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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  Poor vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By drewpey - July 15 - 2:39 pm

  I rented one with 40k miles, and drove it 3 days before returning it to the rental store. Highway driving is horrible, the cabin is so loud that there is no chance of anyone in the second row of seats hearing the driver unless you are under 30mph or yelling. At 60+ mph even the passenger needs to speak very loudly so the driver can hear. You can hear and feel every bump in the road, its quite sad. We had trouble with both sliding doors. Eventually one of the sliding doors did not shut properly, and when we reopened it, it fell off the track. The dealership seemed unsurprised and just asked us to return it for another. Very cheaply made vehicle!

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  I have you all Beat!!!!!! - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Brian - July 1 - 9:03 am

  From what I have read many people are having issues with their sliding doors and gas gauge. I too thing the gas gauge is useless. This morning as my wife put 1 of my 3 kids into the car and went to close the drivers side sliding door IT COMPLETELY FELL OFF AND HIT MY SON IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD.

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  should have kept our venture - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By kevin - May 30 - 8:13 pm

  We bought this vehicle because our venture was getting high mileage on it. Worst purchase decision I have made-- but I do have a few bits of advise to share--to address the lack of center front console--wal mart has a console called a clutter cleaner for $39.95-- fits perfect--also a trailer hitch from a venture will also bolt onto this vehicle--lights flicker all the time steering column creaks constantly unless you shoot lubricant/silicone spray down thru the column sleeve-- I also found out that 235/65r17 tires will fit in wheelwells and this seems to improve the ride/noise issues from the 225/60r17 tires--it changes the speedo about 2 mph--I really dont like the vehicle overall

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  wished i could get rid of it!!! - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By mary furrow - May 23 - 12:45 am

  Oh my! So so so many things wrong with it!Before warranty went out the dvd had to be replaced and the speakers not to long after that , ,then the sliding doors motor went out! Then transmission problems.... And brakes... And then my suspension went out on the back trunk opener!Dont have the list with me now at 55,000 abs light coming on ... And the side door does not open it comes open on and off... And I just keep it lock!We got it in 2006 we still owe 15,000.. Never again! I wanted to help amercian and but amer.. Van.. When this is paid off ! Its gone! Paint fading and parts out the van falling off.... Let me stop!

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  Dont Buy GM/Chevy - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Kristy - May 12 - 5:50 pm

  Battery keeps going dead for no apparent reason, dealership cant figure out the reason, and I am stuck paying a note on something I cant drive. Apparently its "rocket science" nobody can figure out what the problem is, and they dont care.

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  Mini Van - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Chris - March 18 - 10:08 pm

  We purchased this van right off the truck it still had the White plastic on the doors. My wife was so excited our first new vehicle! Right away starting problems let us stranded, then went through 2 alternators and a voltage regulator light still flickered. Then around 34,000 miles (3 yrs&1mo) the problems hit. Low oil press light, fuse pop to radio 4 times, 60amp fuse would pop controlling power doors and turn lights brake lights, then abs light and trac control light came on. We took it back to the dealer $300+ diagnostic later no issues could be duplicated out of warranty.. I hated this van for the last three months I owned it. I would never allow one of my friends or family to purchase one!

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  I want to get rid of this van..... - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By L.Arellano - March 2 - 10:48 am

  This van has given me problems since day one... it continues to try to start after i turn the key, Chevy flashed something but not even a week went by and it still does it. ABS I had to have a sensor replaced they cant figure out why the ignition still tries to start on its own, I told them about my flicker lights, my mechanic says it has wiring issues, which Chevy denies... I want out of this van some way it will happen....

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  Rethink it...... Nothing But Problems - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By @msn.com - February 22 - 8:25 pm

  I was somewhat apprehensive to purchase the vehicle, because it looked cheap on the inside. I should of followed my gut. Nothing but problems. Stereo never worked had it serviced 3 or 4 times, something with the wiring, automatic doors worked when they wanted to, keyless entry was anything but keyless, tires bad, new ones every time you turn around. Back windshield wiper motor went out. Yes I bought this new. Would not recommend to anyone. Major lemon.

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  Never Again - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By ladyj43 - January 15 - 8:07 am

  I bought my Uplander in Jan 06 and it only had 3800 miles. Since then, I have had 2 sets of brakes, 3 sets of tires, my steering wheel readjusted, some kind of rod underneath replaced, and a few other things. Most of the problems came in the first 6 months. Thank God I bought an extended warranty for another $2700 on top of the amount I paid for the car. Complained to AG and Dept of Trans with no responses from either. Chevy wasnt trying to hear me either. I try to support American made because my dad is retired from GM, but American made is not supporting my pockets.

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  Awful, awful, awful! - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Shannon - December 30 - 4:43 pm

  I hate my vehicle. I started out loving it, until it was in the shop within a month. My rear hatch continuously rattles in the cold, and was told on the phone by GM head office that because they fixed 2 different items on it it may no longer be under warranty. If they would have fixed it right the first time is my argument. After 35,000kms my rotors were shot. They machined them and flipped them, and now after 70,000kms They need complete replacement. GM said that if they can machine them they will, but if they cant they will replace them. Mine were machineable, so I got fewer kilometres than if they were replaced. Not to mention the oil leaks, and the constant door adjustments. Run