Amid uncertainly about its future as GM scales back its overall production of minivans, the Chevrolet Uplander sports van (as Chevy classifies it) receives only a few minor upgrades for 2008, including an MP3 player input jack for the audio system and standard XM satellite radio.

The family-friendly van, available in both standard and extended-wheelbase trims, seats seven passengers, although the interior can be easily reconfigured for cargo thanks to second-row modular removable bucket seats and a third-row split-bench seat that can be folded flat if more space is required.

The Uplander received high marks in 2007 for front and side impact tests, and those ratings should carry over to the 2008 trims. Other safety features include a standard antilock braking system, all-speed traction control, a passenger sensing system that automatically switches the front passenger-seat airbag on or off depending on the passenger's weight, and GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, which is standard on the extended trim and optional on the regular wheelbase trim.

Other standard features for the 2008 Chevy Uplander include air conditioning, power front windows, a tilt steering column, and OnStar.

A 240-horsepower, 3.9-liter V6 engine provides power for the Uplander, although a FlexFuel engine that can accept an 85-percent/15-percent ethanol/gasoline blend can be selected as an option on some trims. The engine links to a four-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard across the line.