Overview & Reviews

Venture is the first minivan to get side-impact airbags. Other changes include the availability of a cargo van edition, a wider variety of dual door models, and an optional power sliding door on regular wheelbase vans. Power rear window vents are also added for 1998. Front airbags deploy with less force thanks to second-generation technology.

• Standard ABS. Standard side airbags. Optional traction control. Optional child safety seats. Optional power sliding right side door. Powerful V6 engine.

• Rear seats are uncomfortably close to the floor. Toothy chrome grille.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 41.00

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  Made it to 137,000. Time to move on. - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By Major Brock - March 10 - 2:00 am

  120,000 Headlight Lens fell off. 137,000 Replace in take and rear wiper does not operate. Wish it would have gone longer. All good things must come to an end.

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  Its Worth It - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By big "T" - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my "certified used venture" in March of 2001 with 56,000 miles on it. I love the car, but must insist that the cheap plastic parts cause me some problems from time to time. Both of my headlight lenses fell off - each was $300 or so to replace. Also had problems twice with the passenger side sliding door - thankfully under warranty. The car now has 97,000 miles on it, and we put on about 20- 25,000 every year travelling and camping. Couldnt ask for a better camping companion.

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  Venture Sold! - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By Venture sold! - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this van in 2000 at 24,000 miles, currently has almost 90,000 and still no rust. No major repairs except at 83,000 the intake gasket seal leaked (about $700). We live in snowy midwest and traction is better than other FWDs weve owned. Mileage is about 16/23. The flexible seating continues to be the best part of owning this van. Drivers seat is not comfortable on long trips if you need low back support. A recurring annoyance: having to grab cups over 16 oz. when cornering. Overall, I am sad to be saying good-bye to my old friend but Ill be test-driving the 2003-04 models before the weekend is over.

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  Chevy Venture - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By TimiCJ - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Up until it was 5 years old, this car has been very reliable. Now, were having problems with the front end.

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  Weve Been Happy! - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By dondee - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this van new after my 92 Mazda needed extensive engine work (for the 4th time!). The van is comfortable to drive and is roomy for my kids and their friends. We have had this van for almost 5 years and it has 72,000 miles on it and I plan to keep driving until it falls apart! Very reliable, no major repairs.

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  Youll have to steal it from me... - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By pandama - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased brand new because husband had GM supplier discount. Would have picked another vehicle, but am so happy that I was "forced" to buy the Venture. After 90,000+ miles in 5 years of driving, theres been nothing significant to complain of. My 90 Dodge Caravan caused me nothing but megabucks to replace the tranny 3 times! Ill drive it til it drops!

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  GREAT VAN - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By WILLIAM BUCKLEY - March 4 - 2:00 am

  IT HAS BEEN A VERY COMFORTABLE CAR TO DRIVE AND TAKE LONG TRIPS IN. IT IS EASY TO GET IN AND OUT OF. I HAVE BAD KNEES AND YOU DONT HAVE TO BEEN LIKE YOU DO IN A CAR.

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  Gasket Problems! - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By Rob Barth - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The Venture does fine until the coolant mixes with the engine oil, sometimes requiring a new engine. This seems to happen anytime after 40,000 miles. GM is not always willing to help with the costs, which can cost $4,000! The same plastic compound gasket is still being used as a Chevy mechanic has told me.

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  Very Disappointed - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By Poor sucker - February 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought our van 2 years old with 38,000 miles and have had unbelievable problems. Headlight lens "fell off" driving on highway, cost to replace was $500. Also, nearly everything inside the vehicle is plastic and is falling apart, door latch on sliding door snapped off ($80 repair), rear taillight lens broke off, have replaced water pump, currently in shop for $2,000 engine repairs on blown head gasket. Will never own another GM product.

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  Great family van - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By tjben - February 20 - 2:00 am

  On Consumer Reports, reliability for the Venture was listed as sub-par, but better than the most other American models. Since the legendary reliability of the Sienna and Odyssey comes with a hefty price tag, we opted for the Venture. Because of cross-country trips, weve put 5-6000 miles on this van since we bought it 4 months ago, and it runs and drives great. Our only concern was a check engine light for the tranny, which problem we cured with a few ATF changes to clean the fluid out.