Overview & Reviews

At its introduction, the Chevrolet Venture and its corporate siblings were top-notch examples of the hot minivan class. We went so far as to describe it as "outstanding," impressed with its communicative chassis, sharp steering and nimble handling. Well, in a "the 320-pound left tackle was surprisingly nimble" sort of way.

At the time, the Venture matched Chrysler's innovative new minivans by offering a driver-side sliding door and two wheelbases, then added a few tricks of its own to entice families. We weren't so impressed with its toothy chrome grille and uncomfortable modular seating, but in general, we considered the Chevrolet Venture a good buy.

Time and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was not kind, however, as newer minivans and a poor offset crash rating conspired to sink the Venture's favorable opinion marks. The downturn of all minivan sales also torpedoed Chevy's entry, forcing General Motors to throw together a replacement van using the Venture's body, a long aardvark-inspired nose and raised ride height to create the supposed SUV-like Uplander. Nobody bought the idea of a crossover minivan and for that matter, nobody bought the vehicle either, signaling the eventual end of Chevy's participation in this mom-mobile segment.

Most Recent Chevrolet Venture

The Chevrolet Venture was sold from 1997-2005. Buyers could choose from standard and extended wheelbases, and three- and four-door bodies. The three-door body disappeared in 2000, while only the long-wheelbase model was available in 2005. Seven-passenger "modular" seating with individually removable chairs was standard, while eight-passenger capacity and middle-row captain's chairs were optional.

Standard features included antilock brakes, front side airbags (starting in 1998), a tilt steering wheel and an acceptable quota of cupholders and storage bins. Traction control, a power-sliding door, rear seat audio and climate controls, and a load-leveling suspension were options. As its life progressed, features like leather seating, rear parking assist, OnStar and satellite radio became available. A Warner Bros. special edition featuring special badges and a VHS entertainment system (later DVD) was offered from 2000-'03. Although initially satisfied with Venture's fit and finish, we eventually saw it as increasingly cheap and as just one area where Chevy's minivan was being outclassed by a new generation of competition.

The Venture's safety was also put into question by the IIHS' frontal offset crash test, which slapped a poor rating on the minivan's Pontiac Trans Sport clone. Although it did just fine in the NHTSA's full-frontal crash test, other minivans at the time did better at handling the added structural stresses of an offset collision. However, the Venture was the first minivan to offer front side airbags as standard equipment, while standard antilock brakes and optional all-wheel-drive improved traction.

During its first few years on sale in the late-1990s, the Venture was our top pick in the minivan segment. But once the next millennium dawned, so did other, more attractive family haulers – particularly those from foreign manufacturers. Although a well-equipped Venture could present a good bargain, it would be a wise idea to shop newer minivan designs that have better safety ratings.

Past Chevrolet Ventures

There was only one generation of the Chevrolet Venture. It replaced the Lumina minivan.

User Reviews:

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  Van from hell - 1997 Chevrolet Venture
  By Frankt - December 22 - 11:26 pm

  Bought used at 42k miles. I am stickler for servicing. At 80k, trainy went and had to rebuild front of engine. Electrical short causes brake lights to blow fuse and knock out lights- spent over $800 and still not fixed. Water pump has went twice now and replacing is a major ordeal and very expensive as its impossible to get to. These are the big problems. Never buy this van at any cost. In the long run the repairs will cost you more!

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  Great job for Chevy - 2001 Chevrolet Venture
  By stanley - November 28 - 8:56 am

  This van is great. Its my first van and I drive it all the time. We drove it to on a 500 mile trip and the seats were very comfortable even for the three kids. We have we only stopped for gas one time and for a break. No back problems driving this van and my wife has back problems. Its very fun to drive on a long trip. I never liked minivans until I got this one. We love it.

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  2003 Venture LT - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By Dave - November 17 - 12:40 pm

  Costly! Put in a new transmission, new radiator. Not a happy camper.

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  2001 Chevy Venture Plus - 2001 Chevrolet Venture
  By Armstead - October 31 - 3:26 pm

  The look of the van is the best part. Performance is excellent. Changed the fuel pump and very expensive radiator in the first year of ownership. A great family vehicle. The extended version would have been better for groceries.

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  Great Value - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By CKeever - October 23 - 8:24 pm

  I have really enjoyed my Venture Warner Brothers van versus my friends other brands of minivans. For the year, it was the first van to have the DVD loader up front, so I can control my kids DVDs while I drive. I love that I can carry a total of 8 people in the van comfortably. Most of the other vans on the market carry only 7. I also love the parking sensors. We have only had 2 problems with the van, so for the mileage, that is really not bad at all. We have never had a problem with the DVD player, or other parts, but did need some a minor repair of an oil pan leak. Overall, weve taken our van from sea level to the peaks of Colorado and have really loved the vehicle.

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  Broken Hearted - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By TANYA - October 18 - 9:11 pm

  This minivan was exactly what I needed in size and space. I never got into an accident with it. The mechanical parts have quickly begun to wear out after the 100,000 mile marker and now it is on its last leg. First the struts, the strut mounts, and now the head gasket.

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  2004 Venture LT Luxury Van - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By escambiaguy - September 27 - 9:26 pm

  While I have only owned this van 2 months, it has been in my family since new. It has had hardly any problems. I am very pleased with the leather interior. It has good take off power, but does struggle somewhat on long hills. Earlier models had gasket problems, but that problem was resolved for 2004. The headrest of the 2nd row captains chairs do create a blind spot when backing up, but I have learned to adjust to it. There are also a few rattles from the rear door when going over bumps.

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  Venture van - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By Joe - August 1 - 7:30 pm

  The Venture is a good mini van. Mine has stood up well for 4 years with both in town and highway driving

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  Zero confidence - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By Hayhoe Family Holt - July 10 - 1:47 pm

  I purchase the brand new vehicle in Sept. 99. By Dec. 99 it had been towed away a total of 3 times transmission short, faulty transmission ball bearing, faulty EFI. At 44,000 miles faulty manifold gasket. Poor fit and trim with small items breaking off, and the vehicle loves to rattle. I am still afraid to drive this, but have limited options.

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By Jim F. - June 29 - 9:18 pm

  This has been one of (if not THE) best vehicles I have ever owned. All controls and gauges are handy and accurate. The built-in tire inflater is wonderful. Acceleration is good and mileage is as good as can be expected for a vehicle this size. The rear compartment is very roomy with the seats folded up.