2008 Chevrolet Uplander Quality Review

July 22, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The Uplander does have a few aces up its sleeve
Edmunds

Low step-in makes getting in or out a simple matter
ConsumerGuideAuto

GM says it is dedicated to improving the interior quality of its cars and the Chevrolet Uplander proves it
Kelley Blue Book

Just about all the auto reviewers agree that the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander has a much nicer interior than its predecessor, the Venture. However, the Uplander’s interior doesn’t live up to the flexibility standards set by Chrysler and Honda.

The Uplander features include a 50/50-split rear seat that folds into the floor; the second-row seats are also foldable and removable as needed to maximize cargo-carrying abilities, but they don't stow in the floor like the state-of-the-art seats in Chrysler's minivans. “Base LS Uplanders have removable modular seats in the second row, although removing and installing them isn't exactly easy,” Edmunds reports. “The LT has fixed captain's chairs.” On top of that, Kelley Blue Book claims that the 2008 Uplander's narrow design makes it tight in the areas of hip and shoulder room for most passengers. However, ConsumerGuide agrees that the Uplander's cabin has generous head- and legroom in the first two rows, but says the third-row seats are too close to the floor for ideal adult comfort. The "low step-in makes getting in or out a simple matter," which is one of the advantages of owning a minivan.

ConsumerGuide also notes that while an available cargo organizer helps keep stuff from rolling about the cabin, "GM's minivans have less storage space behind the third row seat than rivals with a hideaway-seat floor well." Cars.com points out the 2008 Uplander's flexible rear cargo system has three dividers. "Total cargo volume on extended-length models is 136.5 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded and 26.9 cubic feet with all the seats up. Regular models have 120.1 cubic feet of total cargo volume; it's 17.7 with the seats up."

Interior quality in the Uplander is improved from the days of the Venture. Edmunds claims that the interior two-tone color scheme and materials have a "pleasing overall look." Kelley Blue Book states, "GM says it is dedicated to improving the interior quality of its cars, and the Chevrolet Uplander proves it." The French-stitched seams on the door panels and seats look classy, and the dash instrumentation "gorgeous." There's also a healthy dose of sound-deadening insulation to "make life with the Uplander a thoroughly pleasant experience."

Conclusion

The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander offers plenty of comfort, but it’s not as roomy or as flexible as the latest Chrysler or Honda minivans.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:The Uplander does have a few aces up its sleeveEdmundsLow step-in makes getting in or out a simple matterConsumerGuideAutoGM says it is dedicated to improving the interior quality of its cars and the Chevrolet Uplander proves itKelley Blue Book Just about all the auto reviewers agree that the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander has a much nicer interior than its predecessor, the Venture. However, the Uplander’s interior doesn’t live up to the flexibility standards set by Chrysler and Honda. The Uplander features include a 50/50-split rear seat that folds into the floor; the second-row seats are also foldable and removable as needed to maximize cargo-carrying abilities, but they don't stow in the floor like the state-of-the-art seats in Chrysler's minivans. “Base LS Uplanders have removable modular seats in the second row, although removing and installing them isn't exactly easy,” Edmunds reports. “The LT has fixed captain's chairs.” On top of that, Kelley Blue Book claims that the 2008 Uplander's narrow design makes it tight in the areas of hip and shoulder room for most passengers. However, ConsumerGuide agrees that the Uplander's cabin has generous head- and legroom in the first two rows, but says the third-row seats are too close to the floor for ideal adult comfort. The "low step-in makes getting in or out a simple matter," which is one of the advantages of owning a minivan. ConsumerGuide also notes that while an available cargo organizer helps keep stuff from rolling about the cabin, "GM's minivans have less storage space behind the third row seat than rivals with a hideaway-seat floor well." Cars.com points out the 2008 Uplander's flexible rear cargo system has three dividers. "Total cargo volume on extended-length models is 136.5 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded and 26.9 cubic feet with all the seats up. Regular models have 120.1 cubic feet of total cargo volume; it's 17.7 with the seats up." Interior quality in the Uplander is improved from the days of the Venture. Edmunds claims that the interior two-tone color scheme and materials have a "pleasing overall look." Kelley Blue Book states, "GM says it is dedicated to improving the interior quality of its cars, and the Chevrolet Uplander proves it." The French-stitched seams on the door panels and seats look classy, and the dash instrumentation "gorgeous." There's also a healthy dose of sound-deadening insulation to "make life with the Uplander a thoroughly pleasant experience." ConclusionThe 2008 Chevrolet Uplander offers plenty of comfort, but it’s not as roomy or as flexible as the latest Chrysler or Honda minivans.  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.

Next Steps:

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See the Chevrolet Uplander in Other Years:

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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