Owners' Stories

We bought our Chevy Uplander used it had 36k in mileage. It was affordable, most of all reliable for our family. However, I must warn you, I believe the monthly maint. on your vehicle is key to knowing your vehicle, and having less brakedowns. We have almost replaced the front end like Tie rods,2 wheel bearings,2 sets of brakes,2 rotors, all the light blubs, mis. bolts for this or that. Passager door is inoperable, and since we are out of the country with vehicle, it is going to stay that way until we get back. Last winter here in Europe, i believe bad design in the back window wiper switch, ours got accidently turned on, and after the rear defrost went off wiper blade froze to window and blow out wiper blade motor. I have never known a used car to not have problems, but this one they should have spent more time on the design of the Uplander. And for the people who hear noises when turning check the wheel bearings, I also when it is wet out side ABS light always comes on even after taking it to shop for repairs. But as far as problems go, it is reliable vehicle, haven't had problems with motor, it runs like a top. I think this crossover balances the good and bad as any other.

We have a 2005 Uplander, when purchased it had 18,000 miles on it. We have had it for 5 years and now have 108,000 miles. The good: I really like the van and my kids love the dvd system. I have driven the van from Kansas to Connecticut and back and from Kansas to Florida and back. It gets pretty good gas mileage about 18mpg in town and about 22mpg highway. Seems to have plenty of power, and haven't had any major problems (except a leak) I love the power doors, and everything else. The Bad: I have had some recurring issues with the drives side automatic door. One time it wouldn't shut, other times it wouldn't open. Kind of has a mind of its own. After replacing virtually everything mechanical on it, I haven't had any trouble. My powersteering pump apparently has a leak and is throwing power steering fluid all over the right side of my engine. When I back up, it sometimes makes a loud noise...I think it might be my suspension? Everything is difficult to get to under the hood. Even the battery. In order to change the battery they have to take off a metal bar and take the cover off the fuse box. When I had the spark plugs changed, they had to actually go in through my dash to change 3 of them. I have the leather wrapped seats and the material in the inside of the seat stains very easily. Al

I've had this vehicle since 2005 and it has 100,000 miles on it. I've had few issues with it running well, other than changing the oil and brakes. Great gas mileage and super comfortable. I notice that it's a bit bouncier as it ages, but that's to be expected. I also think the brakes pulse too much. I, too, have had issues with the right rear sliding door. Absent these issues, it's been a work horse and held up very well. Here's to the next 100,000!

Just replaced the battery with a Super Start 34-72 (the recommended replacement battery at O'reilly) and lost electrical to gauges, radio, interior lights, backup lights, and ventilation controls. None of the fuses are blown and the battery is hooked up correctly.

I bought this van used, and I must say it's been a good one. It's not the best van out there, but it is one of the most affordable. It's definitely been worth the money.

I bought my 2006 three years ago. I have driven it all over the country in all types of climates and road types. It is a road warrior, great on gas and very comfortable. On the flip side, this vehicle has an array of electrical problems which can prove costly.

Have had for 1.5 years and driven 27k miles. Good so far, no malfunctions to report. I like the styling changes made when the Venture platform was modified to become the Uplander. The ONLY shortcoming I see is that GM minivans (ALL since at least '97) are 2-4 inches NARROWER than their Chrysler/Dodge counterparts, giving them less cargo capacity, less room to move around, and a more 'tipsy'' ride.