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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  Venture rating - 2005 Chevrolet Venture
  By C Crabill - August 8 - 2:00 am

  We are really happy with our 1998 Venture. The mileage is great and the reliability has been great.

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  Great to be back in a Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By Kathy I - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my second mini van. My first one was a Ford.Before that it was a neon, a stratus and before all of them was a chevy camaro. Nothing but problems with all but the chevy. Moved on to Chevy Venture. The ride is much smoother. Next time around it will be a chevy again. Its great to be back with chevy and only have to take it in for scheduled maintenance only. No repairs. One thing I wish is that I had power sliding doors. Next time!

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  I WOULD BUY ANOTHER NEW ONE - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By THE DAVIS FAMILY - July 17 - 2:00 am

  NO MAJOR PROBLEMS @ 90,000 MILES DO NOT LIKE CUP HOLDER ON PASSANGER SEAT. OVER ALL A GOOD RIDE.

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  No More Buy America - 2001 Chevrolet Venture
  By Jimmy911 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I have this car for just three years and 50,000 miles. I have visited Service Department for 8 times for repair job, the Computer chips, Ac, Left Wheel bearing, Cooling System, Battery Leaking, Air blower, and Ac again. It cost more than $3,000 after the factory warranty was end. I dont think I could handle this kind the troble any more.

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  CHEVY FORCES GM EMPLOYEE TO BUY SUZUKI - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By NUCLEAR055 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE POOREST GM VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED. MULTIPLE BREAK DOWNS THAT REQUIRED TOWING. WHEEL BEARING, SPEED SENCORS, SLIDING DOOR PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS...ALL THIS AND I GET GM EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT. AND TO TOP IT OFF THE VEHICLE (TOP OF THE LINE VENTURE) DEPRESSIATED 52% IN 1.5 YEARS. TOTAL DISSATICFACTION FROM GM

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  1999 Venture LT - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By cdlevy - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent vehicle. Have had no problems. Highway milage was better than expected.

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  Chevy Venture - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By modeltrain88 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  We are very pleased with our Warner Brothers Venture. It is a fantastic value for the money.

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  No need to spend big bucks - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By NC Mountains - July 5 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this Venture for almost 6 months now. We feel it is a bargain if you do not opt for all the add-ons that jack the price up so high. It comes equipped with a/c, power windows, locks, automatic, basically everything that is necessary. If you want a new minivan for around $20,000 you just cant go wrong. I cant see paying $10,000 extra for all the options thrown at you. It doesnt do a thing to the performance of the van as the engine, transmission are the same no matter what you pay. The engine is more than adequate and has no problem climbing the steep grades in western NC. The ride is fine and you cant beat the value.

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  2002 Chevy Venture WB Edition Review - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By Venture Owner - July 1 - 2:00 am

  You get what you pay for. The amenities are nice & its a versatile vehicle. Bumpy ride knocks passengers around especially on roads in need of repair, over railroad tracks, and in parking lots with speed bumps and gutters. Had to have several warranty repairs to A/C, reverse sensors, weather stripping. Terrible scraping sound during breaking even though breaks are still over 60% & absent of condensation.

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  Good family hauler - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By Jtwizard - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle as a certified used car from GM dealership. Have taken it on several long trips with our three children. Good for everyone. Very comfortable.