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2008 Chevrolet Uplander Performance Review

July 22, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The Uplander's 3.9-liter V6 is a vast improvement
Kelley Blue Book

The handling, acceleration, and overall performance are vanlike
Car and Driver

engine is reasonably smooth
Edmunds

The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander comes with a 3.9-liter, 240-horsepower V-6 that also offers E85/flex-fuel capability. It's teamed with a standard four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Performance and fuel economy, at 16/23 mpg, are uninspiring, and there's no all-wheel-drive option.

Kelley Blue Book notes "the Uplander's 3.9-liter V6 is a vast improvement over the previous 3.5-liter engine." They go on to say that it offers improved low-end torque and passing power, "as well as smooth vibration-free operation." The front-wheel drive is apparently a good match for this type of vehicle because it provides "good traction in rain and snow." The larger engine also increases the Uplander's towing rating to 3,500 pounds, which is decent for a minivan. Edmunds reports, “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.” Car and Driver says, “Even the four-speed automatic transmission seems antiquated.” The Uplander is available with a FlexFuel version of the same 3.9-liter engine that can run on standard gasoline or an E85 blend of ethanol and gasoline.

Car and Driver reports that the Uplander's "handling, acceleration, and overall performance are vanlike. Which is to say, not much fun at all." Edmunds contends, “Chevrolet has tuned the Uplander's suspension to provide a smooth ride and a moderate level of dynamic handling ability,” and notes, “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.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander has improved power and handling, but it’s still a minivan—an aged one, at that.  

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:The Uplander's 3.9-liter V6 is a vast improvementKelley Blue BookThe handling, acceleration, and overall performance are vanlikeCar and Driverengine is reasonably smoothEdmunds The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander comes with a 3.9-liter, 240-horsepower V-6 that also offers E85/flex-fuel capability. It's teamed with a standard four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Performance and fuel economy, at 16/23 mpg, are uninspiring, and there's no all-wheel-drive option. Kelley Blue Book notes "the Uplander's 3.9-liter V6 is a vast improvement over the previous 3.5-liter engine." They go on to say that it offers improved low-end torque and passing power, "as well as smooth vibration-free operation." The front-wheel drive is apparently a good match for this type of vehicle because it provides "good traction in rain and snow." The larger engine also increases the Uplander's towing rating to 3,500 pounds, which is decent for a minivan. Edmunds reports, “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.” Car and Driver says, “Even the four-speed automatic transmission seems antiquated.” The Uplander is available with a FlexFuel version of the same 3.9-liter engine that can run on standard gasoline or an E85 blend of ethanol and gasoline. Car and Driver reports that the Uplander's "handling, acceleration, and overall performance are vanlike. Which is to say, not much fun at all." Edmunds contends, “Chevrolet has tuned the Uplander's suspension to provide a smooth ride and a moderate level of dynamic handling ability,” and notes, “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.” ConclusionThe 2008 Chevrolet Uplander has improved power and handling, but it’s still a minivan—an aged one, at that.    2008 CHEVROLET UPLANDER STYLING | [5 out of 10] Edmunds: "Designed to be more hip than the average mom-mobile" Cars.com: "It has sport utility vehicle styling cues" Kelley Blue Book: "One of the nicest interiors you'll find in any minivan" The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander owes its ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The minivan market is shrinking, and only the best competitors are still standing. The perennial favorites in the class are the Chrysler and Honda vans. The Chrysler minivans for 2008 have much more angular styling, and they're laden with features such as in-car satellite television. The Honda Odyssey still feels the slickest of all, while the Toyota Sienna is a reliable second choice. The Kia Sedona and Hyundai Entourage are fraternal twins and good performers, though not the great bargains they used to be.

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See the Chevrolet Uplander in Other Years:

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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