2005 Chevrolet Uplander Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Chevrolet's minivan is now what GM calls a "crossover sport van." Uplander uses the extended-length body from Chevy's 1997-2004 Venture minivan, but has a new SUV-flavored nose and grows slightly in length, wheelbase, and height. It retains a 4-speed automatic transmission, but replaces Venture's 185-hp 3.4-liter V6 with a 200-hp 3.5 V6.

Uplander offers front-wheel drive with base, LS, and uplevel LT trim. All-wheel drive is available only on LT models. GM's Stabilitrak antiskid/traction control is optional on front-drive LT models. All models have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Front side airbags with head and torso protection are available, but full-length curtain side airbags are not. Every Uplander comes with OnStar assistance, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and rear DVD entertainment. Also standard are 2nd-row bucket seats, 17-inch wheels, sliding rear side doors, and 3-row seating for seven. Power sliding doors are available. The 3rd-row seat is a 50/50 split bench that folds flat above the cargo floor. All 2nd- and 3rd-row seats can be removed. A standard roof-rail system offers optional snap-on storage modules. A remote starting system that operates from the keyfob is also available. Uplander shares its basic design with the Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana SV6, and Saturn Relay.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as the family hauler, Minivans are easily the smartest use of space for passengers and cargo. These vehicles offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features for the modern family.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Recommended picks are the Mazda MPV and Toyota Sienna.

News

Uplander and GM's other "new" sport vans are expected to carry on to model-year 2008 or '09. At that point, sources say the elderly basic design will finally be retired for clean-sheet minivans on GM's Lambda platform. Lambda bows for 2007-08 as the foundation for new crossover wagons at Buick, Saturn and GMC. Chevy isn't slated for one of those unless plans change along the way--as they very well could.

2005 Chevrolet Uplander Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Available all-wheel drive	Quietness

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

AWD LT	Class Average
3	4.2

GM quotes 10.5 sec 0-60 for front-drive models, 11.2 for AWD versions. However, they feel livelier than those numbers suggest and compare well with most rivals. The AWD's extra weight is felt more from a stop than during passing/merging, where power is adequate in most instances.

Fuel Economy

AWD LT	Class Average
4	4

No opportunity yet to measure with AWD. Test FWD LT averaged 16.4 mpg in mixed city/highway driving.

Ride Quality

AWD LT	Class Average
6	5.5

Most bumps easily absorbed. Highway ride comfortable. AWD has no noticeable effect on ride quality. Uplanders and Relays without the optional load-leveling rear suspension feel a bit less stable at highway speeds than those so equipped.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD LT	Class Average
5	4.4

Midpack among minivans. Steering somewhat vague at highway speeds. Marked body lean in turns, though no tippiness. Braking controlled and progressive. AWD a boon in slippery conditions. Traction control a worthwhile option for FWD models.

Quietness

AWD LT	Class Average
6	5.4

Engine noise well-muffled. Tire noise impressively low up front, but more prominent in rear seats where kids might have a hard time hearing front passengers. Side mirrors generate noticeable wind noise at highway speed.

Controls

AWD LT	Class Average
6	6.1

Gauges unobstructed. All controls legible and easily accessible. Dashboard materials and controls have an upscale flair. Dashboard trays and drawers made of budget-grade plastic. Standard DVD entertainment a plus.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD LT	Class Average
6	6.3

Low step-in makes climbing aboard a simple matter. Generous head and leg room. Fine outward visibility, helped by large mirrors.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD LT	Class Average
6	6.7

Good 2nd- and 3rd-row head and leg room. Narrow space between 2nd-row buckets makes access to 3rd row more difficult than in some competitors. Third-row seats set too close to floor for best adult comfort; fine for kids, though.

Cargo Room

AWD LT	Class Average
9	9.4

Second-row buckets don't fold into floor, but are light enough for easy removal. Third-row seat doesn't disappear into floor either, but folds level with a cargo-area convenience tray that stands about 4 inches above the floor. The available rear cargo organizer is handy for groceries and other items, but GM's minivans don't have as much storage space behind the 3rd-row seat as those rivals that have a well.

Value within Class

AWD LT	Class Average
5	5.8

The lack of curtain side airbags is a big minus for safety-conscious buyers, and the rear seating rows and cargo area aren't as convenient or as roomy as the minivans from Chrysler, Honda, or Toyota. However, fair prices and a comfortable ride make these GM minivans a worthwhile option for value-conscious shoppers who want features such as available AWD and standard rear DVD entertainment.

Total Score

AWD LT	Class Average
56	57.8

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		45
Average Score		57
High Score		70

2005 Chevrolet Uplander Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 11/05/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door van	$23,635	$21,390	$715

LS 4-door van	$26,240	$23,747	$715

FWD LT 4-door van	$28,670	$25,946	$715

AWD LT 4-door van	$31,385	$28,403	$715

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, 7-passenger seating, quad bucket seats, 3rd-row split folding seat, cupholders, power mirrors, power front windows, power door locks, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 225/60R17 tires, wheel covers.

LS adds to Base:

Safety

Front side airbags, integrated child seat.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear air conditioning and heater w/rear controls, cruise control, heated power mirrors, power rear quarter windows, remote keyless entry, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass.

LT adds to LS:

Comfort and Convenience Features

6-way power driver seat, 2nd-row captain chairs, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, power sliding passenger-side rear door.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: integrated child seat.

Roof rails, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, air-inflator kit, load-leveling rear suspension.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Climate Pkg.
Base	$580	$516
Heated power mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, rear privacy glass.

Easy Order Pkg.
LS	$1,230	$1,095
Power sliding passenger-side door, 6-way power driver seat, roof rails, alloy wheels.

Convenience Pkg.
LS, LT	$545	$485
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power sliding driver-side door. LS requires Easy Order Pkg.

Security Pkg.
LS, LT	$170	$165
Universal garage-door opener, alarm.

Premium Seating Pkg.
LT	$1,350	$1,202
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat.

Storage and Organizer Pkg.
LS	$345	$307
Removable overhead storage consoles, 2nd-row center console, first-aid kit, cargo net.

Cargo Convenience Center
LS	$560	$498
LT	$285	$254
Storage and Organizer Pkg. (LS) plus mesh cargo partition.

Sport Suspension Pkg.
LS, FWD LT	$455	$405
Air-inflator kit, sport suspension w/automatic load leveling, 225/60R17 tires. LS requires Easy Order Pkg., alloy wheels.

Trailering Provisions Pkg.
LS, LT	$175	$156
Includes heavy-duty cooling, wiring harness. LS, 2WD LT require Sport Suspension Pkg.

Safety
Front side airbags
Base	$350	$312


Antiskid system
FWD LT	$450	$401
Includes traction control. Requires Sport Suspension Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning
Base	$475	$423
Includes rear heater, rear controls.

Remote starting
LS, LT	$175	$156


Remote keyless entry
Base	$175	$156


6-way power driver seat
LS	$275	$245


4-passenger seating
Base, LS (credit)	$-230	$-205
FWD LT (credit)	$-905	$-805
Deletes 3rd-row split folding seat. LT adds integrated child seat. NA w/Premium Seating Pkg.

Deluxe entertainment system
LS	$250	$223
Rear radio controls, headphone jacks, wireless headphones, additional auxiliary power outlet. Std. LT.

Two additional wireless headphones
LS, LT	$75	$67
LS requires deluxe entertainment system.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
LS, LT	$620	$552
Includes satellite radio. Satellite radio requires monthly fee after 3rd month.

Satellite radio
LS, LT	$325	$290
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.

Cruise control
Base	$250	$223


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails
LS	$180	$160


Rear bumper pad
LS, LT	$45	$40


Rear spoiler
LS	$250	$223
Requires roof rails.

Engine-block heater
Base, LS, LT	$35	$31


Alloy wheels
LS	$325	$289

2005 Chevrolet Uplander Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Uplander 4-door van

Wheelbase, in.	121.1

Overall Length, in.	204.0

Overall Width, in.	72.0

Overall Height, in.	72.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3838

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	136.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	25.0

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	39.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	39.9

Rear Head Room, in.	38.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /213

Horsepower @ rpm.	200 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	220 @ 4400

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	18/24

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chevrolet Uplander 4-door van

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	Aveo and Cobalt only.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
Trim Level: LT
Arrival Date: 05/27/2005
Engine: ohv V6
Bodystyle: 4-door van
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $31,385
Price as Tested: $35,420
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 2119
Mileage at End of Test: 2672
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 33.685 gals.

Major Options: AWD, Premium seating package (Leather Seating Surfaces on FRT and 2ND Row With 3RD Row Vinyl, Power Front Passenger Seat, Heated Driver and Passenger Front Seats, AM/FM Stereo Radio, 6-CD Changer With MP3 Player, XM Satellite Radio With First 3 Months Included), Convenience Package (Power LH Sliding Door, Rear Parking Assist, Cargo Convenience Center, Remote Vehicle Starter System Includes Remote Keyless Entry, Trailoring Provision Package), Security Package (Theft Deterrent Alarm System, HomeLink Transmitter), GVW Rating 5, Axle Ratio 3.69, 3.5 Liter 3500 V6 SFI, 4-Speed Auto Transmission, EXT-Dark Blue Metallic, INT-Medium Gray

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 16.42 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Mark Bilek Topping out at $35,000, makes this minivan about $4000 cheaper than comparable Toyota and Honda models. However, you can also throw in about $3000 more cash back, making this van probably $6000-7000 cheaper out-the-door than a Toyota Sienna XLE or Honda Odyssey Touring. Chevy should be punished for not offering a fold-into-the-floor rear seat or side-curtain airbags. But this van does everything it is asked and would meet just about every family's need. It is an alternative for those on a budget.

< 2005 Chevrolet Uplander Photos

Also in the 2005 Chevrolet Uplander Review:

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Chevrolet Uplander Road Test

Chevrolet Uplander Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Uplander Specs & Safety

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Chevrolet Uplander Full Review

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