2006 Chevrolet Uplander Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A shorter-length model and available 2nd-row side airbags mark 2006 for Chevrolet's minivans. Uplander shares its basic design with the Buick Terraza, Pontiac SV6, and Saturn Relay. Only Chevy offers an abbreviated version, which is 5 inches shorter than the extended models. Both lengths come in LS trim with front-wheel drive. Extendeds also come as LT models, which are available with all-wheel drive. A 201-hp V6 (196 hp with AWD) and 4-speed automatic transmission are standard. Promised but not delivered during the model year was an optional 240-hp V6. All Uplanders have ABS. Front-drive extendeds have traction/antiskid control. Uplanders seat seven via 2nd-row buckets and a 50/50 split 3rd-row bench that folds flat atop the cargo floor; all these seats are removable. Front side airbags continue as standard on LT models and optional on LS. For '06, separate side airbags for the 2nd row are available for LT models. All these side airbags provide head and torso protection. A load-leveling suspension is standard with AWD, optional with front-drive. Options include a navigation system and remote engine start.

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 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Our Recommended pick is Toyota Sienna.

Kia Sedona is new or significantly redesigned.

News

We understand Uplander and General Motors' other current minivans will end with model-year 2009. In their place come large crossover wagons built on the company's Lambda platform. Saturn's 2007 Outlook introduces this new family; a related 2008 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia bow in the first half of 2007. Curiously, though, we've heard nothing yet about a Lambda model for Chevrolet--curious indeed, given this brand's high sales importance. We'll keep you posted.

2006 Chevrolet Uplander Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Available all-wheel drive	Quietness

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

FWD 2LT	Class Average
3	4.2

GM says Uplander, Relay, SV6, and Terraza do 10.5 sec 0-60 mph in front-drive form, 11.2 with AWD. The front-drive versions seem livelier than that and compare well with most rivals. Heavier AWD models feel sleepy on takeoff, but have adequate power for most passing/merging needs.

Fuel Economy

FWD 2LT	Class Average
4	4.2

Test front-drive versions averaged 16.4-19.1 mpg, depending on city/highway mix. Test AWD Terraza CXL averaged 19.4 mpg in mostly highway driving.

Ride Quality

FWD 2LT	Class Average
6	5.8

All models absorb most bumps comfortably. Load-leveling rear suspension helps AWD versions feel a bit more stable on the highway, so it's a worthwhile option for front-drive models.

Steering/Handling/Braking

FWD 2LT	Class Average
5	4.7

Midpack among minivans, with somewhat lifeless steering at higher speeds and marked cornering lean, though no tippy feel. Braking smooth, progressive. AWD a boon in slippery conditions.

Quietness

FWD 2LT	Class Average
6	5.7

Engine noise well-muffled. Tire noise quite low up front but noticeable behind, so kids might have a hard time hearing mom and dad. Side mirrors generate marked wind whoosh at any speed.

Controls

FWD 2LT	Class Average
6	6

Gauges unobstructed, controls legible and handy. Switchgear and cabin materials show upscale flair, but not dashboard trays and drawers made of budget-grade plastic.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

FWD 2LT	Class Average
6	6.7

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

FWD 2LT	Class Average
6	6.8

Adult head and leg room in both rear rows. Narrow passage between middle buckets makes accessing 3rd row more awkward than in some competitors. Third-row seats too close to floor for best adult comfort, but fine for kids. No opportunity to test regular-length model, but note that reduced length comes mainly at the expense of rear-seat leg room and cargo room.

Cargo Room

FWD 2LT	Class Average
10	9.9

Second-row buckets are light enough for easy removal, but don't stow in floor. Instead, all rear seats fold level with a 4-inch-high rear cargo tray to make a mostly flat floor. Available cargo organizer helps keep small stuff in place, but GM's minivans have less storage space behind the 3rd-row seat than rivals with a hideaway-seat well.

Value within Class

FWD 2LT	Class Average
5	6.3

Though available 2nd-row side airbags are welcome, Uplander and the GM minivans that share its basic design--the Buick Terraza, Pontiac SV6, and Saturn Relay--still lag Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota rivals in many key areas. But fair prices and a comfortable ride make Uplander and its siblings worth considering if your budget is tight.

Total Score

FWD 2LT	Class Average
57	60.3

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		56
Average Score		60
High Score		71

2006 Chevrolet Uplander Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/01/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

LS regular length 4-door van	$19,250	$18,191	$740

LS extended length 4-door van	$22,750	$21,271	$740

FWD 1LT extended length 4-door van	$26,250	$24,544	$740

FWD 2LT extended length 4-door van	$28,250	$26,414	$740

FWD 3LT extended length 4-door van	$30,250	$28,284	$740

AWD LT extended length 4-door van	$33,250	$31,089	$740

Price note: FWD denotes front-wheel drive. AWD denotes all-wheel drive.

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

LS regular length

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, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

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

LS extended length adds to LS regular length:

Powertrain

Traction control.

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

DVD entertainment system.

FWD 1LT adds to LS extended length:

Safety

Front side airbags, integrated child seat.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear air conditioning and heater w/rear controls, cruise control, 6-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, power rear-quarter windows, remote keyless entry, power sliding passenger-side door, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass, roof rails, alloy wheels.

FWD 2LT adds to FWD 1LT:

Safety

2nd-row side airbags, rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 2nd-row captain chairs, power sliding driver-side door, 2nd-row fold-away tray.

FWD 3LT adds to FWD 2LT:

Comfort and Convenience Features

PhatNoise mobile digital-media player, universal garage door opener, removable overhead storage console, cargo organizer.

AWD LT adds to FWD 3LT:

Powertrain

All-wheel drive.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: traction control, antiskid system, integrated child seat.

Air-inflator kit, load-leveling suspension.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Safe and Secure Pkg.
2LT, 3LT	$260	$216
Air-inflator kit, load-leveling suspension.

Climate Pkg.
LS	$580	$481
Heated power mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, rear privacy glass.

Convenience Pkg.
1LT, 2LT, 3LT	$920	$764
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power sliding driver-side door, additional auxiliary power outlet.

Security Pkg.
1LT, 2LT, 3LT	$345	$286
Universal garage door opener, additional power outlet, alarm.

Premium Seating Pkg.
2LT, 3LT, AWD LT	$1,350	$1,121
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat. FWD LT requires 2LT Option Pkg. or 3LT Option Pkg.

Storage and Organizer Pkg.
2LT	$385	$320
Removable overhead storage consoles, 2nd-row center console, first aid kit, cargo organizer.

Trailering Provisions Pkg.
2LT, 3LT, AWD LT	$175	$145
Includes heavy-duty cooling, wiring harness. FWD LT requires Safe and Secure Pkg.

Safety
Front side airbags
LS	$350	$291


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2LT	$1,995	$1,656


Rear air conditioning
LS extended	$475	$394
Includes rear heater, rear controls.

Remote engine start
LT	$190	$158


Remote keyless entry
LS	$175	$145
Requires cruise control.

Two additional wireless headphones
AWD LT, FWD 1LT, FWD 2LT, FWD 3LT, LS extended length	$75	$62
LS requires deluxe entertainment system. NA LS regular length.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
2LT	$295	$245


Satellite radio
AWD LT, FWD 1LT	$325	$270
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month. NA LS.

Cruise control
LS	$250	$208
Requires remote keyless entry.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear bumper pad
AWD LT	$45	$37


Rear spoiler
1LT	$250	$208


Engine-block heater
AWD LT, FWD 1LT, FWD 2LT, FWD 3LT, LS extended length, LS regular length	$50	$42

2006 Chevrolet Uplander Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Uplander 4-door van	Chevrolet Uplander (extended) 4-door van

Wheelbase, in.	113.0	121.1

Overall Length, in.	191.0	204.0

Overall Width, in.	72.0	72.0

Overall Height, in.	72.0	72.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3813	3838

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	120.1	136.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0	25.0

Seating Capacity	7	7

Front Head Room, in.	39.8	39.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	39.9	39.9

Rear Head Room, in.	38.9	38.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.5	38.9

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

Engines

	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /213

Horsepower @ rpm.	201 @ 5200

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

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	18/25

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	Chevrolet Uplander (extended) 4-door van

Front Impact, Driver	5	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5	5

Rollover Resistance	3	3

Side Impact, Driver	4	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5	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, Cobalt and Uplander only.

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

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

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

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Chevrolet Uplander Road Test

Chevrolet Uplander Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Uplander Specs & Safety

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