Chevrolet Uplander

From Chevy Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Chevrolet Uplander
Chevrolet Uplander LWB
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production2005–2009
AssemblyDoraville, Georgia, USA
PredecessorChevrolet Venture
Chevrolet Astro
SuccessorChevrolet Traverse (For long wheelbase version)
ClassMinivan
Body style(s)4-door minivan
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
PlatformU-body
Engine(s)3.5 L (3498 cc, 213 cu in) LX9 V6[1]
3.9 L (3880 cc, 237 cu in) LZ9 V6[2]
3.9 L (3880 cc, 237 cu in) LGD V6[2]
Transmission(s)4-speed automatic
Wheelbase113.0 in (2870 mm) (SWB)
121.1 in (3076 mm) (LWB)
Length191.0 in (4851 mm) (SWB)
204.3 in (5189 mm) (LWB)
Width72.0 in (1829 mm)
Height70.5 in (1791 mm) (SWB)
72.0 in (1829 mm) (LWB)
Fuel capacity20 US gallons (75.7 L; 16.7 imp gal)The extended wheel base model has a 25 gal. capacity
RelatedSaturn Relay
Buick Terraza
Pontiac Montana SV6
Buick GL8
Buick Rendezvous
Pontiac Aztek
ManualsService Manual
Chevrolet Uplander LS SWB

The Chevrolet Uplander is a Minivan introduced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors, replacing the Venture and Astro. It is known as one of the first crossovers between the minivan and the SUV. 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. 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 late 2008.

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 U.S. 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, Mexico, and the Middle East. It was also the last minivan to be sold in two wheelbases for the Canadian market, since the short-wheelbase Kia Sedona isn't sold there.

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, trying to appear more SUV-like with their relatively long, level hoods and tall front fascias.

Year to year changes

2005: The Uplander was initially offered with 3.5 L High Value 3500 LX9 V6 that generates 200 hp (149 kW) and 220 ft·lbf (298 N·m).
2006: A 3.9 L LZ9 V6, with 240 hp (179 kW) and 240ft·lbf (332 Nm) torque, was added as an option. The GM logo was added to the front doors.
2007: The 3.5 L V6 was dropped, leaving the 3.9 L as the base engine. Consequently, the optional AWD system was also dropped, since it could not handle the torque of the 3.9 L engine. A flex-fuel version of the 3.9 L V6 also became available for 2007.
2008: The Uplander's last year for the USA, although production continues for export to Canada and Mexico until the 2009 model year, when General Motors will be closing the Doraville, Georgia plant where it is produced on 26 September, 2008 when the final vehicle rolled off the assembly line (a Canadian Version of a 2009 Pontiac Montana SV6 Short-Wheel-Base in Liquid Silver Metallic) and was replaced by the Chevrolet Traverse Crossover Vehicle. [3]

Safety

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Chevrolet Uplander has an improved crash test rating than its predecessor, the Venture. The Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6, Buick Terraza and Saturn Relay earned the highest rating of Good in the IIHS offset frontal crash test, but was rated only Acceptable and Poor in the IIHS side crash test with and without the optional side airbags, respectively.

Uplander Discontinuation

The Uplander was originally supposed to stay in production, but then ended up being discontinued due to it being over budget. It will continue production in Canada and Mexico for the 2009 model year. The last vehicle of this model produced was a Canadian version of a 2009 Pontiac Montana SV6 Short-Wheel-Base in Liquid Silver Metallic.

References

http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2008/09/16/doraville_gm_plans.html

External links