Chevrolet Uplander Review

2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT Minivan Shown

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 have struggled to match, let alone better, "mom-mobiles" from Chrysler and recent foreign competition. The current Chevrolet Uplander will be GM's final foray into the increasingly unpopular minivan market, as it will eventually be discontinued in favor of new large crossover SUVs for people-hauling duty.

In the beginning there was the Chevrolet Lumina APV, a bizarre new take on the minivan with plastic body panels and "modular seating" that provided numerous configurations and low removal weight. Unfortunately, the Lumina failed to resonate with buyers, perhaps because it resembled either a Dustbuster or a StarSpeeder 3000 from Disneyland's Star Tours. The next generation was dubbed Venture and was more impressive than its strange predecessor, matching the redesigned Caravan in terms of feature content; we applauded it for being reasonably fun to drive. But it too failed to sell, prompting another unusual take on the minivan.

The current bowtie-wearing minivan is the Chevrolet Uplander, introduced in 2005 as a "crossover sport van" designed to be more hip than the average mom-mobile. But unlike "American Beauty," a closer look will reveal there's actually less going on than meets the eye. In fact, what meets the eye is something that looks like the outgoing Chevy Venture, with a bulbous front end, a nicer interior and a taller ride height – which is actually what it is. Considered strictly a minivan, though, the Uplander succeeds in providing today's expected features and creature comforts, but lacks the refinement and ingenuity that other top minivans from Honda, Kia and Toyota provide.

Current Chevrolet Uplander

The Chevrolet Uplander is a minivan available in regular- and long-wheelbase sizes, with front-wheel drive and a 3.9-liter, 240-horsepower V6 (the only drivetrain now available). It comes in LS and LT trim levels, both of which seat seven with a fold-flat 50/50-split third-row seat. The short wheelbase is 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 includes 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 does an OK job of protecting its valuable human cargo but falls short of other minivans. Antilock brakes are 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 are optional on the LS and standard on the LT. The 2LT and 3LT packages add side airbags for the second row. Although these airbags essentially do the same job as the side curtain airbags offered on all other minivans, there is no side protection available for the third row.

The Uplander does provide a much nicer interior than the Venture. All have a two-tone color scheme with decent materials and a pleasing overall look. Lower-level Uplanders come with GM's old-school modular seating in the second row, while the 2LT and 3LT are upgraded with fixed captain's chairs. In the all-important minivan gizmo department, the Uplander does have a few aces up its sleeve. An overhead rail system on the LT provides easy rear-seat access to climate and entertainment functions. The PhatNoise digital media system eliminates the hassle of shuffling through CDs and DVDs on road trips by providing a hard drive that can store music and movies.

Past Chevrolet Uplander models

The Uplander replaced the Chevrolet Venture, which overlapped its successor during the 2005 model year. When it debuted, it came with a 200-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a four-speed automatic. All-wheel drive was available as an option. For 2006, a short-wheelbase version was added to the lineup, while the 3.9-liter V6 became an option on front-wheel-drive Uplanders. The base 3.5-liter V6 was dropped for 2007, as was all-wheel drive. Consumers interested in a used Uplander will want to take a look at the Venture.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.