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Used 2008 Chevrolet Uplander Consumer Reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
32 reviews

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Pros
Cons
4 out of 5 stars

So far so good!

59_cadie, 01/01/2014
updated 07/09/2018
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
90 of 93 people found this review helpful

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.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.13 out of 5 stars

New Owner Experience

timrlarson, 05/08/2009
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
40 of 42 people found this review helpful

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.

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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)
51 of 54 people found this review helpful

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. :(

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great so far!!!

greggrawe, 08/18/2011
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
39 of 41 people found this review helpful

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

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Suits our needs, good price & value

NellieMc, 11/22/2008
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
49 of 53 people found this review helpful

Sometimes we take long day trips and I wanted something that we could sleep in and I found the Uplander. We've taken the seats out, put in a full size air mattress,velcroed shades to the windows and have slept comfortably and inexpensively at RV parks. We had an 30' RV, needed lots of gas, space and I didn't like driving around with a toilet and every rattling. We are average size people, 5'4" & 5'9", enjoy traveling, dining out and have created our own little over-night pod. We can even take our dogs with us. When we return home, we put the mattress and supplies in a container in the back, keep the 3rd row seats in. If we need more passenger room we can always put the second row back in.

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2.13 out of 5 stars

It's gone after 8 months

Doug, 08/04/2009
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

This van has been nothing but problems since the day we bought it. We have kept it 8 short months and are trading it in today. The sensors continue to fail, the air leak in the front window, poor braking system, lack of interior style and comfort. I am a Chevy/GM guy but it's time to switch to a Town and Country. GM was smart by dropping this van. Trading it in while it's still under warranty so whoever gets it can get all the problems fixed under the bumper to bumper warranty.

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5 out of 5 stars

Over 200,000 and still going

E.N. Sapp, 10/21/2019
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I bought my 2008 Uplander 2 years ago when it already over 200,000 miles. I've put another 40,000 on it since then. It was my wifes choice. It replaced a 2000 Plymouth Voyager that had close to 300,000 miles on it. I like the styling and the hood. It gives me room to work on it myself when needed. It has plenty of power and I get reasonable gas mileage. I have had to replace, the transmission cooling lines, water pump and serpentine belt among other minor things. All cars require maintenance. I like the Uplander. Mines has been more reliable than our Voyager and I prefer the styling.

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5 out of 5 stars

quiet engine smoothes ride

Paula Elliott, 12/02/2015
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
22 of 24 people found this review helpful

I think for a van this is most comfortably ride, Engine is so quite, 2 air conditioner cool in hot summer, 2 heaters to keep everyone warm in cold winter. 4 captains seats easy to get to the third row. never drove a mini van.. but I liked it. New tires and new battery 2015. Nice vehicle.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

Pleasantly surprised

Skihawk, 04/08/2008
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful

I just bought this vehicle. It was a lease car and I was hesitant to buy it but my wife has been wanting a new car and I got a good deal on it. We immediately took a 600 mile trip in it and I was pleasantly surprised. The fuel economy was pretty good at 27.6 mpg on the road. The ride was nice and visibility was good. Haven't had any issues yet.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Love my Uplander

tmccleskey, 03/14/2012
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
27 of 31 people found this review helpful

We have owned our Uplander for 3 years. It was a rental with 26000 miles on it. That told us that it wasn't in the shop more than it had been driven. The seats are fairly close to the seats in front of them, but the grandkids love Grandma's car. It has been really reliable, we haven't had any trouble with it. It now has 50000+ miles on it. Don't like the tire sensors.

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4 out of 5 stars

Very reliable.

Chris Hopkins, 08/22/2017
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful

Bought this van 5 years ago with 80k. With over 180k. Haven't had any power train issues. Just changed front hubs, inner tierods, and struts,shocks. Replaced all the seats from a Venture van. Far more comfortable than the seating that came in the van. Some of the interior is falling apart, but cheap and easily repaired. Love the power and handling. Plan to drive this thing into the ground, if I can. Typical GM, parts are inexpensive and readily available. Kids broke outside door handle, pick a good used one at a salvage yard from a 2000 Suburban. Direct fit.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

rolling thunder!

Whiplash, 03/06/2020
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS Fleet 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

All the dash lights come on, the front end makes funny noises, especially when turning left, the radio display is blank most of the time, one of the sliders doesn't open more than 8 inches, the cup-holder is very loose as are the ventilation ducts on the dash-board, and the rear hatch support pistons are shot. However, with 211,000 miles, she runs strong, always starts and that's what matters!

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5 out of 5 stars

Love my van.

Lisa, 05/07/2009
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

It was a rental van.It"s fully loaded and so nice to drive.I drive alot for work and bought it just as a work van to haul things or to take groups to different meetings.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Pleasant Surprise

overrev, 08/29/2008
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

I saw in another review a claim of 27.6 MPG. I was also pleasantly surprised in this area. We have been as high as 27.9. We came out of an HHR and it took some getting used to, but this is a damn good buy. The price was very liveable, and we have not found any defect so far. It handles well for a van of any type and the ride is very smooth. Good power. I am waiting for winter to see what effects Traction control and Stabili-trac combined will provide. Overall, I think it is a well thought out vehicle

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4.63 out of 5 stars

NIce van with plenty of power

duraflex, 03/10/2009
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

We loved our 9 year old Venture but had to replace it. The Uplander LS lacks some of the comfort features we took for granted but it's a good follow-on. Missing are the swing out electric powered windows at the far rear as well as a front seat storage drawer and other storage spaces the Venture had. All the seats are not as wide or plush as the Venture but they're not bad. On the highway, it's quieter than the Venture and ours gets about 26 MPG. Around town, MPG is about the same. Handling is excellent and steering isn't overly sensitive and unforgiving like some SUVs I've driven. Van is great looking and a pleasure to drive.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Inexpensive van for mom of four

mom of 4, 10/21/2009
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Overall a good van. No frills at all. Just good reliable transportation. Ours was purchased used with 12,000 miles on it. Price was super great so we could afford it.

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5 out of 5 stars

2008 Chevorlet Uplander LT

Chris W., 06/22/2008
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

1st drove this model as a rental car. We liked it so much we bought a new one when we got back from vacation. We had a newer Sedona Minivan and the difference is amazing. While the Kia had good power, the Uplander has that and much more. The powertrain is good for the size of vechile. The seats are really comfortable. The interior is laid out well and there are no blind spots. The doors and all seams line up well and the quality of the paint is good.

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5 out of 5 stars

Over 200,000 and still going

E.N. Sapp, 10/21/2019
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought my 2008 Uplander 2 years ago when it already over 200,000 miles. I've put another 40,000 on it since then. It was my wifes choice. It replaced a 2000 Plymouth Voyager that had close to 300,000 miles on it. I like the styling and the hood. It gives me room to work on it myself when needed. It has plenty of power and I get reasonable gas mileage. I have had to replace, the transmission cooling lines, water pump and serpentine belt among other minor things. All cars require maintenance. I like the Uplander. Mines has been more reliable than our Voyager and I prefer the styling.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

The Last Van Standing

Daniel, 04/12/2016
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
10 of 14 people found this review helpful

This van is literally one of the best ever. Being the last van chevy ever made it has a special place in my heart. It runs smooth and drives smooth. The engine is still cooking after 193,000 miles. Many of those miles spent towing a camper through the Rocky Mountains. She always delivers, rarely ever needs maitence. She does tend to drink gas a lot. But it drives well in the snow and the traction control is always keeping the driver safe. If you need a good reliable van this is the one. I love my Uplander and will never forget it.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great buy

Lee, 01/19/2009
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Great value. For the money you could not get anything even close to the roominess and comfort of this vehicle. Gas mileage is terrible in the city but on highway pretty good. That is given by the size of the vehicle. The engine is perhaps too big for the vehicle, I would sacrifice the power for better gas mileage. I bought the basic version nothing extra and it is still luxury compare to what the standard was few years ago. Power windows and locks, remote, heated mirrors, OnStar, CD and satellite radio.

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1.88 out of 5 stars

Automotive Atrocity

Steve, 03/06/2010
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
9 of 14 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is an embarrassment to GM. It's hard to believe it comes from the same company that brought us the Corvette. Interior design and utility is horrific. I have 2 kids, both in car seats. My kids have no leg room at all. I literally cannot use the 3rd row, as there is no way to get to it. Try hanging a jacket on the hook! You can't reach the hook from the sliding door, and you have to CRAWL INTO THE BACK to reach it from the rear! Ours has a roof console that I've hit my head on many times. This car is a real head-scratcher, and I wonder how it was ever cleared by GM for public consumption. It clearly was not evaluated for everyday usability by families before its release.

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2 out of 5 stars

Don't Buy An Uplander - Big Mistake

Bill, 10/03/2008
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful

To start with..The interior design is the worst ever.The seats in the second row are very poorly designed,you cannot recline fully because the seats hit against the interior side walls,they are too narrow and uncomfortable and lack knee space,they should also have been made to swivel.The side sliding doors should have sliding windows on them,not fixed windows.The cruise control is totally in the wrong location, and when in use is not smooth at all.The cigarette lighter or auxiliary outlet is in a very dumb and dangerous location (almost on the floor)makes it nearly impossible to use.The rear door is dangerous when opening,it will slam you in the face if you are not careful.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Tragedy

brox08, 03/30/2008
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 14 people found this review helpful

This is the worst vehicle on the roads. The van features poor and ill handling. OnStar is the best feature. I am now trading it in for a New Sienna. Never drive this again

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Bad experience

Dorothy, 03/23/2010
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful

I bought this car 8 months ago and have had nothing but problems with it mainly the front end. I don't like the fact that the center seats doesn't recline and no armrest on them. Also they set to close to the side doors. I have owned a van before and their was storage room under the back seat. Overall a poor design. It does get fairly good gas mileage and I like the room, but not so sure I would purchase another Chevrolet and for sure not a uplander.

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2 out of 5 stars

Use your Head before you buy a GM product.

Harry B., 12/20/2016
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful

2008 Uplander has had 2 sets of head gaskets under new car warranty (36,000 mile) 1 Set at 72,000 miles (only covered half). Uplander now has 82,000 miles and Dealer isn't sure they will cover it. This is a fine example of a defective product that was pushed off until the warranty expired and then they STICK IT TO YOU! I would urge anyone thinking about buying a new or used GM to consider how well they back their products or repair them!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Quality by GM?

anthony, 04/07/2008
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

2 day old van and defrost blower stopped working. Coldest night of the year too. The dealer took care of the issue giving me a rental. The passenger door and fender don't fit at all at the windshield, big gap on one side no gap on the other. The dealer isnt sure if it can be fixed. A terrible visual disaster. It is however not limited to my van only as I have seen many Uplanders the same. Also a rough idle sometimes with a gentle surge when I have a foot on the brake.

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1 out of 5 stars

Worst car of all times (that I have owned)

Sabastian, 06/15/2016
2008 Chevrolet Uplander Cargo 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 18 people found this review helpful

Run away, no really do not bother. I purchased this vehicle and from 85,000 miles to 125,000 I put in over $6000. Sadly it is not as easy as dumping it. I purchased this for a work vehicle and have been in the shop more than on the road. Now with 174,000 miles and more electronic, steering and other issues it would be a better paper weight.

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
1 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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1.5 out of 5 stars

DO NOT Buy a Chevy Uplander

momof2, 11/26/2010
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
12 of 29 people found this review helpful

Had it 2 years and now the battery goes dead for no apparent reason. Sometimes it starts, sometimes it doesn't. The dealer will make you pay just to look at it.

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2 out of 5 stars

Horrible So far

Jana Phillips, 10/03/2016
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

I had this car for a full week and every light on my dash is flashing!!! Check ABS System check Stability system check Traction system! Very first minivan I leased and Im already not enjoying the experience!!

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

2008 chevy uplander

LaTisha, 06/14/2020
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We bought the vehicle with 93,000 miles on it and it has been nothing but PROBLEMS. We put 3 transmission, alternator, and a starter. Now the lights are flickering while driving. A few times I shut the vehicle off and the vehicle kept running as if I had never shut it off or I shut if off and the radio keeps playing and I have to unplug the battery to get it to shut off. I live a Chevy vehicle but I'm about to get me another Toyota or Kia. Sucks that the U.S dont make better quality vehicles. Forcing people to buy foreign vehicles cause they are mor reliable.

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Love my new fur baby mobile!

Momof4dogs, 09/25/2023
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LS 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this to haul my 4 Hugh dogs in. Comfortable. Easy to work on. Dependable!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

A Great Vehicle to start out with!

KhyberZ, 04/25/2018
2008 Chevrolet Uplander LT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Its a great vehicle for a family but the Tahoe and suburban killed it.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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