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:
Showing 71 through 80 of 278.00-
NEVER ANOTHER CHEVY - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
By NEVER AGAIN - August 14 - 1:53 pmI have always owned a chevy, well sadly to say never again. I bought the 2005 Uplander, and at first it was a very nice van which I liked alot. Then in January I had to take it in for the first time, my engine was starting up hard. Fixed that problem. Then my headlights were dimming in and out as I was driving. My voltage regulator and alternator were deemed the problem. Then the next month I had my van in because my passenger side tirod was bad. ( I dont drive rough). Then on my display screen it would tell me to check my gas cap replaced. The auto passenger door opens on its own while drivin. In the shop now. I HATE CHEVY WORST VEHICLE EVER. Will now buy Ford or import.
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Its gone after 8 months - 2008 Chevrolet Uplander
By Doug - August 4 - 6:10 amThis van has been nothing but problems since the day we bought it. We have kept it 8 short months and are trading it in today. The sensors continue to fail, the air leak in the front window, poor braking system, lack of interior style and comfort. I am a Chevy/GM guy but its time to switch to a Town and Country. GM was smart by dropping this van. Trading it in while its still under warranty so whoever gets it can get all the problems fixed under the bumper to bumper warranty.
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Never, Never Again - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
By Jen - July 19 - 12:59 amIn 2005, I was expecting twins we already had a 5yr old so we need more room and we like the way the uplander looked..more like and suv than minivan. bought new because I didnt have time to have a vehicle in the shop. This must have been a lemon..just a few month after purchasing I had repeated problems with doors (huge inconvenience with twins)and they continue to be a huge problem. also had charging system worked on, still not right and numerous other problems during the first 6 mths of ownership...at that time we tried to get the dealership to replace this junk with something of equal value but they did nothing and GM didnt care when I emailed them and called them...they had their money
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Poor vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
By drewpey - July 15 - 2:39 pmI 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 amFrom 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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A Big Disappointment - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
By Diane - June 16 - 6:48 amTraded our Venture due to high mileage. During warranty period,power door motors had to be replaced twice, along with stabilizer bar, and horn. Power doors and back lift gate never close properly and road noise was terrible. DVD sometimes didnt work. Rotors replaced at 20,000 miles. After warranty expired, trouble continued. ABS light came on - $500 for a sensor and then needed another $1500 for wiring? Braking always scary -grinding and shaking when stopping. Power rear vents would occasionally not close, and power doors would open by themselves. If it would work right the van was nice. Trading for a Toyota.
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BEAUTIFUL MACHINE - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
By grny 5x - June 13 - 10:43 pmVan has performed very well during its 1st 41,000 miles. Everything in this loaded LT works well. Very few repairs after 1st visit - front stabilizer links replaced at 40k and sliding doors adjusted at 10k. Engine power is adequate, smooth, and reasonably quiet. Smooth quiet ride. Transmission shifts are smooth - up & down. Good gas mileage: 18 city & 25 highway at 75 mph. Original tires wear evenly, are well-balanced and should go 60k. Brake rotors and pads replaced at 20k. No shutter with 21k on ceramic pad replacements. 2nd row legroom is inadequate, seats lack armrests. Entry to 3rd row is an effort. Manual removal of 3rd row is old design - competitors seats fold under.
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Run like the wind - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
By Scared - June 12 - 6:38 pmThis is the worst quality vehicle I have ever seen. It is dangerous (seat belt and tie rod problems) and GM should be sued. They know this vehicle should be recalled. I have 26K miles and is has been repaired for tie rods, steering problems, tire problems, electric window problems, interior is falling apart, doors would not close, seatbelts etc... We have replaced 3 seat belts and not one but 2 tie rods. I hope this vehicle does not kill any families! I called GM and they basically said tough luck (we can give you some free oil changes)!!
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should have kept our venture - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
By kevin - May 30 - 8:13 pmWe 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 amOh 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!
