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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  Bad Bad Van - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Wood6 - October 29 - 8:08 pm

  When we first got our van it was in the winter. We did not know that it did not have rear air. I have 4 boys and this is our only vehicle. I had to put a fan between the seats just so they can get cool. The brakes keep on being replaced. I had to get new rear tires because of the way the edges on one side were bad. The rear passenger door makes creaking sounds when the van is in motion, and there is some loud rubbing or grinding sound from the back passenger side. Sometimes the DVD player will not even play new DVDs. I hate this van. We can not trade it in because the value has dropped so much since GM is no longer making it, and it can not be refinanced.DO NOT BUY!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Love my Uplander - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Robert Worsena - October 29 - 6:09 am

  Like the car very much. People admire the car by telling how nice looking the car is. You feel very safe in this vehicle. Drive is very quite and comfortable.

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  Inexpensive van for mom of four - 2008 Chevrolet Uplander
  By mom of 4 - October 20 - 9:00 pm

  Overall a good van. No frills at all. Just good reliable transportation. Ours was purchased used with 12,000 miles on it. Price was super great so we could afford it.

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  Good Van - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By TT - October 9 - 11:44 am

  I usually like pickups but this van was a compromise with my wife. It is enjoyable to drive looks great compared to other minivans. The kids love the DVD player with remote headphones. The engine has plenty of power for its purpose, a passenger vehicle, not a race car. The only problems I have had are with the keyless entry remotes not working and the starter slips during humid or wet weather. This has not ever prevented the van from starting.

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  This Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By wendy - October 5 - 8:12 pm

  This van has been a pain in the neck since we bought it. It has 60000 miles on it and we have replaced the tie rods twice. Bought two set of tires cause the alignment is off because of the tie rods. If you have 1/4 tank of gas and park on a slant you will not be able to crank your car. I have gotten out with 1/4 tank of gas went in the store and come back out and crank my car and it says no fuel. The sliding doors will not close good and will come open while going down the road. I would like to shove this van up the Chevy peoples behind. It is a lemon and not worth anything.

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  Think Twice! - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By BetT - October 2 - 8:27 am

  I wish I would have looked more at the vehicle instead of the price. Headlights go from dim to bright on their own at night. ABS light comes on every time I drive it. Chevy mechanics say its an electrical problem with the van, but my brake pedal goes all the way to the floor at times due to this ABS electrical problem. I have to push on the gas pedal to get the van started. Engine still stalls out some times. Power sliding door fails at times. Had to replace the back "hatch" door handle after it broke. Gas mileage is horrible, unless traveling interstate. Overall, I will never buy another Chevy/GM product. Completely unreliable.

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  What a mistake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By huffy13 - August 29 - 12:32 am

  Biggest piece of junk out there! That is the kindest words I have for the 2006 Uplander. Has been in the shop about 15 times since buying it 3 yrs ago. Leaked water into the back and soaked our luggage, lights on interior and exterior flickers all the time, poor brake quality, ABS lights on all the time, transmission slips when shifting from reverse to drive, DVD player skips even on brand new disks, road noise is horrible, steering column makes a grinding and knocking sound. Just an overall horrible vehicle.

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  Love My Uplander!!! - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Lovin it! - August 27 - 6:00 pm

  We recently upgraded to an Uplander from our Chevy Venture, due to high mileage. We love everything about it and are proud to own a Chevy! One thing that impressed me was how much leg room there was in all three rows even with the captains chairs in the middle. Plus the seats are nice and solid, so you dont sink in to them when you sit in them. The DVD is great for long trips and the fuel economy is GREAT! We love our Uplander!

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  So many flaws - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By kitkat9376 - August 15 - 5:36 pm

  Our Uplander has a malfunction in the sliding door that cannot be resolved, despite the best efforts of various mechanics at the Chevrolet dealership. The car often fails to turn over when trying to turn it on. The car is fine on the surface, but leaves much to be desired as far as being a quality vehicle. To correct some of the Uplanders problems the dealership sold us "computer upgrades" which did nothing and cost around $90 each.

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  Uplander - Would Never Choose Again - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Unhappy - August 15 - 8:41 am

  I bought a 2005 Uplander new, it has been back 15 times in 4 years. Automatic Door being main problem, 10 times, they cant find anything wrong!!! Airbag problems, seat belt problems. Extremely frustrating and unsafe. Front Rotors replaced twice in 12 mths, common problem. Seats stain with water spillage. Hate this car and would never buy another Chevy again. Now working with GM to find solution for this piece of junk.