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2007 Uplander
Uplander
 
Highlights Pros Cons
Stylish looks and a sturdy build. Spacious and comfortable interiors. Non-availability of manual transmission.
 
Option of five trims. Agile handling.  
 
Packed with safety features. Soft ride.  
Overview
The family van
The Chevrolet Uplander is a series of 4-door minivans from General Motors. Introduced for the 2005 model year, the Uplander is based on the U-body platform.

It is available in two body-styles: Regular Wheelbase and Extended Wheelbase, and in three models: LS, LT, and LT Entertainer. The LS is available in two trims: LS Regular Wheelbase and LS Extended Wheelbase, the LT is also available in two trims: the 1LT Extended Wheelbase and 2LT Extended Wheelbase, while the LT Entertainer is offered in a single trim: the 3LT Entertainer Extended Wheelbase. All trims are offered in a front-wheel drive (FWD) layout.

The Uplander comes with a 5-year or 100,000 miles powertrain warranty and a 3-year or 36,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty. It competes with the likes of Saturn Relay, Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana, and Buick GL8.

Engine and Performance
Environment-friendly
All trims of the Uplander are powered by a 3.9-liter V-6 engine, which churns out a maximum power of 240 hp at 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 240 lb-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. A more environment-friendly version of the same engine, the 3.9L V-6 E85 Flexi Fuel, is also available on LS Extended Wheelbase, 1LT Extended Wheelbase, and 2LT Extended Wheelbase trims, which delivers the same amount of power and torque.

The 3.9 L V-6 E85 Flexi Fuel is a hybrid engine that runs on either gasoline or E85, a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gas, or on a combination of both.

The V-6 engine gives about 18 miles per gallon on city roads and 25 miles on the highway. However, when it comes to the E85 Flexi Fuel engine, the mileage takes a beating and goes down by 5 to 6 mpg.

The fuel tank capacity of Extended Wheelbase models is 25 gallons, while that of the Regular Wheelbase trims is 20 gallons.

Walk-around
Impressive
The Uplander looks like a dolphin from outside as its hood resembles a dolphin’s nose. The Regular Wheelbase models measure 191.0 inches in length and stand on a wheelbase of 113.0 inches, while the Extended Wheelbase models are 204.4 inches long and ride on a wheelbase of 121.1 inches. All trims have a wide stance and look brawny and sturdy.

The Uplander’s body, excluding roof, is made of two-sided galvanized strong steel. The van has four pillars- ABCD- to support its roof.

The color of the front and rear fascias is similar to that of the body. The grille has a criss-cross pattern with the Chevrolet logo set in its center. All trims feature quad-beam composite halogen headlamps and daytime running lamps with automatic exterior lamp control.

All trims feature body-side moldings, dual power-adjustable and manual-folding exterior mirrors, and front intermittent wipers. Rear intermittent wiper with washer is standard on LT trims, and optional on LS trims. All the LT trims come with luggage rack side rails.

The LS trims wear 17-inch steel wheels with full bolt-on wheel covers, whereas the 1LT comes with 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, which are optional on the LS trims. The 2LT and the 3LT Entertainer come standard with 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, optional on 1LT. The 2LT and the 3LT Entertainer are also available with the option of 17-inch bright chrome aluminum wheels.

Comfort, Controls & Convenience
Spacious comfort
All trims of the Uplander can seat up to seven passengers comfortably. The 1LT comes standard with a single, integral child seat in the second row. The LS and 1LT come with bucket seats in the first row, removable modular bucket seats in the second row and 50/50 split-folding bench seat in the third row. The 2LT and the 3LT Entertainer feature bucket seats in the first row, captain's chairs with inboard armrests in the second row, and 50/50 split-folding bench seat in the third row.

The seats of second or third rows can be either folded in the specified slots or removed altogether. The LS comes with cloth-trimmed seats, the 1LT and the 2LT feature custom cloth-trimmed seats, and the 3LT comes with leather-appointed seats in the first and second rows.

The LT trims feature a six-way power adjuster for the driver seat, while the 3LT also comes with a six-way power adjuster for the front passenger seat.

The 2LT and the 3LT Entertainer are also available with the option of Sit-N-Lift, a power seat designed for ease of use, comfort, and security. This second-row seat comes out of the car and then goes back to its place after a passenger occupies the seat. It is a real gift to a physically-challenged person.

The LS and 1LT come standard with front, single zone, manual air-conditioning, while the 2LT, and 3LT Entertainer feature front, dual-zone, manual air-conditioning with climate settings. All LT trims also offer the convenience of rear auxiliary air-conditioning with heater and rear-seat fan/climate controls.

All trims come with a power-programmable door/lift-gate locks with lockout protection and delayed locking. Front power windows are standard on all trims, while rear-quarter vent power windows are exclusive to the LT models.

The 2LT and 3LT come with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls. All trims get the advantage of a tilt-adjustable steering column, which can be adjusted to suit the seating position and height of the driver.

All trims come with an instrument panel including coolant temperature indicator, trip odometer, and tachometer. The 2LT and the 3LT Entertainer also come standard with a driver information center (DIC), which monitors and reports on up to 56 vehicle functions such as locking/unlocking preferences, seat position, headlamp delay upon exit, displays for fuel range, average speed, average fuel economy, trip odometer, stopwatch functionality, and more.

The 2LT and 3LT feature a removable overhead console with sunglass and cell phone holders. The LT models feature a cleverly-designed overhead rail system, which, in addition to storage for small items, also features a rear entertainment system.

Front auxiliary power outlets are standard on all trims, while rear 115-volt power outlets are standard on 3LT, and optional on 1LT and 2LT.

All models have a seatback compartment, which can be used for storing small items like headphones or remote. A utility box, which includes four cup holders, an insulated cooler, and a bin for storing portable items, is standard and exclusive in 1LT. The 3LT Entertainer boasts of a Cargo Convenience Centre, which is located behind the third-row bench seat and makes an ideal storage area for small items. The LS trims feature solar-ray, light-tinted glass on windows, while the LT trims come with solar-ray, deep-tinted glass, which is optional on the LS models.

For entertainment, all trims feature an AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback. All LT models come with an entertainment system with DVD player and monitor. This also includes a remote control, audio/video and headphone jacks, rear audio controls, and two sets of infrared headphones. The 2LT is available with the option of an AM/FM stereo with in-dash six-disc CD changer and MP3 playback, while the 1LT and 2LT are offered with the option of an AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 playback, and navigation radio. The 3LT also comes standard with a Mobile Digital Media powered by PhatNoise and XM Satellite Radio; the latter is optional on 2LT.

The maximum cargo capacity of a Regular Wheelbase model is 120.1 cubic-feet and that of an Extended Wheelbase model is 136.5 cubic feet. The Uplander can tow up to 3,500 pounds of cargo.

Driving Impressions
At your command
The Chevrolet Uplander provides the complete joy of driving. It leaves very little for the driver’s imagination. The Uplander is maneuvered by a power rack-and-pinion steering, which reacts promptly and directly to the driver’s commands.

The Uplander derives power from a 3.9L V6, which delivers 240 horsepower and produces ample torque at all engine speeds. It offers impressive acceleration and also helps improve fuel economy. The engine is linked to a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, which responds quickly and shifts smoothly.

The Uplander rides on soft ride suspension, which smoothens bumps on roads and gives a soft, comfortable ride. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes supply forceful stopping power to the wheels and pull the minivan over at short distances.

All trims, except the LS Regular Wheelbase, feature an all-speed traction control, which helps provide enhanced stability to the vehicle. Traction control utilizes wheel-speed sensors that automatically detect wheel slippage to help limit wheel spin and enhance control on slippery surfaces.

All Extended Wheelbase models come standard with a StabiliTrak, which is an electronic stability control system that improves vehicle stability, particularly on slick surfaces or during emergency maneuvers. The system is designed to adjust engine torque and/or brake pressure at individual wheels to help the driver get the vehicle back on track. It is optional on Regular Wheelbase models.

The Regular Wheelbase and Extended Wheelbase models have a large turning diameter of 39.4 feet and 41.0 feet respectively, which makes it a little difficult to park or maneuver in crammed spaces.

Safety
Caring for you
The Uplander has been awarded a full five-star rating in frontal crash tests from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

General Motors has installed passenger-sensing front airbags meant for the driver as well as the passenger in all the trims. However, the side impact air bags for front seat are standard on LT trims and optional on LS trims. Seat-mounted second row air bags come exclusively with the 2LT and the 3LT Entertainer trims. The passenger sensing system automatically switches the right-front passenger air bag on or off, based on the weight of the passenger and the amount of pressure on the seat.

All trims are equipped with three-point safety belts and a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children) system for child safety seats. The LT trims also come equipped with electronic cruise control.

OnStar with a one-year safe and sound plan is standard on all trims. OnStar is an in-vehicle safety and security system created to help the vehicle’s passengers on the road. OnStar's innovative three-button system offers 24-hour access to expertly trained and caring advisors, a connection to emergency assistance, and access to OnStar hands-free calling.

The LT models come standard with programmable remote keyless entry. A Security Package, including a theft-deterrent alarm system, a universal home remote transmitter, and a 115-volt power outlet, is available as an option exclusively on the 2LT trim.

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