Chevrolet Uplander
| Chevrolet Uplander | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 2005–2009 [1] |
| Assembly | Doraville, Georgia |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Minivan |
| Body style | 4-door minivan |
| Layout | FF/AWD |
| Platform | GM U platform |
| Related | Saturn Relay Buick Terraza Pontiac Montana Buick GL8 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.5 L LX9 V6 3.9 L LZ9 V6 3.9 L LGD V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 113.0 in (SWB) 121.1 in (LWB) |
| Length | 191.0 in (SWB) 204.3 in (LWB) |
| Width | 72.0 in |
| Height | 70.5 in (SWB) 72.0 in (LWB) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chevrolet Venture Chevrolet Astro |
| Successor | Chevrolet Crossover based off the GM Lambda platform |
The Chevrolet Uplander is a minivan introduced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors, replacing the Venture and Astro. Although introduced for the 2005 model year, it overlapped with the final model years of the Venture (on which the Uplander is heavily based) and Astro. It is built on the same platform as the Saturn Relay, Buick Terraza, and Pontiac Montana SV6.
Of the four vehicles sharing this platform, there are few differences. The most significant of these is the offering of an integrated child seat in the Uplander LS and that, in the US market, the Uplander is offered in two wheelbases and a cargo version. Suggested retail price for the Uplander ranges from US$21,250–33,795, depending on options. The Uplander is exported to Canada, Chile, and Mexico.
The Uplander was initially offered with 3.5 L High Value 3500 LX9 V6 that generates 200 hp (149 kW) and 220 ft·lbf (298 N·m), and for 2006, a 3.9 L LZ9 V6, with 240hp (179kW) and 240ft·lb (332Nm) torque, was added as an option. For 2007, the 3.5 L V6 was dropped, leaving the 3.9 L as the base engine. Consequently, the optional AWD system was also dropped, since it could not handle the torque of the 3.9 L engine. A flex-fuel version of the 3.9 L V6 also became available for 2007. The van is built near Atlanta, Georgia. On November 21, 2005, GM announced that it would close the Doraville, Georgia assembly plant, which produces the Uplander, in 2008.
The four minivans all share a common platform and come equipped with a standard MP3/CD player. The Uplander and its siblings are all similarly styled and try to hit the "crossover" vehicle styling with its elongated front fascia.
Safety
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Chevrolet Uplander has an improved crash test rating than its predecessor, the Venture.
Future
GM was supposed to redesign the minivans (including the Uplander) for 2010, but due to the failure of their redesigned minivans, the project has been canceled as they believe that minivan sales are not what they were (although the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country are still best sellers. GM is slated to end production on all its minivans, first the Pontiac Montana after 2006, later the Saturn Relay after 2007 and the Buick Terraza after 2008. GM will drop the Uplander after the 2009 model year. Instead, GM will get a large crossover SUV for Chevrolet, based on the Sequel concept.