2005 Chevy Uplander

jwrebholz · 07-12-2005, 01:47 PM

GMI Reviews: 2005 Chevy Uplander LT AWD
by jwrebholz
7/12/05

Normally, minivans aren't my thing. I got a couple strange looks from the dealer when I asked to test-drive a Chevy Uplander. Still, remarkably, they let me take one out and examine it thoroughly. (For reference I also took a Dodge Grand Caravan earlier in the day). So how does it stack up?

The Uplander's exterior is an attempt to break from the cookie-cutter minivan mold. You know what? Still looks like a minivan to me. The nose of the van looks like a cross between a Dodge Magnum and one of those idiotic Internet smiley-faces, a failed (in my opinion) attempt at being both bold and inoffensive. Other than the nose, the styling is simple and inoffensive--you can't do too much with a box on wheels after all. The only really positive thing I can say about the exterior is that it no longer looks like a giant Dustbuster. (For the record, the Caravan's styling doesn't win any points with me either, as it just looks like a giant jellybean, the same as it's been for more than 10 years)

Interior-wise, the Uplander is quite comfortable. I was in a fully-loaded LT, which had tan leather all around, along with twin mid-row captains chairs and a rear bench. While I wasn't allowed to, the salesmen told me the seats could be 'easily removed" for cargo carrying duty. While I'm sure someone like The Rock could "easily" manhandle a 70-lb or better bench seat out of that van, it wasn't likely I'd be able to do it without help. Then of course there's the matter of where do I put the thing when it's out of the van? Conversely, I was extremely impressed with the Stow 'n' Go seats on the Caravan. I was able to stow both rear captains chairs and the rear bench, with no help or instruction from the sales staff, in about two minutes. As for materials, both vans were about the same in overall quality and fit, with a slight edge going to GM for having a more appealing interior design. The Dodge by comparison was pretty bland. Both vans offered a multitude of other convenience items, like power sliding doors and rear-seat entertainment, but only the GM had a factory remote starter, a godsend in the Northeast where you get both extreme heat and humidity in the summer and bitter cold in the winter. Big up To Chevy for offering this as a factory option.

Where the Chevy beats the Dodge is in the powertrain. My LT was equipped with the 3.5L OHV V6 making 200 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, and mated to a 4-speed automatic with overdrive (as are all of GM's CSVs). The Dodge SXT I tested had a 3.8L V6 making 215HP and 245 lb-ft of torque, also mated to a 4-speed auto with overdrive. While the engine and trans alone isn't really that remarkable in this class, the addition of GM's Versatrak AWD setup IS. At one point, DCX offered AWD on its minivans, but has since discontinued it. To my knowledge, no other manufacturer I can think of offers AWD on a minivan, and this is a trump card GM should be playing up more. I didn't really have a chance to test the Versatrak system, as the roads were dry and clear the day I went out, but I've handled AWD GMs in the past and found the system to work quite well. Acceleration in the Uplander was adequate, but nothing special--about what you'd expect from a minivan. The Dodge didn't feel any faster, and both took their time getting up to speed. Really, if you're looking for performance, a minivan is probably not for you.
Cornering on the Uplander is about what you'd expect from a minivan. These vans are by nature a little top-heavy, and emergency maneuvers could get a bit harrowing. It's not unsafe, but it's not a sportscar either. I can't really detract anything from the Uplander because of this, as the Dodge exhibited the same tendencies in about the same degrees as far as I could tell. Just the nature of the beast, I suppose.

Fuel economy for the Uplander AWD is...not good. EPA estimates put the AWD Uplander at 17 city and 23 highway. (2WD versions are at 18/24). The Dodge however isn't much better at 18/25 (with 3.8L engine). Vans by nature are not terribly fuel-efficient (what with being shaped like bricks and weighing considerably more than regular cars) so this is to be somewhat expected. The fact that both of these vans tip the scales at well over two tons is testament to that. (The Caravan, according to their website, is 4,252 lbs. The Chevy is 4,646 lbs, considerably heavier)

So what's the verdict? I'd have to say it's a definite maybe. I find it hard to get passionate about a minivan--who could get passionate about a vehicle that's deliberately designed to be bland, really? Each van has things the other doesn't, each one has its pros and cons. The Dodge has Stow'n'Go seats, the Chevy has a remote starter. The Dodge has more power, the Chevy has AWD. I guess it all boils down to which features you want more out of your van. I don't see a clear winner here.

...Of course, I haven't even touched on the foreign competition. If I did I'd be here all day, and I haven't got that kind of patience.

Arizona Slim · 07-12-2005, 02:00 PM

Thanks, that's a nice write-up. FYI, the Toyota Sienna also offers AWD.

gacSTclass · 07-12-2005, 02:45 PM

I like the SV6 more, and maybe the Terraza if they would chrome the grille.

But I've driven one and they are pretty nice people haulers. So much nicer than the old minivans.

Quote:

I got a couple strange looks from the dealer when I asked to test-drive a Chevy Uplander.

I am so pizzed at these sales guys who just want to pawn off some surplus lot stock on you, rather than try to get you into what you want.

jwrebholz · 07-12-2005, 02:51 PM

Slim: Thanks for the correction.

IAMCANADIAN · 07-12-2005, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gacSTclass

I like the SV6 more, and maybe the Terraza if they would chrome the grille.

Yah the SV6 looks nice, many people who see it think it's an SUV, my mom who isn't a van person fell in love with the Buick Terraza.

If I had to buy a minivan, I'd pick the CSV's, not cuz they are GM, but because they look better than a typical minivan, plus I sat inside a dodge caravan and just as I was climbing inside, i bumped my head, i checked the height adjustment and it was at the bottom lol, not good for tall people like me.

goochman · 07-12-2005, 04:03 PM

Ok,

My take on the CSV's - Interior has some nice tidbits, exterior is so-so. I ahve alot of friends in the baby->8 year old range who are looking at minivans and these are the things they are interested in that the CSV's dont have:

Fold flat seats - CSV rear seats dont (unless you get the cargo box which eats up 5 inches) - Middle seats are NOT easy to fold or get out

Roll down middle windows - Minivans are dark in the back - didnt realize it until a friend with a previous generation Odyssey pointed it out

Power Rear Liftgate - People like this feature alot

Sunroof - Want to make Mom happier that she is driving the minivan vs the BMW wagon

Gas Mileage - Very disappointing

EDIT->Side Head Curtain Airbags - SAFETY SELLS, this alone will disqualify the CSV from alot of shopping lists - forget what the 5 stars are, side curtain airbags make things even safer, and minivan shoppers arent looking for Z06 weight reduction issues with regard to performance...........

That is my list of things GM missed REALLY BAD - things most shoppers look for. No one I know mentioned 'Remote Starting' as something they want.

NIck picky things I found missing:

Seat Memory
Lumbar Support
Navigation System
Command Lighting where driver can control individual seat lights (That is so nice on the Odyssey - previous generation........)
Dual Zone Climate system (Buick has it not Chevy - lame)

Things GM got right:
Interior does look nice
AWD

IAMCANADIAN · 07-12-2005, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goochman

Ok,

My take on the CSV's - Interior has some nice tidbits, exterior is so-so. I ahve alot of friends in the baby->8 year old range who are looking at minivans and these are the things they are interested in that the CSV's dont have:

Fold flat seats - CSV rear seats dont (unless you get the cargo box which eats up 5 inches) - Middle seats are NOT easy to fold or get out

Roll down middle windows - Minivans are dark in the back - didnt realize it until a friend with a previous generation Odyssey pointed it out

Power Rear Liftgate - People like this feature alot

Sunroof - Want to make Mom happier that she is driving the minivan vs the BMW wagon

Gas Mileage - Very disappointing

That is my list of things GM missed REALLY BAD - things most shoppers look for. No one I know mentioned 'Remote Starting' as something they want.

NIck picky things I found missing:

Seat Memory
Lumbar Support
Navigation System
Command Lighting where driver can control individual seat lights (That is so nice on the Odyssey - previous generation........)
Dual Zone Climate system (Buick has it not Chevy - lame)

Things GM got right:
Interior does look nice
AWD

yah, in a way they screwed up, but you have to admit, the seats are better than the last generations seats, but they need go back to the drawing board and fix those things that they missed out on

jwrebholz · 07-12-2005, 04:15 PM

Personally, if it was me, and I needed something to haul around my 2.3 kids and their stuff, I probably wouldn't get a minivan at all. I'd find something smaller that suited my needs--a midsize sedan or wagon, like the Malibu.

goochman · 07-12-2005, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwrebholz

Personally, if it was me, and I needed something to haul around my 2.3 kids and their stuff, I probably wouldn't get a minivan at all. I'd find something smaller that suited my needs--a midsize sedan or wagon, like the Malibu.

Add 2 dogs to that equation

We got the Tahoe wehn #2 came around - hauling dogs and luggage and baby stuff was too much for anything small - Didnt want the Minivan tag back then

Arizona Slim · 07-12-2005, 04:24 PM

I rode in a Pontiac SV6 not long ago. I took my truck in for service and the dealer shuttle was the SV6. I was really impressed with the interior. It was reasonably stylish and very well put together. But like some others mentioned, there are some obvious shortcomings. Like with a lot of GM products right now they are making huge strides, but are still not world class.

IAMCANADIAN · 07-12-2005, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goochman

Add 2 dogs to that equation

We got the Tahoe wehn #2 came around - hauling dogs and luggage and baby stuff was too much for anything small - Didnt want the Minivan tag back then

yah i agree, the tahoe may be a gas guzzler well it's better than most SUV's, anyway, it's perfect for families, we had one as a rental, the thing has a tight turning radius for parking, its even better than a nissan maxima's lol, plus it's roomy, reliable, bulletproof and actually quite nice to drive, it feels secure in turns with very little body lean in turns

yoblues · 07-13-2005, 04:00 PM

All this vehicle really needs is the 3.9 and the fold flat seating.

paul8488 · 07-13-2005, 04:10 PM

You yanks should see the SWB SV6 and Venture... I think they look quite good. They don't have the individual side rear windows (they're the older-versions 'one piece' look type), but I think they look much tidier. A dark SV6 with big shiny alloys and a dark tint looks downright... well... not bad! I wish the SWB came with optional AWD... add a few Aztek-like packages (biking / camping / hiking / knitting / whatever) and Pontiac would have the visually acceptable Sport Recreation Vehicle they always wanted!

goochman · 07-13-2005, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yoblues

All this vehicle really needs is the 3.9 and the fold flat seating.

Rolldown middle windows and side curtain airbags would put GM in the game. AWD and Remote start then look appealing.

yoblues · 07-16-2005, 06:37 PM

I found out they are getting the 3.9 for 06, this will really improve these vehicles.

07-12-2005, 01:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
jwrebholz 4.6 Liter Northstar V8 Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 1,690	2005 Chevy Uplander GMI Reviews: 2005 Chevy Uplander LT AWD by jwrebholz 7/12/05 Normally, minivans aren't my thing. I got a couple strange looks from the dealer when I asked to test-drive a Chevy Uplander. Still, remarkably, they let me take one out and examine it thoroughly. (For reference I also took a Dodge Grand Caravan earlier in the day). So how does it stack up? The Uplander's exterior is an attempt to break from the cookie-cutter minivan mold. You know what? Still looks like a minivan to me. The nose of the van looks like a cross between a Dodge Magnum and one of those idiotic Internet smiley-faces, a failed (in my opinion) attempt at being both bold and inoffensive. Other than the nose, the styling is simple and inoffensive--you can't do too much with a box on wheels after all. The only really positive thing I can say about the exterior is that it no longer looks like a giant Dustbuster. (For the record, the Caravan's styling doesn't win any points with me either, as it just looks like a giant jellybean, the same as it's been for more than 10 years) Interior-wise, the Uplander is quite comfortable. I was in a fully-loaded LT, which had tan leather all around, along with twin mid-row captains chairs and a rear bench. While I wasn't allowed to, the salesmen told me the seats could be 'easily removed" for cargo carrying duty. While I'm sure someone like The Rock could "easily" manhandle a 70-lb or better bench seat out of that van, it wasn't likely I'd be able to do it without help. Then of course there's the matter of where do I put the thing when it's out of the van? Conversely, I was extremely impressed with the Stow 'n' Go seats on the Caravan. I was able to stow both rear captains chairs and the rear bench, with no help or instruction from the sales staff, in about two minutes. As for materials, both vans were about the same in overall quality and fit, with a slight edge going to GM for having a more appealing interior design. The Dodge by comparison was pretty bland. Both vans offered a multitude of other convenience items, like power sliding doors and rear-seat entertainment, but only the GM had a factory remote starter, a godsend in the Northeast where you get both extreme heat and humidity in the summer and bitter cold in the winter. Big up To Chevy for offering this as a factory option. Where the Chevy beats the Dodge is in the powertrain. My LT was equipped with the 3.5L OHV V6 making 200 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, and mated to a 4-speed automatic with overdrive (as are all of GM's CSVs). The Dodge SXT I tested had a 3.8L V6 making 215HP and 245 lb-ft of torque, also mated to a 4-speed auto with overdrive. While the engine and trans alone isn't really that remarkable in this class, the addition of GM's Versatrak AWD setup IS. At one point, DCX offered AWD on its minivans, but has since discontinued it. To my knowledge, no other manufacturer I can think of offers AWD on a minivan, and this is a trump card GM should be playing up more. I didn't really have a chance to test the Versatrak system, as the roads were dry and clear the day I went out, but I've handled AWD GMs in the past and found the system to work quite well. Acceleration in the Uplander was adequate, but nothing special--about what you'd expect from a minivan. The Dodge didn't feel any faster, and both took their time getting up to speed. Really, if you're looking for performance, a minivan is probably not for you. Cornering on the Uplander is about what you'd expect from a minivan. These vans are by nature a little top-heavy, and emergency maneuvers could get a bit harrowing. It's not unsafe, but it's not a sportscar either. I can't really detract anything from the Uplander because of this, as the Dodge exhibited the same tendencies in about the same degrees as far as I could tell. Just the nature of the beast, I suppose. Fuel economy for the Uplander AWD is...not good. EPA estimates put the AWD Uplander at 17 city and 23 highway. (2WD versions are at 18/24). The Dodge however isn't much better at 18/25 (with 3.8L engine). Vans by nature are not terribly fuel-efficient (what with being shaped like bricks and weighing considerably more than regular cars) so this is to be somewhat expected. The fact that both of these vans tip the scales at well over two tons is testament to that. (The Caravan, according to their website, is 4,252 lbs. The Chevy is 4,646 lbs, considerably heavier) So what's the verdict? I'd have to say it's a definite maybe. I find it hard to get passionate about a minivan--who could get passionate about a vehicle that's deliberately designed to be bland, really? Each van has things the other doesn't, each one has its pros and cons. The Dodge has Stow'n'Go seats, the Chevy has a remote starter. The Dodge has more power, the Chevy has AWD. I guess it all boils down to which features you want more out of your van. I don't see a clear winner here. ...Of course, I haven't even touched on the foreign competition. If I did I'd be here all day, and I haven't got that kind of patience.

07-12-2005, 02:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
Arizona Slim 4.6 Liter Northstar V8 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The Lonesome Crowded West Drives: 04 GMC Sierra 06 Dodge Magnum Posts: 1,508	Re: 2005 Chevy Uplander Thanks, that's a nice write-up. FYI, the Toyota Sienna also offers AWD.

07-12-2005, 02:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
jwrebholz 4.6 Liter Northstar V8 Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 1,690	Re: 2005 Chevy Uplander Slim: Thanks for the correction.

07-12-2005, 04:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
goochman 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,439	Re: 2005 Chevy Uplander Ok, My take on the CSV's - Interior has some nice tidbits, exterior is so-so. I ahve alot of friends in the baby->8 year old range who are looking at minivans and these are the things they are interested in that the CSV's dont have: Fold flat seats - CSV rear seats dont (unless you get the cargo box which eats up 5 inches) - Middle seats are NOT easy to fold or get out Roll down middle windows - Minivans are dark in the back - didnt realize it until a friend with a previous generation Odyssey pointed it out Power Rear Liftgate - People like this feature alot Sunroof - Want to make Mom happier that she is driving the minivan vs the BMW wagon Gas Mileage - Very disappointing EDIT->Side Head Curtain Airbags - SAFETY SELLS, this alone will disqualify the CSV from alot of shopping lists - forget what the 5 stars are, side curtain airbags make things even safer, and minivan shoppers arent looking for Z06 weight reduction issues with regard to performance........... That is my list of things GM missed REALLY BAD - things most shoppers look for. No one I know mentioned 'Remote Starting' as something they want. NIck picky things I found missing: Seat Memory Lumbar Support Navigation System Command Lighting where driver can control individual seat lights (That is so nice on the Odyssey - previous generation........) Dual Zone Climate system (Buick has it not Chevy - lame) Things GM got right: Interior does look nice AWD __________________ ------------ Goochman 2002 Pontiac Bonneville 2008 Buick Enclave CXL 2009 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited Last edited by goochman : 07-12-2005 at 04:09 PM.

07-12-2005, 04:15 PM	#8 (permalink)
jwrebholz 4.6 Liter Northstar V8 Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 1,690	Re: 2005 Chevy Uplander Personally, if it was me, and I needed something to haul around my 2.3 kids and their stuff, I probably wouldn't get a minivan at all. I'd find something smaller that suited my needs--a midsize sedan or wagon, like the Malibu.

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07-12-2005, 04:24 PM	#10 (permalink)
Arizona Slim 4.6 Liter Northstar V8 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The Lonesome Crowded West Drives: 04 GMC Sierra 06 Dodge Magnum Posts: 1,508	Re: 2005 Chevy Uplander I rode in a Pontiac SV6 not long ago. I took my truck in for service and the dealer shuttle was the SV6. I was really impressed with the interior. It was reasonably stylish and very well put together. But like some others mentioned, there are some obvious shortcomings. Like with a lot of GM products right now they are making huge strides, but are still not world class.

07-13-2005, 04:00 PM	#12 (permalink)
yoblues 6.2 Liter LS3 V8 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,387	Re: 2005 Chevy Uplander All this vehicle really needs is the 3.9 and the fold flat seating.

07-13-2005, 04:10 PM	#13 (permalink)
paul8488 Firebird Concept (the turbine one) Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: France Drives: 2006 Yamaha YBR 125 1990 Citroën Ax Posts: 14,550	Re: 2005 Chevy Uplander You yanks should see the SWB SV6 and Venture... I think they look quite good. They don't have the individual side rear windows (they're the older-versions 'one piece' look type), but I think they look much tidier. A dark SV6 with big shiny alloys and a dark tint looks downright... well... not bad! I wish the SWB came with optional AWD... add a few Aztek-like packages (biking / camping / hiking / knitting / whatever) and Pontiac would have the visually acceptable Sport Recreation Vehicle they always wanted! __________________ *It's been swell, but the swelling's gone down.*

07-16-2005, 06:37 PM	#15 (permalink)
yoblues 6.2 Liter LS3 V8 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,387	Re: 2005 Chevy Uplander I found out they are getting the 3.9 for 06, this will really improve these vehicles.

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