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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  So not satisfied, wish I can trade it in - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Maria Kerr - July 26 - 9:34 pm

  The van is very uncomfortable to ride in and also drive in. Seats are not made for anyone overweight, no excessive weight. The car is only a year and a half old and has been recalled twice. The gas pedal is so small that our feet always slip off. Should have made it a little wider than it is. I have owned a Chevy before and never had any problems, until now. I know I would never buy another Chevy again.

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  Why GM stock is down - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By S Anderson - July 20 - 12:52 am

  If this werent my company lease vehicle, I would have returned it. Why is Toyota about to knock GM out of the #1 car co. spot? The Uplander is a perfect example! They succeeded in making a Suburban looking minivan, and gave it a decent engine, but failed to take care of the customer. No arm rest for 2nd row bucket seats! No cup holders for 2nd row seats and pathetic front seat holders! No back air vents! 2nd and 3rd row seats weigh a ton to remove while Dodge, Honda, and Toyota have stow and go. GM can build an engine and advertise cars, but they cant design to save their lives.

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  Worst car I ever owned. - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Jim - July 18 - 2:42 pm

  This car is the biggest piece of junk GM ever made. In the 1.5 years I owned it it has had 8 things wrong with it. The dealer had to turn 3 rotors because they were warped. Then the had to replace the front rotors again because they warped again. They had to replace the rear hatch struts since the door would not stay open. They had to replace the radio since the volume control on the steering wheel would jump two to three positions up or down. The dealer had to replace the altenator because the lights would randomly get brighter and darker. The car randomly stalls, dealer doesnt find anything wrong. The DVD player skips on any DVD, new or old. Dealer cant find out what is wrong.

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  My unpleasent experience - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By simon - March 9 - 12:24 pm

  I bought this with the hopes for a nice comfertable car that was suposed to be an upgrade from the standerd Venture. What a disapointment.

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  Safety issues - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By safty issues - January 26 - 12:31 am

  When I got in to drive because I am 49" tall I cant reach the gas pedal, and when my husband drove it he had a lot of blind spots because the driver seat doesnt go down and his vision is obstructed, by the roof. He even had to duck to see the traffic lights. We didnt realize it didnt have a power seat. The sliding doors slide shut without warning. Ive been hit with the door and my 4 year old almost got her head caught in the door. The kids fall over at every turn because there are no arm rests so they hang by the seat belts. Drive thru cups fly out of front cup holders going around turns. Was in a really bad accident the OnStar didnt come on and the air bags didnt deploy.

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  Extremely Dissatisfied - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Michelle - January 13 - 11:37 am

  I have had this vehicle less than 8 months. It has been in the shop 6 six times for different items. The transmission went out, the day of delivery the dealership backed it into a pole and it had to have a new backend, the tint has fallen off, the air conditioning vent has falled out of the dash board, the horn would not work properly as well as the two recall notices that have come out on this vehicle. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Awful - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Tammy - October 22 - 12:59 am

  We purchased the vehicle with 6,000 miles in March. Since then, we have replaced the Alternator twice, air conditioner, front & rear suspension, body moldings, brake and rotar work, driver side passenger door has had to be adjusted numerous times. Then just this past weekend we has water leaking from our interior rear light. All Chevy can say is that is covered under warrenty.

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  Stay away from this vehicle. - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By James Sosa - October 12 - 2:23 pm

  Overall this is the worst of many vehicles I have ever driven. Chevy attempted to combine a mini van with an SUV and came up with a vehicle that has the worts features of each. It lacks the 4wd and road commanding capabilities of any SUV, yet lacks the space and ease of entrance typical of other mini vans. Performance wise, this vehicle is a joke. Its acceleration is so poor as to almost be dangerous on many highways, and the V6 engine actually gets worse mpg than many Chevy V8 trucks. The suspension is soft, but there is too much travel. Every single bump is felt with a wave of motion, creating a very unsmooth ride. Compare this to anything else, such as a Mazda MPV, to see how it performs.

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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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  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.