The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander isn’t the best minivan 2008 has to offer, and it’s not even the best value. But it typically lists for under $5,000, and it’ll last around 200,000 miles with decent maintenance. If you need something to get you from point A to point B for cheap, here it is.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – It’s not so much a great minivan as it is a decent minivan at a great price.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – The 2008 Uplander offers more space than you’ll likely need, whether you’re talking cargo or elbow room.
- Reliability 7/10 – You should be able to hit 200,000 miles with no major mechanical issues, but the van’s days are numbered past that.
- Safety 6/10 – Poor side-impact crash test scores and skimpy airbag coverage make the Uplander a bit of a slouch in the safety department.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – 16/23 miles to the gallon, city/highway, isn’t great, even for 2008. But there are far worse gas-hogs out there than the Uplander.
- Value 7/10 – It’s not so much that the Uplander is a great deal as it is really cheap, and low-maintenance. It’s not going to be your favorite car you’ve ever owned, but it’ll get you where you’re going while you save up for something better.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander?
Kelley Blue Book liked the 2008 Uplander’s family-sized interior and competitive pricing, but they note that the seating is a bit tight at the hip and shoulder, and standard safety features are limited, with side curtain airbags extending only to the back row.
Edmunds liked the Uplander’s smooth ride and generous cargo space, but note that the minivan is a bit clunky and bland to drive, and limited airbags are paired with poor side-crash scores from the IIHS, making it an overall mediocre choice in the safety department.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander Have?
The 2008 Chevy Uplander has generated 117 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 28 of these are for the electrical system with dozens more in related categories. Drivers report the power going out while in motion, leaving them without instrument panels, power steering, or power brake assist.
A handful of drivers have reported uncomfortable vibrating and clunking sounds coming from under the vehicle, with defective suspension trailing arms usually being the culprit. A recall for this problem was issued in 2010 and complaints have been scarce since then.
There are a few reports of sliding doors malfunctioning, with one driver stating that their doors opened on their own at a mileage of just 6,000.
The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander has only been recalled once.
How Long Will the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander Last?
Drivers typically report the Uplander lasting around 200,000 miles before they’re ready for the scrap yard. The Uplander is a well-made minivan, but you have to consider the typical first owner of a vehicle like this: A busy family driver.
Repairpal estimate a typical annual maintenance cost of around $679. New radiator hoses account for the most expensive common repairs starting at around $466.
Yes very. No major problems so far just basic things like changing the oil. The breaks and things like that.
Very reliable with little yearly maintenance other than oil changes and tire checks. As this is an older vehicle, it does have issues with heating not working while idling and faulty gas gage.
Yes, it is pretty reliable. It's showing its age and needs occasional repairs. Though I would not consider it to have any major problems.
Seems very reliable. Upkeep is easy and upkeep costs are minimal. No major repairs since I purchased about 8 years ago.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Uplander is good for the model year. Standard features include CD/MP3 players with 8 speakers, and you can upgrade that to include a DVD player for the back seat.
Safety technology is fairly basic. You get anti-lock brakes and traction control, but side curtain airbags are limited to the back seat, and security is compromised by poor side-crash tests.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander a Good Value?
The 2008 Uplander is priced fairly if you’re looking for a decent minivan to get you through the year. The entry-level model typically lists for around $4,740, with a high-end model going for around $4,856. Both of these prices are around the higher end of the fair market range, so bring your haggling skills to the sale.
These prices are for models with around 150,000 miles on the odometer, which should leave you with another 50,000 miles to go. As a short-term solution to your transportation needs, you could do a lot worse for under five grand.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander?
The 2008 Uplander is available in a base LS model, a high-end LT, and a cargo van, which is just the base model stripped of passenger seating and amenities.
With the entry-level LS you’re getting:
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
- Cloth seating
- CD/MP3 player
- Remote keyless entry
- Manual air conditioning
The top-of-the-line LT adds:
- Heated mirrors
- Cloth and vinyl seating
- Tri-zone manual air conditioning
What Engines Come In the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander?
- The 2008 Chevy Uplander packs a 3.9L V6 engine delivering 240 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive, and it averages 16/23 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
What Colors Does the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander?
The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander is pretty comfortable. The seating is firm enough, suspension is smooth without being wobbly or leaning too hard on turns, and there’s ample leg and head room.
Some drivers have noted that the back seats could be a bit wider, but 61 inches across at the hip should be enough for most passengers.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander Have?
The 2008 Uplander offers 18 to 136 cubic feet of cargo space, with the seats up or down. No surprises there. The fleet version of the van is basically a moving truck.
What owners really like is the vast storage space hidden inside the passenger area, with more compartments, pockets, cupholders and slots than you’ll likely need.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2008 was the final model year for the short-lived Chevy Uplander, which ran from 2005 to 2008, a short four-year run for its single generation.
2005: Chevy introduced the Uplander in 2005 as a replacement for the outgoing Venture and Astro. The minivan packed a 3.5L V6 engine and removable back rows.
2006: A 3.9L was added to the lineup for 2006, bringing the horsepower up to 240.
2007: Chevy dumped the 3.5L V6 entirely for 2007, making the 3.9L the new base engine.
2008: No big changes were made for the Uplander’s fourth and final model year.
How Does the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Sienna is the best minivan released in 2008, hands-down. The Sienna will last 250,000 to 300,000 miles, it’s more powerful than an Uplander, and it’s more fun to drive. It also costs around two thousand dollars more than the Uplander, on average.
It’s the same deal with the Honda Odyssey: It’ll last at least a quarter million miles, and it beats the Uplander in almost every single category if you want to compare specs. But typical listing prices start at around $6,500.
The Uplander is not nearly the best minivan released in 2008. It’s not even the best value. But it may be the best you’re going to find for under five grand. If you just need something cheap to get to work while you save up for a new car, you could do a lot worse.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander?
Yes plenty of room for a growing family. Seats are removable and interchangeable. Lots of hidden storage compartments.
I highly recommend this vehicle as a good family transportation vehicle. Plenty of room, and back seats fold down for easy extra room for transporting large items or multiple items.
Yes, I like my car quite a bit. I wish they continued to make the model. Mine is getting really old and would consider buying a newer version of the same model.
Yes I highly recommend it. Reliable and comfortable driving. Mileage could be better though. Although an older vehicle it still drives well around town and on long vacation drives.
