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Vehicle Overview:
Vehicle Type: Van
ABS Brakes: Standard
Standard Airbags: 2
MPG: 17-18/23-25 (City/HWY)
Engine Offered:
3.5L V6 201HP
3.5L V6 196HP
Consumer Ratings:
Performance: 2.8
Exterior: 3.9
Interior: 3.5
Overall: 2.9
Review Guide:
5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
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2005 Chevrolet Uplander
Consumer Car Review Summary
Top 5 Pros of 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
1. DVD player
2. Back up sensors
3. Smooth ride
4. Remote start
5. In-dash MP3 player
Top 5 Cons of 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
1. More torque
2. Reduce blind spots
3. More cargo space
4. Turning radius
5. Easier fold down back row
2005 Chevrolet Uplander Reviews by Consumers
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
By Tom_Johnson
Submitted Sep 2, 2010, 10:37pm
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
Probably about the best body styling among minivans.
Plenty of family-friendly features, lots of room especially when seats are removed.
Reasonable but not stellar fuel economy.
Nice tight turning radius.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
Abysmal reliability and quality.
Under-powered and very poor in snow.
Interior design is nice enough, but even Happy Meal toys are built better.
Mobile phone, emergency road kit, AAA membership and something to calm the wife down are must-haves with this GM product.
2005 Chevrolet Uplander Review:
I have 73K miles on mine and not expecting it to see 100K. Trouble started at 6K.
Biggest problem is the "haunted" power sliding doors, which sometimes won't open, open by themselves, cause the alarm chime to ding for no reason, or won't stay closed for reasons known only to the doors.
Struts are rattling. Was getting ready to buy the third set of tires and brakes but need the money to fix the A/C, which just stopped working.
Starter sometimes stays engaged after the engine has started. Transmission is starting to slip. Radio on-off and compass rarely work, headlights flicker.
Could probably fix it all for around $25,000 if I thought GM would cooperate and had an exorcist on staff. My last GM "vehicle".
By Tom374
Submitted Feb 6, 2010, 02:26pm
Performance: 
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
I like the room that the vehicle has and I also like the third seat, which gives me the ability to carry more passengers when the need arises.
I, unlike the others on this site, really think this vehicle has a good turning radius, as I can get out of many tight spots that my former mini-van, a Chrysler produce, couldn't.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
Again, unlike most of the reviewers at this site, I HATE the DVD player, because it NEVER worked, right off the lot. It has been in and checked, replaced, and checked again and again, and it NEVER has worked correctly. It is a piece of junk!
I also have had problems with the transmission, the computer system, the CD/radio, the alternator, starter, and the remote engine starter. All of this occurred before the warranty was up, but every time I took it into a dealership to have it worked on, the mechanics never found anything wrong with any of these things. And, as soon as I left, EVERYTHING fouled up, as per my complaints. I called Chevrolet customer service countless times and complained, but they could only send me to another dealership. None of these problems were ever resolved! To this day I still have trouble with ALL of the aforementioned items!
2005 Chevrolet Uplander Review:
This vehicle is a piece of junk, which Chevy NEVER should have manufactured. But, they did and they won't admit that they made such junk, for I have been on the phone with them for years since purchasing this, and they have never, ever helped me resolve any of these problems, and in my opinion, they never will!
I have had Chevy's before and loved them, but now, I will never buy from them again. My next car will be foreign!
By GUEST
Submitted Sep 29, 2008, 10:39pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
I am coming from a 2000 model explorer limited which I loved but didn't suit my growning family - no 3rd row. So, I love the room. However, I struggled to find a vehicle with 3 in middle row and 3 in back --- that I could also afford. I love the DVD, I love the semi-leather that I have, so far the gas mileage is good (comparable to the explorer limeted). The best thing for me and 3 under 6 is the double power sliding doors!
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
I purchased a 2005 model in 2008 for cost issues - I could actually afford this car and the perks (DVD, sliding doors, leather etc...). My best friend has a Venture that she loves and I followed suit. On day one, the little clips that hold the second row seatbelts in a better position for kids - one broke in half. On day two, the second one broke. I will get these replaced when I first need to take it in for something more serious, but I don't hold much hope that they will survive any longer.
On my particular uplander - there is absolutely no cigarette lighter/plug for my cell phone except in the cargo area behind the 3rd row (not very convenient for cell phone usage). I understand that an ashtray package was an option - but the plugs too???
I purchased a great little console gadget at Wal-Mart because there does not seem to be enough room for all the "stuff" a mom needs to keep in the front seat. However, there was plenty of room for my little add on and I like it because it is soft sided and therefore nothing rattles when I hit a bump - so perhaps I am better off.
2005 Chevrolet Uplander Review:
I have only owned for a few weeks - so I can't respond except to say that my kids love it and I am happy to have been able to afford what I wanted - I am in the middle of a divorce and so I couldn't afford many of the cars that I might have liked to have had. I purchased a 2005 with part leather and DVD and dual sliding doors with 44K miles for $12K - I'm happy!
I have read horrible reviews - so I opted for the extended warranty at Driver's Way for $2,000 - for 4 years or 48K miles. My trade cancelled out the expense and if i need it - it covers pretty much everything except brakes, oil and tires.
My friend with the Venture has never had any problems with hers - so I am hoping for the best.
By GUEST
Submitted Feb 24, 2012, 03:09am
Performance: 
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
EVERYTHING.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
LONGER WARRANTY COVER... I ONLY WANT TO TRADE BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED ... IF I HAD A LONGER TERM WARRANTY I COULD KEEP HER FOR 5 MORE YEARS ...
GREAT ECONOMY IN GAS AND LOTS OF POWER... INSTEAD OF UPGRADING WARRANTY I WOULD LIKE A NEWER VEHICLE , THAT'S ALL... NO COMPLAINTS ABOUT MY BABY...
By jkgoin
Submitted Feb 1, 2012, 09:45pm
Performance:
Exterior: 
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
Roomy, dvd is great for the kids. Its runs good.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
I have had to replace both front wheel beqarings twice. Tommorrow I will replace the passenger side for a third time since I have owned the vehicle. It would be a great vehicle except for the faulty wheel bearings. I just changed the last ones 6 months ago. I am going to buy a ford from now on.
By Eric137
Submitted May 26, 2011, 06:23pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
High clearance from the larger tires which was the reason I picked it. I have just over 100k miles on it.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
Lots of electrical problems.
Sliding door contacts rusting.
Abs light randomly coming on.
Eats tires - its been through 4 sets.
Rough starts.
Spare tire loosens on its own once used.
Unexplained clanking and clunking noises when going over even small bumps.
Front bearings wear really fast - from the first sign of wear to near complete failure is measured in weeks.
Radio has been replaced twice and started glitching again (random loss of power).
Seat started cracking.
Exterior molding peeling off - was repared in first 6 months and started peeling off again.
Weather stripping falls off.
Rear wiper stopped working - front wipers needed to be completely replaced.
Transmission slips even after doing a full flush and fill.
Power steering fluid seems to deplete with no sign of a leak.
2005 Chevrolet Uplander Review:
A very poorly designed and built vehicle. I wish they spent more time designing it properly instead of slapping bigger tires and a new style on their former minivan. If they had built it from the ground up, I think it would have been a great vehicle, but instead we have a mish mash of whatever parts they could find thrown together into a defective money pit.
By Kristin_Burlock426
Submitted May 2, 2011, 11:55pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
My children have been greatly entertained by the built-in DVD player during our long road trips.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
What is there to improve? The orange and red illuminating lights on the front dash give the holidays an extra flare.
I definitely wouldn't say a tire falling off on the highway would cause an issue. I mean, why do you need four tires? Bumpy roads are better enjoyed when the air ride no longer exists, the kids definitely love getting their heads beat on the windows! Wheel bearings are not such a problem to replace each month as we all know as a family of four we bare a lot of things so sometimes we just have to break down. Remote start failing..no big deal. I mean that's just another button to push and we all know that because we have a button it doesn't have to work. We all know that a monthly vehicle payment isn't that high so doubling it each month isn't that big of a deal. The beautiful neutral tone of the brown paint color is a good match to the rust and metal that is exposed all around the tires and doors no big deal. Turing the key to start sometimes results in it starting twice, sometimes we just have to do things twice to make sure it works. The shaking in the steering wheel keeps us awake while driving so it's a good thing right??? All wheel drive...we drive on all four (sometimes three) so that's what that means right? Improve it? REMOVE IT!
2005 Chevrolet Uplander Review:
Sarcasm is a beautiful thing. Did I say how much I love my Uplander? I have met so many many many mechanics that I know the best family vehicle is definitely not this one. It has made my stress levels high, and my bank account low! I do not recommend this vehicle as it has proven to be more of a let down than anything.
By GUEST
Submitted Apr 21, 2011, 02:15pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
TV for children and comfort level is nice.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
Needs to have transmission match up with engine or rest of car. Transmission and electrical system always quitting. Taken it to repair 4 times for transmission repair with the last in for 1 month and no one seems to know what is wrong with it. This is ridiculous.
2005 Chevrolet Uplander Review:
Poor overall quality of a purchase. I am disappointed in the not able to fix parts and the time and money I have lost from work and on parts and service. Needs to be recalled and taken care of.
By TK421
Submitted Oct 27, 2010, 06:33pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
Looks kind of like a SUV.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
Fix all of the electrical problems (Fuel Gauge, Automatic Doors, Alarm, ABS).
Also having problems with the transmission slipping from time to time.
Customer service at the dealership was abysmal! I had to take it in with the door chimes still going before they even believed it was happening. They also gave me a vehicle that seats 5 when I have a family of 6. They said that was all they had and it didn't matter to them that I bought a van that seated 7 FOR A REASON!
I found that pulling the fuse for the door when it was acting up and waiting a few minutes before reinstalling the fuse worked. It must have reset the system. The ABS light and check engine light comes on at random, but the dealership and the folks who do the remote diagnostics say there are no fault codes in the system. The dealership was having problems getting the fuel gauge when it was failing (less than 6 months old at the time). Since we were leaving the country on a road trip, they pulled one from another van on the lot (if they didn't fix it we were going to force them to give us another van off the lot to take on our trip. They didn't like that.)
Problems with the fuel gauge recently came back. Of course, the vehicle is past the warranty and extended warranty.
2005 Chevrolet Uplander Review:
I would avoid this vehicle like the plague. My 2006 Chevy Cobalt has had problems with it's door locks and the passenger rear door seal leaks. It is like having paying $15K for a $10K car! I will not buy another Chevy!
By Dennis_Wynne
Submitted Oct 9, 2010, 10:22am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
Room.
Comfort.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Chevrolet Uplander?
RECALL THE SLIDING DOOR PROBLEM AND THE BRAKE PROBLEM..OWN UP TO YOUR MISTAKE AND QUIT LOOSING LOYAL GM BUYERS..I WAS LOYAL BUYER OF A CADILLAC EVERY OTHER YEAR UNTIL THE ALANTE AND HAVE NOT PURCHASED A CADILLAC SINCE 1991. MY BUICK HAS BEEN THE BEST VEHICLE EVER OWNED AND NOW THE UPLANDER HAS SURPASSED THE CADILLAC ALANTE..I NEED A RELIABLE VAN AND GM HAS PROVEN WITH THE UPLANDER THAT THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT BUILDING ONE.
2005 Chevrolet Uplander Review:
NOW THE WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED, WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER GM VEHICLE FOR SOMETIME. WISH MY BUICK WAS NOT 9 YEARS OLD...THE BUICK PROVES THEY USED TO KNOW HOW TO BUILD A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE.... THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE TO OWN UP TO THEIR MISTAKES AND QUIT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE CONSUMER TO REPAIR THEIR MISTAKES AND PRETEND THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE UPLANDER..VERY DISAPPOINTED.
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
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