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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  LOVE IT - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By skypi - October 9 - 2:00 am

  We bought our car when it was a year old, but it is still great. I was looking at Chryslers and Dodges, but once I drove this, I was definitely sold over those models.

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  Great Van - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Charles A. Hardin - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Van for family or travel long distance. Almost two years old and have not had a single repair or had to take back to dealer.

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  I love my Van! - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By Kruz - September 20 - 2:00 am

  When I went from a Windstar to the Venture I felt like I was stepping into a more quality vehicle. I was actually giggling when I drove it home, opened the automatic sliding door and showed the kids the DVD player and their individual captain chairs. Its like a new member of the family!

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  Getting Better - 2005 Chevrolet Venture
  By rdwalt2001 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I owned a Plymouth Grand Voyager prior to my Venture. Although both are about the same my plymouth got better gas miles and was more confortable in seating and overall room.

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  Great Family Minivan - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By cookrenee - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Our Chevy Venture is a great all-round car. My husband loves it because it does great with Lowes trips, including 4x8 plywood. Its 7-passenger capacity has been well-used! Weve traveled from Texas to Washington and back again several times with no problems, and it has had very little need for repair work. We love the 4- door style, and the automatic remote control on the right side door. The extended version gives us lots of storage space, and the seats are extremely easy to fold down and flip up out of the way, or to take out. Weve enjoyed the module in front that keeps track of outside temperature, mileage, direction of travel, etc.

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  I love my Venture - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By pandama - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Original owner who will cry when it drives away with new owner. Touring suspension added and well worth the extra $. Good gas mileage for a minivan. Very reliable engine, power train. Minor complaints for electrical components, but I would definitely buy again if in the market for minivan (like when I have grandkids maybe?). Selling only because of long commute and high gas prices in Calif. Bought a Toyota Corolla and hope I love it as much as I love my Venture!

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  Perfect vehicle for family vacations. - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Rodney880 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Chevy Venture Warner Brothers Edition. It is the perfect vehicle for an active family. There is nothing like a van for road trips/vacations. The Entertainment center keeps the peace. The only complaint has been the problematic air conditioning - had it in for service and they told me that it works just fine - but it doesnt hardly work at all! Love the fold down 3rd row seat and the 8 passenger capcity.

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  Reliable Venture - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By JMeadows - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This is our family vehicle. It is very reliable and comfortable. There are so many options for storage.

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  Suits its purpose - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By lmstearn - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I am in a van because I need to be with 3 year old twins. Going in to it I decided I wanted bare bones only with no fancy extras like power doors, etc. However, this is my second van and there were some must haves like rear air and 8 passenger seating. Ive owned the van for 1 year and have been very happy with it. It definitely suits its purpose and I have no major complaints. Overall I am very satisfied with this vehicle.

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  Venture Views - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By birder - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I am very satisfied with the venture. I like its interior design, room comfort and ease/placement of controls. Visibility is as good as any minivans with the headrests now seemingly required in all seat positions we have bucket configurations. Acceleration could be better when a/c is in use - seems a little hesitant. Nice tight road handling for a large vehicle. Car like ride. Entertainment center has been a great distraction for those long family drives, or when carpooling waits take longer than expected :-) Dealer responsiveness by RAMP CHEVY particularly impressive!