2008 Chevy Uplander Review
2008 Chevy Uplander Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Smooth ride, plenty of storage compartments.
Cons
- Side airbags don't cover all three rows, poor IIHS side-impact crash test score, not as enjoyable to drive as class leaders.
What’s new
The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander gains additional standard features in the form of stability control, traction control and satellite radio. Trim levels are streamlined, as there is now a single version of the LT trim.
Edmunds says
Although it features a slick interior and distinctive styling, the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander doesn't have the top-notch safety ratings, on-road finesse or in-cabin conveniences of the top minivans.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$238/mo for Uplander LS
Uplander LS
vs
$188/mo
Avg. Compact Minivan
Vehicle overview
Minivans don't typically enjoy a "cool" image. Functional? Certainly. But they're not something your teenager is going to want to drive to the prom. Chevrolet attempted to address this image problem a few years back by rolling out the Uplander, a replacement for the Chevy Venture. Although the Uplander resembles a minivan, it ditches the normal, snub-nosed minivan style for a more prominent front end. Also, the van's side windows are separate and lack the single large window look typical of most minivans. Chevrolet hopes these styling details make the Uplander look more like an SUV and therefore more appealing to the anti-minivan crowd. But in truth, this "crossover sport van," as Chevy calls it, just strikes us as a minivan with a really bulky front end.
Styling aside, 2008 Chevrolet Uplander still offers many of the features consumers are looking for in a minivan, such as a split-folding third-row seat, folding trays between the front seats, plenty of storage compartments and available rear park assist, DVD entertainment and navigation systems. In addition, the Uplander's 240-horsepower V6 provides respectable performance.
Unfortunately for Chevrolet, merely decent doesn't cut it anymore. The Uplander falls short of just about every other minivan out there in key areas. Its driving dynamics are not as polished, its crash test scores aren't as high and a few features, such as a rear backup camera and third-row side curtain airbags, are not available. However, it's likely one could get an Uplander for at least a few thousand dollars less than the comparably equipped class leaders. Still, more demanding buyers who don't mind spending the extra bucks will be happier with rivals like the Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona and Toyota Sienna. Even GM's own Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia crossovers are better choices and are more SUV-like than the Uplander will ever be.
Performance & mpg
Powering all Uplanders is an E85-capable 3.9-liter V6 with 240 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy estimates for 2008 stand at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes, stability control and traction control are standard on all Uplanders. Side airbags for the front passengers are optional on LS models and standard on the LT. Second-row side airbags are optional on LT models only. As with the front side bags, the optional rears protect both the heads and torsos of outboard passengers. Although these modified side airbags do much the same job as the side curtain airbags offered on rival minivans, the Uplander doesn't provide any airbag coverage for passengers seated in the third row.
In government crash tests, the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander received a five-star rating (best possible) for protection of front occupants in frontal crashes. For side-impact crashes, the Uplander earned four stars for protection of front occupants and five stars for the rear occupants. During Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the Uplander scored a rating of "Good" (the highest of four) in frontal offset testing. In that agency's side-impact test, however, the Uplander received an "Acceptable" (second highest) rating with the optional rear airbags and a "Poor" rating (the worst) without those airbags.
Driving
Chevrolet has tuned the Uplander's suspension to provide a smooth ride and a moderate level of dynamic handling ability. Upgrading to the optional sport/load-leveling suspension provides more responsive handling, though maneuverability in tight spaces is still compromised by the van's large 41-foot turning radius. Braking capability is average. The V6 provides adequate power and the engine is reasonably smooth, although its powertrain lacks the finesse of rivals from Honda, Dodge and even Kia.
Interior
The 2008 Chevy Uplander seats seven and its fold-flat third-row seat offers a 50/50 split. Base LS Uplanders have removable modular seats in the second row, although removing and installing them isn't exactly easy. The LT has fixed captain's chairs. The main advantage to the extended-wheelbase model is its additional legroom for second- and third-row passengers and a larger cargo area. All Uplanders have a two-tone color scheme with faux metal accents that dramatically brighten the cabin's atmosphere. Folding center trays (with cupholders) between the first- and second-row seats are available. An optional remote vehicle start system makes it easy to warm up the Uplander on cold mornings.
2008 Chevrolet Uplander models
The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander is available in two versions: regular and long-wheelbase. A stripped-down Cargo version of the Uplander is also available. Regular-wheelbase models come in LS trim only, while the extended versions are available in LS or upscale LT trim. The LS offers 17-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, OnStar communications system and a CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary input jack. The LT trim adds alloy wheels, a passenger-side power-sliding door, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a power driver seat, dual-zone climate control, an overhead console, a trip computer and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
Noteworthy options include dual power-sliding side doors, rear parking assist, remote engine start, a navigation system, leather seating, heated front seats and a 115-volt power outlet. A Sit-N-Lift power second-row seat is available on the Uplander LT to help those with limited mobility; it rotates, extends out of the vehicle and lowers for easy exit and includes a slide-out footrest.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#6 out of 14 among Minivans
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Uplander from 2008-2022.$466/yr
vs. $549/yr
for Average Minivan
for Average Minivan
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.19x/yr
vs. 1.47x/yr
for Average Minivan
for Average Minivan
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).13.9%
vs. 12.5%
for Average Minivan
for Average Minivan
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Chevrolet Uplander.
5 star(38%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(22%)
1 star(6%)
32 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
So far so good!
59_cadie, 01/01/2014
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
Bought used with 133000+ miles. 23+miles to a gallon @ 70 mph. Heater could be better but still keeps us warm in -0 temps.
We got it for $6500.00 tax, title, ins, & travel expenses to pick it up.
We are very happy with it.
January 03, 2018 still running great 163000+. New tires summer of 2016. I installed Lt. & Rt. front wheel hub assemblies May 2017, Because the Lt. wheel bearing was … noisy. This is a great vehicle.
July 06, 2018 still running great 165900+ just added a towing hitch in May. I pull an 800 pound utility trailer with a riding mower and push mower. pulls well and still get over 15 MPG.
4.13 out of 5 stars
New Owner Experience
timrlarson, 05/08/2009
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
After reading all the horror stories about this vehicle and its brothers I bought one anyway because I love the body style and the ease of entry for passengers, and I was able to talk the dealer into $500 for an additional 4 year 48,000mi bumper to bumper warranty. I will be back to report on my ownership experiences as they occur, but I want to start by saying I have just driven about … 600 miles from Portland to Sacramento and averaged 24.7mpg @65mph average with about 200# passenger. The driving was a breeze and the support of the drivers seat was excellent. No tired back or legs, arrived fresh and happy. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
2.13 out of 5 stars
Don't buy the Uplander
Lee, 11/18/2010
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
I bought this vehicle for my wife as she needed a large more reliable vehicle for the family. We have had nothing but problems with this 2008 Uplander. The worst thing is it's not reliable. Charging System Failure continue to be a problem. Some days the vehicle will be just fine, and then other days the vehicle won't start. A dealership has replaced the alternator twice, and again … we are still having the same issue. Charging System Failure and the vehicle won't start. When you have a family with young kids nothing is more important then reliability. What is so frustrating is if you google problems with 2008 Uplanders you will get several customers with my exact same story. :(
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great so far!!!
greggrawe, 08/18/2011
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
We bought this van with 4,000 miles on it and 3 months old, it was a "Dealer Demo" and it had a sticker price of almost $30,000 and we paid $18,300 so we got a great deal on it! We now have 53,000 miles on it and had it for 3 years now, it drives like a champ! Never had a problem!! We did buy the extended warranty on it so we don't have to worry about repairs! In town we average about 19 … - 21 mpg, and Highway we average anywhere from 27-30 and I think is great for this size. Better then our Lincoln Aviator that gets 9 mpg
2008 Uplander Highlights
LS Fleet
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,540 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $238/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Uplander include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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