the tough looks of an SUV. It has the reliability of a Chevy! It has the practical side of a mini-van. It is comfortable and practical!

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  Best car Ive ever purchased - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Shannon - April 12 - 7:23 pm

  I love my Uplander. Im a single mom with 3 kids (twin teenagers and a 5 yr old), and there wasnt enough room in a regular car for all of us comfortably. I started to look at bigger SUVs and minivans, but I also wanted a car with a DVD player because we spend alot of time in the car, between soccer games, running the teens everywhere, and we do alot of traveling with my sister, nephew and my mom. I looked at the Venture and was ok with it. My salesman called me the following week (because I couldnt make a decision on a car )to tell me they just got the new Uplander in that day and he wanted me to come up and look at this car. I fell in love with this car. Im glad I made this decision.

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  Awesome! - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Patricia Evans - April 12 - 4:49 pm

  AWESOME! We have had our Uplander for 2 weeks now and absolutely love it! Roomy and well thought out design. I cant think of much more I would need in a vehicle, its more like driving a family room with the DVD and stereo system. We had a Venture prior to this and we are delighted with the standard items that this vehicle has to offer and the drivability is much better due to the wider wheel base. I do wish that it would have a little better gas milage with the recent gas price increases!

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  Best MiniVan Ever - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By MetalMomma - April 12 - 4:43 pm

  This is the best minivan design ever! It looks like a SUV with the inside of a minivan. It is wonderful for young mothers like me who need a minivan but dont really want to give up the sporty look of our SUVs. I have only had the van for 2 months but so far I am very happy!

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  Best Auto Ive Had - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By magzum - April 6 - 5:58 pm

  I went from a Chevy Venture to the Uplander.....trust me they are not the same. The Uplander is so much nicer and drives better. I highly recommend that if you are in the market for a mini-van, check out the Chevy Uplander and you wont be disappointed.

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  Uplander drives well - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Judy - March 24 - 10:30 am

  The new Uplander is a great vehicle to drive. Steering is excellent and the vehicle holds the road just fine. The new design, which is a cross between a mini-van and an SUV, gives a much more secure feeling from a driving standpoint since you have something in front of you. The children love the DVD and the wireless headphones. There are only a few minor adjustments I would make in the features of the vehicle.

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  Why I Bought an Uplander - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Jackie Annis - March 22 - 3:50 pm

  The Uplander was my first minivan. I was not sure I was going to like it. But less than a year later I am telling everyone to go and buy one. I have four kids and was thinking about buying an SUV. Now with gas prices where they are, I am soo happy I didnt. My Uplander is fun to drive, the kids love having their own space with plenty of arm room, and I love the design on the outside and inside. I would definately buy another one. It is the best car buying decision that I have made. Thanks to GM for building such an awesome vehicle and such a reasonable price!

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  Uplander a Success - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Steve - March 18 - 11:54 am

  The new Uplander is hitting the mark. The stylish front end prompts a lot of questions from friends and others. The standard DVD is a nice touch. We are happy with all aspects of this vehicle.