Used 2005 Chevrolet Uplander Minivan Consumer Reviews
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3rd update.
We have had our 2005 Uplander for a year and a half now. Its been an ok van, but a couple problems have shown up..some small, others large. We had a problem with the transmission last year banging into gear when leaving a stop, we took it to the mechanic and they fixed a sensor that seemed to be the problem. The banging went away for a year then recently came back, so back to the mechanic we went, they cleaned out the sensor again and the problem went away...but this time for only a week, then back to slamming into gear. we took it to a transmission shop this time and they found metal flakes all through the trans, so its shot. we are having to get it rebuilt...review continues.....
2005, and only the strong survive.
My 2005 Chev uplander has 180k, still runs Great, only ever have done regular maintainence and replacement stuff(rotors,pads,tires). Terrific.
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- Base Passenger MinivanMSRP: $5,88877 mi away
- LS Passenger MinivanMSRP: $6,800312 mi away
- LS Passenger MinivanMSRP: $1,800383 mi away
Cool mommie van!
I bought this 2005 van used when it was about 3 yrs old with less than 50,000 miles. It is now 5 yrs later and I absolutely love this van! It doesn't look like a mommie van, something like a van/suburban look. I've only had to have regular maintenance repairs done-shocks, brakes, tires, etc. I only recently had to have the oil pan replaced; which is expensive because the whole engine has to be dropped. Handling is great, separate A/C controls for front and back, jacks for electronics and built in car seat for little ones. The acceleration is awesome, I didn't have to turn off the A/C to pass someone on highway. The gas mileage is also good. We have taken it on several longs trips-Black Hills, California, Idaho and Kansas. Kids loved the DVD player to pass the time [So nice not hearing "are we there yet?" the whole trip]. Never gave us a bit of trouble! My only complaints - other than the engine being squeezed in - are the seats are cheap and cracking.
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100K and still going
Just passed 100K in Dec. '09. Had a bad ABS sensor this last year and the goofy cup holder under the stereo console has been broken almost since the initial warranty ended. Sometimes you have to touch the starter several times to start it but my wife and I have heard the same sound as others attempted to start their GM cars when we walked by. For a low end auto we have been absolutely pleased. This was our first new car in 15 years of marriage and as we traveled from SC to FL to IL to AZ to CA we have been very glad the majority of problems have been as expected ( brakes, tires, etc. ).
Door Frustration
I loved this van when we purchased it. We had two kids and were expecting another so we needed a bigger vehicle. Now we have had it in the shop 6 times for the passenger sliding door not closing, door alarms going off while driving with the doors shut, and the horn starts blowing for no reason when it is just sitting in the parking lot til either the fuse or the horn itself shorts. I'm dealing with GM now cause the dealership wants to charge me $400 just to do diagnostics on a known problem with this model van. Hopefully they can help.
Endurator
I bought my Uplander minivan 11 years ago with 12K miles on it. It currently has 344,000 miles. The maintenance cost was ridiculously low over the years. Rebuilt transmission first time at 333,000 miles because of a bearing noise. When transmission was opened technicians at Aamco were amazed by the little wear many internal parts showed after such mileage. The engine, as mentioned, has now 344,000 miles and it has developed a noise on its top end in the last 500 miles. No smoke no nothing, pulls very strong and has good fuel mileage but just that noise on its head. May be it is time to put some money and get it ready for more. The car is worth very little, and I have other newer vehicles but I am curious to see what this little Chevy has to show. I have had very little issues over the years but it seemed to get more and more reliable over time. I do long distance travel, almost on a weekly basis (600 miles a shot), and feel very safe on it. Maintenance and a good initial quality are key.
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Nice spin on a Minivan
I love this van! I know it isn't fooling anyone by looking SUVish in the front, but it is enough to convert this Mom. I swore I would never buy a minivan but I couldn't resist it! It is loaded with comfort! The DVD is priceless (spring for the wireless headsets). It rides GREAT and handles solid. Visibility is WONDERFUL! The interior is very spacious. I can easily manuever in the rear area. Like most GM cars, the driver seat has a lot of lumbar for me at 5'3. I wish it was adjustable but the seat adjusts so much that it hasn't been a big issue. The sliding passenger door and rear liftgate are hard to close sometimes (the gauge has an area that will digitally tell you when they aren't.)
Fantastic vehicle..
This car made me a believer of GM. bought it used with 15k in the odometer. I've owned several German cars still, own one. i would pick this van over any BMW's I have owned for long trips, this van is our family vehicle. this car is just amazing.. never once let me down. has about 195k miles on it. I live in Utah drove it several times to Texas, California, Atlanta. once drove all night and all day, no issues, no problems, drives like a luxury car .. shifts great.. sad they don't make them anymore.. I am never trading this in.. so there you have it..
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Good value
We bought the Uplander as a certified used with 32K on it. So far it has been a great van. The ride and handling is good very car like. MPG is at just over or less than 21mpg in everyday driving. Plenty of room for a family of 5, the seats are comfortable, plenty of power with the V6. The kids love the DVD player. Interior has some cheaper components and is a little loud at interstate speeds, and the duel sliding doors are a bit noisy but hey I can't afford a new Honda or Toyota. I also refuse to pay what used Honda and Toyota vans are selling for. The last GM van I owned had 142k with nothing but routine maintenance (99 Montana) before a deer wrecked it I expect no less of this van.
Not had long
I actually have 2 2005 Uplanders My LS has 209,000 on it I have been driving it over 2 years now I really love that van and not sure I could part with it Just bought an LT Uplander about a month ago It has 113.000 on it It does not run as quiet as the one with more miles First thing we had to have a pressure sensor put in the transmission and a new muffler Still need front rotors and brakes on it too I really love the one with all the miles I sure hope the one we just bought does as well
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100,000MI and no issues.
Bought this vehicle at an auction, no problems what so ever. Starts in any weather without issue. The vehicle is mainly highway driven, do notice however when driving at night the lights flicker but it does not affect the performance of the vehicle in any way. The van is easy to maintenance, Also has good power for towing for the 3.5L engine size. Seats are comfortable - At least the ones with armrests which they should have mandatory in all vehicles. I feel that the van will go into the 200,000 MI range from what I have been hearing from others.
Uplander - Would Never Choose Again
I bought a 2005 Uplander new, it has been back 15 times in 4 years. Automatic Door being main problem, 10 times, they can't find anything wrong!!! Airbag problems, seat belt problems. Extremely frustrating and unsafe. Front Rotors replaced twice in 12 mths, common problem. Seats stain with water spillage. Hate this car and would never buy another Chevy again. Now working with GM to find solution for this piece of junk.
Overall nice vehicle
We love the exterior look of the van and the interior is attractive also. The only major downfall we have found so far is the back seats sit so high that you have a very obstructed view when backing up. As far as handling and perfomance, we are happy and we are a family that always had sports cars and this is our first family vehicle.
Decent Vehicle
We purchased the van 5 years ago new. We have had problems with the auto sliding door, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. You can disable this feature though and use it manually. The vehicle has been extremely reliable though. We have never had any major problems with it. We have replaced the tires and brakes, but then again, we have owned the car for 5 years. The kids have enjoyed the DVD player and we have gone on long trips in it with no problem. I do wish that the second row seats had arm rests to make the ride more comfortable. The material on the seats could be a little nicer as well for the price I paid. Other than that, no real interior room complaints.
Poor Minivan choice
05 Venture 106,000 miles. I've owned minivans for the last 14 years and this is by far the worst in many aspects. I start with the poor suspension design. It requires lots of maintenance, constantly replacing sway bar components, ball joints, shocks, rear spring actually broke during driving. And it still doesn't drive as comfortable or responsive as my 2003 Chrysler town and country. The transmission is always in need of attention. Work done to trans as follows. Servo bores, solenoid, fluid, filter,magnet in pan, you name it, its been done. Engine is poorly designed. Spark plug wires arc of engine due to, who knows, dealer doesn't. Bad ground, poor design. Causes lack of power when you really need it. Merging on freeway etc. The interior is falling apart. Door handle cover constantly pops off. It is the glove box now. Door closes and it rattles everything inside the door. Ceiling vents fall on passengers heads as we hit any kind of bumbThe interior rattles from many different sources. Dash is cracked. Leather vinyl seats rub on lower seat trim cover and makes all kinds of funny noices. The rear park sensors stopped working years ago. Key fobs are glitchy for lock and unlock. If the MAF sensor or IAC isn't in tip top shape car won't start. Won't throw an engine code either, so if your not aware of this problem. Get ready to start throwing money and parts at it. Too bad because I replaced my 2004 Chevy venture after it was totaled with 180,000. I drive to Disney world every year and for the past 4 years I haven't trusted this thing and take my 03 Chrysler Van that has about 150,000 over this thing. It rides way better as well. Just not as good looking in my opinion.
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My unpleasent experience
I bought this with the hopes for a nice comfertable car that was suposed to be an upgrade from the standerd Venture. What a disapointment.
Worst Vehicle I've Ever Owned
Having driven Chevys my entire life, its safe to say Ill never own another after this experience. Im convinced that anyone who has anything positive to say regarding this vehicle must be a representative of GM. I have countless small complaints (doors not working properly, door panel coming off, dvd not working etc) but Ill stick with the major issues. At 40,000, the engine blew because the timing belt sprocket came off the crank shaft - $6000. Last week the driveshaft literally fell out of the transmission - $1100. These problems are unheard of for a vehicle with less than 50,000 miles. Mind you, this vehicle is used primarily by my wife for trips to the grocery store, not offroading.
So not satisfied, wish I can trade it in
The van is very uncomfortable to ride in and also drive in. Seats are not made for anyone overweight, no excessive weight. The car is only a year and a half old and has been recalled twice. The gas pedal is so small that our feet always slip off. Should have made it a little wider than it is. I have owned a Chevy before and never had any problems, until now. I know I would never buy another Chevy again.
The more I drive the more I like
I've always had performance cars, for their functional Gadgets/Power/Handling. My last car was a Loaded Trailblazer LTZ. I needed a new car to transport my aging parents with ease and security. All car makers can make a hot car but it is better to make a car handle and stop well. I chose the Uplander for its Engine/4 Wheel Antilock Disk Brakes/Stabili-Trac/Traction Control/Air Leveling/Sit-n-Lift systems. The SUV-Van concept also is nice. XM Satilite radio/6 CD Changer/Radio Station Info System is nice. Controls are easy for me to command the whole car. The Digital Info Center is a plus too. Auto Liftgate is nice too. Headrests in back are a small problem like extra passenger heads.
Old Blue
With upgraded seats and all electric, it is very comfoprtable. Auto start is great. Power is not good, way to much noise. With upgraded suspension, traction control and stability control, handling is adequate.
Best van out there
This is our first van, and it is great! The exterior is beautiful, and the interior is just as nice! I'm 6'- 4" and I have more than enough room for my head and legs. The controls are well placed and easy to understand. The power is more than sufficient, and the vehicle handles wonderfully! We got ours for $20.900.00 and I'm sure we'll get every penny out of it.
It's not a van; but a SUVan
I enjoy driving this van; it handles good in snow and rain. I love everything about this van!! I love how it gets up and goes when you're trying to get on to the expressway. And it's easy on gas (especially with the prices as high as they are).
Mel Uplander
Went to buy a Suburban and saw this . Had more usable room and priced much lower. So far runs great and handles very good.
Wish for better mileage
Overall I am satisfied with the Uplander. I have had the exterior molding rust (its plastic.. go figure) The miles per gallon was rated at 19/26 and I get no where near that. Definitely a gas guzzler. Very disappointed with the mileage. Comfortable, the heated seats are great for someone with back problems. Husband is diabled and is easy to get in and out of the car for him. The rear seats are hard to put in the upright position. One thing that I would fix is that is nearly impossible to see to the rear passenger side to look for oncoming traffic with the seat in the upright position.
New Uplander- Great New Vehicle!
We purchased this vehicle after having two Astro vans and two Chevy station wagons. This van has all the features anyone could want! We recently took it across country, and got 23 miles per gallon while averaging 85 miles per hour! The van handles like a luxury car! By the way, we compared it to our Aunt's Honda Odyssey and it had more features, better gas mileage and better overall performance for a better price! We highly recommend this vehicle, and suggest people consider it now, as General Motors is having its greatest sale ever!
Worst minivan ever
This is the third GM van I have owned. We have had numerous problems with the power doors failing - either not opening at all, or not staying closed and requiring a manual close. The brakes wear out very frequently, and the front end will not stay in alignment. It has now developed serious electrical problems - short circuits are blowing fuses, and the power door motor wants to stay on continuously. Luckily our lease is up, we are returning the vehicle and will not buy another GM car.
Great Van
A very fun & yet practical ride. We have been enjoying our Up Lander here in the great outdoors of Da UP of Michigan. Lots of power & handles great.
Its an OK van
I wrote a review about a year ago when we first purchased our uplander at 78,000 miles...it now has just under 90,000 and some of my opinions of the van have changed...all in all its a nice van. In the past year we have had to change some sensor by the gas tank which required the mechanics to drop the entire gas tank. we also had to replace the rear brakes because they were down to the metal but the van never even gave us warning that they were so low. then we had to have the exhaust shield fixed because it rattled when we closed the doors. Also the front struts rattle constantly, the transmission acts wierd and doesnt always shift smooth even with new fluid, and now the engine is pinging.
Very disappointed
This is the third Chevrolet minivan we have owned. Unfortunately it has proved very disappointing. The Uplander has had numerous problems. The windsheild seal was bad, power sliding door problems, alternator problems, suspension problems, rotors replaced. There are too many too mention. I have lost confidence in this brand. It looks nice, but the aggravation of all the problems makes it hard to like.
This van is a horrible waste of money
We purchased this vehicle in Feb 2005 for $29,000. We thought it had everything heated seats, power sliding doors, remote start, leather, etc. However the one thing it doesn't have is reliability. In the first 10,000 miles I had to replace the brakes and rotors twice, then the passenger side sliding door is broken, the glass on the passenger window fell into the door, the alternator needs to be replaced, it handles like absolute garbage. I am so upset that I am still making payments on this vehicle as well as making repairs.
Seems good!
We just bought our Uplander today and it has 78,000 miles. We love how great the gas mileage is, averaging almost 19 mpg in a van is amazing!! It drives very smooth, i can feel the shift from 1st gear to second gear but its not bad. The fit and finish is excellent, i was surprized. The seats seem to stain easy. Everything works great in it, the a/c seems kind of under powered but not too bad. It rides very comfortably, its not mushy and not like a buckboard. I am hoping to get 150,000 miles out of it. The only thing that *bothers* me, if you could even call it a bother, is the rattling noises the interior makes, its not bad though. Over all i love it!! im am NOT a chevy fan..but GO CHEVY!!!
Too Many Problems
This van has too many issues. We had to disconnect the electric side doors because the alarm would ding even when the doors were shut. Lights flicker and A/C goes down when you let off the gas pedal. Tires have to be replaced every year to year and 1/2 even with alignment and rotation done. Seats stain badly. Rotors warp frequently. ABS light comes on frequently. Gas sensor does not work properly. It says it is empty every time I fill up and the service engine light comes on until I travel around 100 miles or so and it starts working and the light goes off. Seats and dash are cracking. Radio doesn't work sometimes. I would not buy it again.
wished i could get rid of it!!!
Oh my! So so so many things wrong with it!Before warranty went out the dvd had to be replaced and the speakers not to long after that , ,then the sliding doors motor went out! Then transmission problems.... And brakes... And then my suspension went out on the back trunk opener!Dont have the list with me now at 55,000 abs light coming on ... And the side door does not open it comes open on and off... And I just keep it lock!We got it in 2006 we still owe 15,000.. Never again! I wanted to help amercian and but amer.. Van.. When this is paid off ! Its gone! Paint fading and parts out the van falling off.... Let me stop!
High upkeep costs
This is my 3rd Chev. minivan & 5th new Gm vehicle purchased--and last. The mileage is good--21-27mpg--but the seats are uncomfortable & the center folding console is useless. DVD is nice. Brakes & rotor need replacing ever 6 months. I've had to replace both wheelbearings & front stabilizer arms & 4 new tires, & I never drive on gravel or inner city. I want my Lumina van back, they have gone downhill in quality ever since & the company doesn't care.
NEVER ANOTHER CHEVY
I have always owned a chevy, well sadly to say never again. I bought the 2005 Uplander, and at first it was a very nice van which I liked alot. Then in January I had to take it in for the first time, my engine was starting up hard. Fixed that problem. Then my headlights were dimming in and out as I was driving. My voltage regulator and alternator were deemed the problem. Then the next month I had my van in because my passenger side tirod was bad. ( I dont drive rough). Then on my display screen it would tell me to check my gas cap replaced. The auto passenger door opens on its own while drivin. In the shop now. I HATE CHEVY WORST VEHICLE EVER. Will now buy Ford or import.
The Lemon of all Lemons!
Since the day thiw minivan was purchased it has been trouble. Zero confidence when driving long distances. There is a pinging sound (safety one presumes) that comes on when the read slide door opens and never stops when it is closed. Dealership has been worthless in resolving the issue. I will never buy a Chevy again.
I wouldn't choose an Uplander as my 1st
We have some problems with our '05 Uplander. The outside trim has been replaced twice and still is crooked. Our airbag had to be tightened and we still have a loud rattle sound under our dash. Overall I would buy a Toyota Sienna or a Honda Odessey if I was to do it over again.
Safety issues
When I got in to drive because I am 4'9" tall I can't reach the gas pedal, and when my husband drove it he had a lot of blind spots because the driver seat doesn't go down and his vision is obstructed, by the roof. He even had to duck to see the traffic lights. We didn't realize it didn't have a power seat. The sliding doors slide shut without warning. I've been hit with the door and my 4 year old almost got her head caught in the door. The kids fall over at every turn because there are no arm rests so they hang by the seat belts. Drive thru cups fly out of front cup holders going around turns. Was in a really bad accident the OnStar didn't come on and the air bags didn't deploy.
T'S Uplander
Not the average mini-van. Acceleration and power are more than acceptable for this vehichle. Overall good ride, tight steering with loads of interior features. The best part is American Made by an American Company!
Uplander - a design defect
This car has many serious design defects. The cup holder in the dashboard comes off track easily (with or without a drink in it). The sliding door motors run after the doors are closed. The sliding doors have had times when they do not open at all. This vehicle has serious wind noise (in particular around the windshield). On particularly windy days, the noise can be very loud and distracting. The interior has issues. The compartments on the back of the seats do not close easily. The latches to adjust the seatbacks do not work properly. This car drives very good but with all the other issues this car has big disappointment!!
2005 Uplander
The test drive impressed us und we continue to like the car with one major exception. We noticed that like with many cars today the doors look automatically. We do not consider this safe and we told this the sales person. We were told that it is possible to program the controls that the doors do not lock automatically. The operating manual confirmed this. But in reality, this vehicle or the control software version does not allow the automatic door locking do be disabled. The dealer could not do it. Chevrolet/GM Customer Assistance Center claimed that this cannot be done as it increases the company's liability regarding security, trading safety against security in our opinion.
I love my Uplander!
My van handles great in bad weather, all of the controls are right in my reach, easy for the kids to get in the back seat, and having the DVD keeps my kids quiet!! I would recomend the Uplander to anyone who is looking to buy a minivan!
Rethink it...... Nothing But Problems
I was somewhat apprehensive to purchase the vehicle, because it looked cheap on the inside. I should of followed my gut. Nothing but problems. Stereo never worked had it serviced 3 or 4 times, something with the wiring, automatic doors worked when they wanted to, keyless entry was anything but keyless, tires bad, new ones every time you turn around. Back windshield wiper motor went out. Yes I bought this new. Would not recommend to anyone. Major lemon.
Chevy did their homework
Well designed. LT suspension is excellent. 17" tires give a solid feel. Engine extremely quiet.
NOT worth your time to purchase
filed complaint with BBB, the van has been in the shop nuroums times since purchased. 5 times for the same problem. GM has horrible customer service, it's clear they do not care about the consumer!! I will never by a GM protect as long as I drive. We hope that GM will settle with us, or will will have demand arbritation due to Lemon Law! We truely bought a lemon!!!
A dissappointed customer
We were told that the new 2005 Chevrolet Uplander would have a smoother ride than our 2003 Chevrolet Venture. In fact, the front end is extremely bumpy and drives more like a truck than a minivan. Given a choice, our 2003 Venture offers an exceptional ride in comparison.We are quite disappointed...
This is a REAL winner!
It is sporty looking. It gets great gas mileage! It is roomy inside. It has great safety features. These are all important to our family of 6! Plus, it has a get up and go that an 8 clyinder would be envious of. This IS the perfect vehicle! It rides smoothly-like a big, fancy car. It has the tough looks of an SUV. It has the reliability of a Chevy! It has the practical side of a mini-van. It is comfortable and practical!
Awesome!
AWESOME! We have had our Uplander for 2 weeks now and absolutely love it! Roomy and well thought out design. I can't think of much more I would need in a vehicle, it's more like driving a family room with the DVD and stereo system. We had a Venture prior to this and we are delighted with the standard items that this vehicle has to offer and the drivability is much better due to the wider wheel base. I do wish that it would have a little better gas milage with the recent gas price increases!
BEAUTIFUL MACHINE
Van has performed very well during its 1st 41,000 miles. Everything in this loaded LT works well. Very few repairs after 1st visit - front stabilizer links replaced at 40k and sliding doors adjusted at 10k. Engine power is adequate, smooth, and reasonably quiet. Smooth quiet ride. Transmission shifts are smooth - up & down. Good gas mileage: 18 city & 25 highway at 75 mph. Original tires wear evenly, are well-balanced and should go 60k. Brake rotors and pads replaced at 20k. No shutter with 21k on ceramic pad replacements. 2nd row legroom is inadequate, seats lack armrests. Entry to 3rd row is an effort. Manual removal of 3rd row is old design - competitors' seats fold under.
Safest Feeling Yet
New IIHS Frontal Crash test ratings were nothing short of awesome. This is a vehicle I feel safe hauling around my most valuble cargo, my family. It has outstanding handling and a fresh new look.