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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  162K Miles and still going - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By momtaxi3 - June 21 - 7:08 pm

  Van runs great but it has all kinds of little issues. I have to push the gas to start it however, it does have 162K miles on it so I expect that. The turn signals and radio only work when they want to. My headlights dim on their own and the automatic sliding door gets stuck all the time...it sometimes dings constantly! It gets horrible gas mileage. The seats arent very comfortable and stain easily. The rear windshield wiper doesnt work at all. With that being said - it runs great. There is nothing wrong with the engine...it just keeps going and going! Im positive I will get at least 200K out of this vehicle.

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  Not Good! - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By beavispkp - May 23 - 7:11 pm

  GM had a good idea but skipped on the build quality. Ours has 60K miles and it has the gas gauge failed leaving my wife stranded, 3 doors become misaligned and wouldnt shut properly, continuous starting issues, the instrument cluster burn out, the DVD player failed, and the seats are ripping. Worse yet, the exterior trim pieces have all faded in the sun and are a different color than the van. It has alot of great options, does average on gas, and rides nice but its all negated by the build quality. This car is one to avoid!

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  Transmission Problem - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By upset15 - February 3 - 9:30 pm

  I am very upset that I have an uplander. I have never experienced transmission problems on a vehicle. I have a 10 yr old Toyota and never had to do any major work, just regular maintenance. I was told that my transmission needs to be replaced at $3350 on my uplander. This is garbage. I am still making payments on this car. There is no cost assistance and my warranty is up. What a waist.

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  Disgust - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By uplandered - November 27 - 2:00 am

  tires wear unevenly because the suspension is poorly engineered. cheap plastic, breaks, starter is retarded, transmission slips, no rear air, manual rear windows (in a minivan?) battery in-accessible, this chevrolet is a glaring example of engineering by people who no longer care. DO NOT BUY ONE! you wont be able to resell this car.

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  DO NOT Buy a Chevy Uplander - 2008 Chevrolet Uplander
  By momof2 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Had it 2 years and now the battery goes dead for no apparent reason. Sometimes it starts, sometimes it doesnt. The dealer will make you pay just to look at it.

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  Lemon uplander - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By doc olds - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Very poor vehicle from Chevy only 8 months of reliability and all down hill from the (uplander) from the vent cover in the top of the head liner falling off all the time to glove box breaking off when opening it to no heat in the back of car to all major thing going under the hood like I said (very poor uplander)

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  Dont buy the Uplander - 2008 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Lee - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle for my wife as she needed a large more reliable vehicle for the family. We have had nothing but problems with this 2008 Uplander. The worst thing is its not reliable. Charging System Failure continue to be a problem. Some days the vehicle will be just fine, and then other days the vehicle wont start. A dealership has replaced the alternator twice, and again we are still having the same issue. Charging System Failure and the vehicle wont start. When you have a family with young kids nothing is more important then reliability. What is so frustrating is if you google problems with 2008 Uplanders you will get several customers with my exact same story. :(

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  Chevy Uplander - Hate it! - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Bryan - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I have the LS version thinking it was pretty nice. I thought it would at least have armrests on the 2nd row, and ya know how all other minivans had handles on the passenger side, and sometimes on the rear? Well, the uplander (I mean Downloader) does not. I hate it! Cant wait for the lease 2 be up!

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  Fantastic Van! - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By ChevyFam09 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van when our 4th child was on the way. Fantastic vehicle... literally NEVER had any major issue with it. The door sensor on the back sliding door can be a little "over sensitive", but we just keep the front door open til its closed. Better over sensitive with all the little fingers than under! We bought it used. the kids adore the DVD player (as do we!!) and they seem to have lots of room! When we have company, we have fit 3 car seats/boosters side by side on the back bench. Its tight, but they fit. I drive 40 min expressway each way every day and only use about 1/2 to 3/4 tank in a week!! Great van. You have created a Chevy-loving family for sure with this one.

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  love the idea - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By primerib - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I love what Chevy has done with the traditional mini van. The engine compartment actually has room to work on stuff. Interior is good, very usable. Could have a better layout. Runs well, no problems. Brakes were an early issue but dealer took care of all that. rear interior flexible plastic door handle broke from closing the door use. but no other failures