2008 Chevrolet Uplander Review

The 240-horsepower 3.9L V6 is offered through the entire 2008 Chevrolet Uplander lineup, paired only with a four-speed automatic transmission. The engine has variable valve timing and active intake technology, and can be run of flex-fuel. The 3.9L engine brings an EPA highway estimate of 23 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 models. 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.

The Uplander is available in regular or extended wheelbases in base LS trim, and in extended wheelbase in an upscale LT trim. The LT 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.
For 2008 StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on all Uplanders, as are tire pressure monitoring system and XM satellite radio. Also, all the available radios, except for the navigation, come with an iPod/MP3 input jack. The new exterior color for the 2008 Uplander is Ink Slate Metallic. see less