Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
TIA for any assistance. :P
Otherwise the van was great! The 17" wheels really help keep the vehicle in check at all speeds. I felt very comfortable pushing 75-80. On the 550 mile trip to the beach we averaged 24 mpg with a heavy load and the air on constantly. I was very happy with that. Without luggage and air it probably would have done 26-27. My kids also commented on how cold the rear air is. I agree that the front air needs to be turned on maximum if the outside temp is above 80, then it does cool sufficiently. We have 21,000 on the van now and it's performance on the trip really reminded me of why we bought it. The kids used the wireless headphones with the DVD on the trip which really helped pass the time for them. Overall, for the money, I think it's the best van on the market. It has served our family of 6 very well since we bought it on 05/31/05. By the way, we got new tires before the trip (Yokahama Avid TRZ's). They really improved the ride/noise/handling/rain handling. The engine, while not break-neck, is plenty powerful. I think it's actually gotten a little faster with age.
I immediately contacted my local Chevrolet Service Manager (whom I like and respect). Of course, he immediately pooh-poohed Goodyear's analysis and said even if they are correct, alignment is not covered under GM's warranty after 12K miles. I said, "But the rears should never need alignment on this vehicle, right?" He said yes, then I said, "So it's not a maintenance issue, like a F/E alignment, but I think it's a defective installation/design issue." He said nothing, except let them look at it Monday.
So, I've got a twelve-month old van whose tires are driving me nuts, and neither the tire manufacturer nor the automaker appears to want to do a thing about it...sticking me (the owner) in the process. Tires should not wear to the point of sounding like a Monster Truck in 18K miles. And it appears that unless this rear alignment is fixed,I could have this problem with any tires, evermore.
Just venting, but I'm very disappointed.
Bill P.
Kent, OH
Keep us posted on what happens.
Go to this web site to find a store
http://dt.know-where.com/DiscountTire//region/US/OH.html
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/home.do
Bill P.
Kent, OH
After hearing that Goodyear wouldn't do anything about my cupping tire(s), I had my Chevy dealer rotate the tires and also they did an alignment...but said it had been within tolerance or specs. They also told me that the specs Goodyear printed out, that said "98-04 Chevrolet Venture" at the top, were not the same specs as for Uplander. (Goodyear told me they didn't have Uplander in their computer yet but it would be the same as Venture.) I told them I had two Ventures before, neither with Goodyear tires, and neither made the noise these ones did.
Well, when I found out Goodyear was not using the right specs (at least according to my Chevy Service Manager), I called their 800 Customer Service line. The next day or so they told me they would replace from one to four tires, my discretion, at $39 and change, mounted and balanced...less than one-half normal retail. I told them I would. They had to order the tires from the York, PA Goodyear warehouse. I know I'll have the problem again, but I "bit" anyway.
One interesting sideline: I had assumed my Chevy dealer was rotating as per the owner's manual, which includes side-to-side rotating. My Service Manager, when I asked, said they only rotate front-to-back. When I asked why when GM suggested otherwise, he basically said he didn't think it would make a difference. Tell you what, from now on, I am rotating religiously at 5K miles, and I'm specifically asking they rotate as per the owner's manual...I'll mark the tires to make sure!
Bill P.
Kent, OH
I have a feeling consistently using the same (and the right) rotation pattern in a timely manner will make these quick wearing tires last quite a bit longer.
Geez, this is getting to be the most frustrating new Chevy I've had since my '85 Celebrity Eurosport (and I've had six since then not counting the '85 or the Uplander).
Bill P.
Kent, OH
My lights flicker at night. If you are listening to the radio or especially the dvd player is on and you accelerate the front speakers become staticy. I am only guessing that these have to do with the alternator being too small.
The door molding on one of the passenger doors is coming loose. A seat belt comfort strap is broken. The handle on the back hatch is loose (had this problem many times with the 97' Montana we had before this one).
There is a train whistle noise that appears around 65-70 mph that will make you insane (heard it most of the way back from Florida - we live in Indiana!)
They are suppose to check on the rotors/brakes as they are very choppy when breaking from 45-60 mph. And it sounds like I am driving a monster truck with big tires.
All this and we have already had the steering shaft replaced and the steering gear box (rack) in front. We only have 23,000 miles on it. I don't have a really warm fuzzy feeling about this van. Am I getting close to the lemon law yet?
TK in Indiana
Bill P.
Kent, OH
You can quiet the squeak by putting the slightest bit of upward pressure on the storage bin, or one of the rails, but I don't see myself doing that for 4 hours straight.
Originally, I thought the squeak was due to the storage bin that sits between the front map lights and the dvd player, but when I remove that bin, the squeak is louder. Turns out the bin was helping keep things quieter.
Has anyone here had this problem and, if it's been corrected, what was the solution?
Thanks
We too had the side moldings replaced. So far the second set has stayed "stuck."
We've had no issues with the seat belt straps or the rear latch handle, nor have I heard of anyone else having these issues.
The train whistle is due to a faulty seal in the windshield. Our whistle was from the right side. Our dealer called GM support and they told them to re-seal the window using a different kind of sealant. That fixed the problem the first time and it has not returned.
We replaced our Goodyear Integrity tires at 15K because of a roaring noise. I think that one or more tires wore unevenly, probably the result of poor allignment.
We've had no steering issues. However, we have had a passenger airbag rattle (commonly discussed in this forum) and the acceleration whistle fixed (TSB on this). We also have had the horn springs replaced under a TSB. They were so stiff that it was difficult to blow the horn.
We just dropped it off this evening for an a/c TSB(to correct poor performance when not on max), check the brake rotors, and to install the new voltage regulator. I'm hoping that this is the last trip for a while. I really feel like it's going to be a solid vehicle once the kinks are worked out. Functionally, we love it, but it does serve me right for buying a first year model.
The only nagging concern I have is that the middle seats became dislodged during a test side impact crash. Does anyone know if GM is working on a fix?
(Haven't had any other issues with my transmissions on the GM products though- so it doesn't appear to affect longevity and durability)
I just picked up the Uplander from the dealer and I'm cautiously optimistic about the lights. I drove home (about 25 minutes) in the dark and did not see the slightest hint of a flicker. Could it be true, is the July '06 TSB really "the fix?" Time will tell, but it's the first time I've driven it with no flicker. The TSB called for replacing the voltage regulator inside the alternator.
The dealership also turned the rotors which seemed to eliminate the vibration. Hopefully it will stay gone.
Finally, the dealership updated the A/C software via June TSB. It seemed cold enough, but it was night so I'll have to wait for a hot day to know for sure.
Let's here some other before and after stories. Far too often, people post issues on the site without following up when they get (or don't get) a resolution. :surprise:
I have the nightmare 06 Uplander, I have been playing phone tag with my dealer; and finally they are requesting my van in for more repairs on my Light flickering problem. I posted on this site that I have had the voltage regulator per the TSB replaced; but all that did was made the lights flicker faster. I can make this happen at 50/55 mph with my rpms at 3 without any hesitation. They are going to check all the grounds to make sure there is no voltage leaks. I have told them that I want this van replaced, due to the dealership hit the front of my van, then repainted the bumper only to not match the rest of the van, water leaks, radio problems, and ofcourse the lighting issue. I really wish I would have waiting on buying another GM until I totally checked out what kind of problems were with these vans. After all of this GM is doing away with all mini vans by 2009... So I doubt they even care about all of the problems they have created.
Still an unhappy uplander owner. :mad:
Bill P.
Kent, OH
Did the dealer cut the rotors under warranty, and how many miles does the vehicle have? Had they been cut before?
Bill P.
Kent, OH
TKeller
Indiana
VERY FRUSTRATED!
I just had the front-end aligned, as I noticed some heavy wear starting on one side of the front tires after a recent tire rotation. (New York City potholes will do this). The mechanic informed me that there is only a "toe" adjustment on the Terraza's, no caster or camber. It really wasn't out by much, but the small adjustment really seemed to "tighten" up the front-end nicely.
After 21,000 miles, everything else seems good.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
Bill P.
Kent, OH
One of the problems I have which I haven't been able to see on this sight, but found on another web sight is my van squawks intermittently like a harmonica when driving at interstate speeds, (e.g. 70ish m.p.h.). The noise seems to come from the drivers side windshield area, but not sure. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. When I took to the dealer last year they adjusted some cowling, but didn't help.
1) Styling
2) Good price/value
3) Availability of parts and service (most every little 'burg has a Chevy dealer)
4) Solid construction feel
5) Good gas mileage
What I, and others on this site, don't like too much:
1) Body side moldings that curl away at the edges (check one you are looking at for this)--although I believe this was corrected sometime during the '06 model year run
2) Brake rotors seem to be undersized as far as quickly needing "turned" due to pulsation...a pricey prospect once the dealer won't do this under the 3/36 factory warranty anymore (there has been some discussion on how long resurfacing or replacing brake rotors is covered for. My review of the warranty booklet and Brake Rotor TSB ["Technical Service Bulletin", which is what GM sends the dealer for tips to address customer complaints on an issue] seems to indicate they are covered for the full 3years/36K miles.)
3) Some have complained that the A/C is not up to snuff as far as keeping the cabin cool. I have not experienced this as a problem.
4) Many have complainted about headlights that dim/blink somewhat at night. I have not experienced this.
5) One thing I REALLY wish I'd had thought about more, was that ours is the LS model and only has two smallish "jump"-type bucket seats in the second row. They have no armrests at all, on either side of each seat. Even kids complain about being in these seats on a trip. Look for the LT model with Captain's Chairs in the second row.
6) Mine has had a couple minor annoyances that seem to happen fairly randomly: a) Two-second delay in going from R to D and b) Starter which continues to engage for a second or two after the engine has already started. These are somewhat embarrassing more than anything else.
Good luck.
Bill P.
Reading these posts I'm scared to buy GM after this one goes!
Anyways, I can ~understand~ the copied ones having issues, tho I am not happy about it... but the continuing issue with the originals is frustrating. I've done my own trouble shooting and the problem does not involve: the vehicle moving (or not), excessive heat (or cold), particular movie houses (Disney, etc...), damage to the discs.
We have had the van into 2 local dealers here in the city 2x for the problem, but have had no luck getting it resolved for 2 reasons (I think): 1. the problem is sporatic so they have a hard time pinpointing it and 2. the a/v functions repairs of the van are outsourced to a 3rd party shop in the city.
IS there any outstanding DVD issues we should be aware of that I can discuss with the dealer to this end?
Thanks in advance!
Greg
Calgary
While the current generation has had its issues, I don't think they're bad vehicles. They are significantly improved over the last generation. Great new interior, good looks (subjective), new engine choices, nice electronics, and a comparatively low price.
Despite having a few things repaired under warranty, I really like our Uplander LT after 1.5 years and 27,000 miles. It's perfect for our family of 6. On a recent trip across the state, we achieved 25 mpg. I'll never understand why these vans haven't sold better, especially now that the 3.9 is standard equipment. No, they aren't class leading in every category, but they're not far off and GM has adjusted the price accordingly. Besides that, the styling is unique and I like the looks of the models with the silver roof rails. Safety is the one black mark. while they get great front crash scores, I don't think that these vans offer full side curtain airbags in all rows. Perhaps this is a bigger selling point than I think.
In several years we'll probably replace our Uplander with one of the new lambda vehicles (Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave). They're almost as spacious, although they don't have the sliding doors. Perhaps given GM's current financial situation, they made the right decision, but I just hate to see them admit defeat, which is essentially what they're doing.