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2008 Chevrolet Uplander Passenger

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Overview

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2008 Chevrolet Uplander Passenger Review

By KBB.com Editors

As Chevrolet's only minivan, one would expect the 2008 Uplander to stand apart from the crowd. It doesn't. Newer vans from Honda, Chrysler and Kia provide more interior room, more powerful engines and more safety features. The Uplander is not without its own merits, however, and does offer some admirable features. The interior is one of the nicest you'll find in any minivan, and includes a long list of standard equipment belying the vehicle's starting price near $22,000. Chevrolet also offers a number of mobility options, including the Sit-N-Lift second-row mobility seat that rotates and extends outward to make it easier for those with mobility difficulties to get into and out of the vehicle, a very thoughtful feature.

You'll Like This Car If...

In the world of minivans, the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander slots squarely into the entry-level family hauling segment. Priced competitively and loaded with standard features, the Uplander is well-suited to the needs of small families.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Though it can seat seven, the Uplander's narrow design makes it a bit tight in the areas of hip and shoulder room. The Uplander does not offer side-curtain airbags for the rear-most passengers.

What's New for 2008

StabiliTrak electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system and XM Satellite Radio are made standard on all trim levels.

Driving the Uplander Passenger

Driving Impressions The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander's 240-horsepower 3.9-liter V6 is a vast improvement over the previous 3.5-liter engine. It offers excellent low-end torque and passing power as well as smooth and vibration-free...

operation. The front-wheel-drive layout works well for this type of vehicle, providing good traction in rain and snow. The 3.9-liter V6 increases the Uplander's tow rating to 3,500 pounds. Steering and braking have been greatly improved over GM's last generation of minivans, on which the Uplander is based. The smaller size and narrower footprint might make the Uplander a little easier to maneuver than the larger offerings from Nissan, Chrysler and Honda.

Favorite Features

DVD Entertainment System
The optional DVD entertainment system is attached to a set of overhead-mounted rails, allowing you to add movable modules for extra storage.

Remote Start
Optional remote start lets you start the vehicle from as far away as 500 feet.

2008 Chevrolet Uplander Passenger Details

Interior

GM says it is dedicated to improving the interior quality of its cars, and the Chevrolet Uplander proves it. French-stitched seams on the door panels and seats, a gorgeous dash and instrument cluster design and a hefty dose of sound deadening insulation make life with the Uplander a thoroughly pleasant experience. Although the narrow interior feels a bit cramped with three abreast, those who can get by with second-row captain's chair seating should find the Uplander quite livable. A host of nice features, including DVD entertainment, go a long way toward keeping the kids occupied.

Exterior

The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander's long hood and added C-pillar are intended to make it look more like an SUV than a minivan. Although the sliding side doors betray the Uplander's minivan origins, the overall look is quite appealing. The Uplander offers some distinct advantages over the traditional SUV, such as its low step-in height and easily accessible roof rack. Chevrolet has added larger 17-inch wheels to give the Uplander a sportier appearance, another nice touch not found on the average minivan.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Uplander comes standard with a 3.9-liter V6, four-speed automatic transmission, front air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), OnStar, power locks, power windows, dual sliding side doors, automatic headlamp control, dual power mirrors, AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player, tilt wheel and full wheel covers.

Optional Equipment

Options are dependent upon trim level, and include an extended-length model, sport suspension, dual heated power mirrors, power sliding side door, flip-down DVD player with rear audio controls (standard on LT), second-row captain's chair seating (standard on LT), first and second-row side-impact airbags, cruise control, remote start, leather seats and a tow package.

Under the Hood

The Chevrolet Uplander's 3.9-liter engine suits the minivan environment well. Equipped with variable valve timing and GM's active intake technology, the 3.9-liter V6 is capable of delivering nearly 90 percent of its power between 1800 and 5800 rpm. Available on fleet vehicles only, the Flex Fuel technology allows the Uplander to run on a gasoline/ethanol mix. Ethanol is a domestically produced, renewable energy source made from corn, and because it burns cleaner than gasoline, the lower emissions can help reduce the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

3.9-liter V6 Flex Fuel
240 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
240 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/17 (E85), 16/23 (Gasoline)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chevrolet Uplander Passenger vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Chevrolet Uplander Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

6.2

Out of 10

Based on 387 Ratings for the 2005 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

6.5/10

Quality

6.4/10
Reliability

6.8/10

Performance

6.8/10
Comfort

7.0/10

Styling

7.1/10

I love my uplander.Most reliable ever!

By Soccer Mom (OK) on Thursday, May 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 79,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "higher than a minivan. traction control. fun&safe"

Cons: "interior is a minivan."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my uplander five years. I have had the fuel pump replaced. Other than that the vehicle has needed only regular maintenance. I hope my next vehicle is as good as this one has been."

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Worst vehicle I have ever owned!

By ladybird (TN) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 4/10

Pros: "Fully loaded with all the bells and whistles"

Cons: "Nice interior features are just lipstick on a pig!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Mechanical issues - right rear passenger door never works properly, even after having the motor replaced (at an expense of $1500). Right front turn lamp goes out about every 3 months. Back hatch locked and would not unlock. Had to have it drilled out and replaced ($1000). Right two wheel bearings make odd grinding/whining noise and have been replaced twice. If you are thinking of an uplander - big mistake!"

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Great for traveling with kids. lots of room

By moms taxi (FL) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 192,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Room for 7 (great for long trips)"

Cons: "Its a mommy van, not hip"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Our van had over 192,000 miles. Only thing we've done is tires, oil change, brakes. (Just replaced Transmission) This van saved my life on 4/20/2013. Hit in the rear at 55mph. Walked away bruised but not broken. Would have kept the van for another 100K."

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Great vehicle. No major problems

By DebbyJay (MO) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Dependable, fun to drive, good value"

Cons: "Just wish it rode quieter."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned the vehicle for 18 months and it has 55,500 miles on it. I bought it used. It drives through snow with no problems. Kids love the DVD player. Ample cup holders. It is easy to get to the 3rd row seats. Roomy. Dashboard is designed well. Back up sensors are great as I hate backing up. I love the automatic doors. Only complaint is that I just wish it rode quieter."

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GM failure

By KRKing (NC) on Saturday, April 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 89,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Space"

Cons: "Front end, transmission, and electrical failures."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Major front end and transmission trouble at 87,000 miles, coupled with power sliding door breaking, then working only intermittently. Fuel pump has now gone at 89,000 miles, and will require another $1000 for parts and labor. Thought GM's weren't prone to these failures so early in mileage."

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Good value

By Momtaxi (IL) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 208,200

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Reliable, smooth ride"

Cons: "horrible gas mileage and electrical issues"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I bought my Uplander used. It has over 208k miles on it and is still going! It is still a very smooth ride, I haven't had any major issues...there are small issues but nothing that needs fixing. I have never had it in the shop. It is reliable and was worth the money."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 387 reviews