What year did they stop making the Chevy Uplander?

The Chevy Uplander was discontinued after the 2009 model year.

Launched for the 2005 model year, the Uplander served as Chevrolet’s mid-size, front-wheel-drive minivan during the mid-2000s. After 2009, GM did not offer a direct Uplander successor and instead pivoted toward crossovers and the Express van to meet family and commercial needs.

A brief history of the Uplander

The Uplander arrived as Chevrolet’s entry in GM’s minivan lineup, replacing the Venture and riding on GM’s mid-size minivan platform. It offered three-row seating, multiple trim levels, and the practical versatility expected of a family minivan during its production span. Model years produced were 2005 through 2009.

Production timeline

• 2005 model year: Uplander introduced as Chevrolet’s replacement for the Venture.


• 2006–2008: Continued production with incremental feature updates.


• 2009 model year: Final year of Uplander production; GM ceased production after this cycle.

In short, the Uplander’s place in Chevrolet’s lineup ended with the 2009 model year, reflecting GM’s broader restructuring and a shift toward crossovers and larger vans.

End of production and what came next

When GM retired the Uplander, the company redirected its family-hauler strategy away from traditional minivans toward crossover models and the Express van for commercial use. Chevrolet introduced a three-row crossover to fill the gap formerly occupied by the Uplander, while the Express van continued to serve cargo and fleet needs.

Replacement and lineup shifts

• No direct one-for-one Uplander replacement in Chevrolet’s lineup.


• The brand introduced a three-row crossover family vehicle to compete in the same space (the Traverse).


• The Express continued as Chevrolet’s full-size van for cargo and fleet use.

GM’s shift from minivans to crossovers reflected broader industry trends, with consumers increasingly favoring car-like crossovers over traditional minivans for everyday driving and versatility.

Summary

The Chevy Uplander was produced for the 2005–2009 model years, with 2009 serving as the final year of production. There was no direct one-for-one replacement, as GM pivoted toward crossovers like the Traverse and the continued use of the Express van to fill its van and cargo needs, reshaping Chevrolet’s family-hauler lineup in the years that followed.

Why did Chevy stop making the Uplander?

The Chevrolet minivan never obtained the acclaim garnered by domestic and foreign competition in the segment ultimately leading to the model's discontinuation after the 2008 model year.

Are Chevy Uplanders reliable?

The Chevy Uplander's reliability is mixed, with its engine and transmission being relatively durable, but the vehicle is known for issues with its electrical system, particularly window and door lock actuators, and its power sliding doors. Common problems also include front brake wear, power steering hose leaks, and potential front strut wear. Regular maintenance, especially transmission fluid changes, is crucial to its longevity, as some models can reliably reach over 200,000 miles with proper care.
 
This video provides a buying guide and highlights common issues with the Chevy Uplander: 59sQuiteAlrightYouTube · Aug 28, 2020
Common issues

• Electrical problems: Faulty window switches, power window motors, and door lock actuators are frequent complaints. Some owners also report door alarms going off without reason. 
• Power sliding doors: These can be a consistent source of problems, often failing to open or close properly. 
• Brakes: Front brake rotors can wear out quickly, leading to pulsations. 
• Power steering: Leaks from the high-pressure power steering hose are common. 
• Transmission: While the engine can be durable, some owners report issues like transmission slipping or other problems. 
• Suspension: Front struts may require replacement around 75,000 miles. 
• Engine cooling: The engine cooling system may be a weak point, and alternator issues have been reported. 

To improve reliability

• Perform regular maintenance: Stick to the recommended schedule for oil changes, coolant flushes, and other routine services.
• Change transmission fluid: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for transmission fluid changes to help prevent slipping and extend its life.
• Address electrical issues promptly: Fix minor electrical faults early to prevent them from becoming more costly repairs.
• Inspect electrical components: Be proactive in checking components like window regulators and door lock actuators for signs of wear. 

What to consider before buying

• Maintenance history: A well-maintained Uplander is more likely to be reliable. Always check the service history before purchasing. 
• Pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic perform a thorough inspection to check for wear on suspension and drivetrain components, as well as any existing electrical issues. 
• High mileage: Vehicles with over 150,000 miles may be approaching potential major repairs, such as transmission or suspension work. 

How much is a 2008 Chevy Uplander worth today?

The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander's value varies by trim and condition, but typically falls in the $2,800 to $3,200 range for a resale value and $800 to $1,400 for a trade-in value, with exact figures depending on mileage, trim (like LS or LT), and the seller. Other sources show a wider range depending on specific listings, with some cars selling for as low as $600 with high mileage, and others on sale for over $10,000. 
Resale and trade-in value

• Average Resale: Roughly $2,800 to $3,200.
• Average Trade-in: Roughly $800 to $1,400. 

Factors influencing value

• Condition: The overall condition of the vehicle significantly impacts its value, with rougher models being worth less. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage vehicles will command higher prices. For example, one listing showed a car with around 57,000 miles listed for $2,600, while a similar model with over 128,000 miles was listed for $600. 
• Trim: Different trims, such as the LS or LT, will have different values. For example, the LS trim has a slightly higher resale value compared to the Cargo trim, according to TrueCar. 

Other pricing information

• KBB Fair Purchase Price: This can give a more specific range based on the vehicle's trim. For example, the LS Minivan 4D has a KBB Fair Purchase Price of $4,411, while the LT Extended Minivan 4D is around $4,280, according to Kelley Blue Book. 
• CarMax/Autotrader: You can also check listing sites like CarMax and Autotrader for the most up-to-date and specific pricing based on current listings. 
• Original MSRP: The original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) started at around $22,320 for the LS and went up to $30,110 for the 1LT model. 

What are common problems with a 2007 Chevy Uplander?

Top 2007 Chevrolet Uplander Problems

• Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue.
• Corrosion of the Fuel Tank Harness Due to Water Leak.
• High Pressure Power Steering Hose Can Leak Fluid.
• Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause Pulsations.
• Power Window Switches May Fail.