DecodedCars2008 Chevrolet Uplander
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- Ewb FWD Ls/Lt, FWD Ls/Lt1/Lt2
- Engines
- 3.9L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 190.9–204.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,085–4,275 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander is a minivan offered with a 3.9L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 204 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,275 lb (Ewb FWD Ls/Lt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 1% worse than the 2008 minivan average of 19.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electronic stability control (esc).
What changed for 2008
- Lightest version 190 lb heavier
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Uplander →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ewb FWD Ls/Lt | 204.3 in | 72 in | 72 in | 120.9 in | 62.6 / 63 in | 4,275 lb | 56/44 |
| FWD Ls/Lt1/Lt2 | 190.9 in | 72 in | 72 in | 113 in | 63 / 63 in | 4,085 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uplander FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Uplander FWD FFV | 3.9L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | -1% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Chevrolet Uplander (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Toyota Sienna | 19 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Kia Sedona | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Honda Odyssey | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Nissan Quest | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Hyundai Entourage | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Suspension › Rear · Mar 19, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V110000 · 5,375 vehicles
- Problem
- THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
- Risk
- A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
Not every 2008 Chevrolet Uplander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Chevrolet Uplander buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 10 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Service Brakes — 7 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Suspension — 7 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Uplander years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Uplander | 19 | 204.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 23 |
| 2006 Uplander | 19 | 204.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 23 |
| 2005 Uplander | 18 | 204.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 20 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →