2007 Chevrolet Uplander Review

For 2007, a new 240-horsepower 3.9L V6 is offered through the entire Chevrolet Uplander lineup, paired only with a four-speed automatic transmission. The engine has variable valve timing and active intake technology for improved performance and fuel economy versus the previous 3.5L engine. The new 3.9L engine brings an EPA highway estimate of 25 mpg highway.

The Uplander has sportier handling than many vans due to an independent strut suspension in front with stabilizer bar and automatic load-leveling shocks in back, which help stability when cornering on rough surfaces.

Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard, and the StabiliTrak stability control system is now standard on all extended-length models (it remains optional on the base, standard-length model). First and second row seats get side-impact air bags for outboard positions. All Uplanders also now feature the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification, which helps make crash data quickly available to emergency call centers.

The Uplander comes with seating for up to seven; second-row seats can fold and tumble forward against the front seats, and third row seats are split 50/50 for combinations of passengers and cargo. The third row can be folded to provide a flat floor, or be removed altogether. The interior has a unique overhead-rail system that allows snap-in storage or accessory modules for CD storage, for instance.

XM satellite radio is available with any of the audio systems, and with the available flip-down DVD entertainment system, occupants can listen to as many as three audio sources simultaneously. There's also a Mobile Digital Media System, supplied by PhatNoise, which includes a 40-gigabyte, USB-interface hard drive cartridge that installs overhead to allow the storage of thousands of songs, tens of movies, or a combination of both. It also has built in games and can allow viewing of digital images.

The Uplander is available in regular or extended wheelbases in base LS trim, and in extended wheelbase in several steps of upscale LT trim. The LT1 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, a power-sliding passenger-side door, cruise control, rear auxiliary air conditioning, and the overhead rail system. The LT2 adds upgraded second-row captain's chairs, rear parking assist, and the rear DVD entertainment system; LT3 models leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning, the PhatNoise system, and various interior and cargo accessories.
A new 3.9L V6 with variable valve timing is now standard on all 2007 Chevy Uplanders, and the Stabilitrak stability control system is now standard on extended-length models.

Four new colors join the lineup: Light Amethyst Metallic, Polar Blue Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, and Medium Brown Metallic. see less