Chevrolet Uplander
Chevrolet Uplander | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | General Motors |
Production | 2005–2008 |
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 |
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 |
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 uses a 3.5 L High Value 3500 LX9 V6 that generates 200 hp (149 kW) and 220 ft·lbf (298 N·m). 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.
Results
Structure/safety cage: Good
Head/neck: Acceptable
Chest: Good
Leg/foot, left: Good
Leg/foot, right: Good
Restraints/dummy kinematics: Acceptable
Future
GM was supposed to redesign the minivans (including the Uplander) for 2010, but due to the decline of minivans, the project has been canceled. Instead, GM will get a large crossover SUV for Chevrolet, based on the Sequel concept.[citation needed]