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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  Nickels and Dimes - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By JustSayNoToChevy - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this rolling nightmare six short months ago, from CarMax, where they have the 160 point evaluation . . .hmmm . . . they dont keep records of them, by the way . . . This thing has been in the shop at least once a month since Ive owned it, and every time I get it back, I am just waiting for the next problem. The interior trim is a joke - I am amazed that the engineers at Chevy could get away with such a poor design. This thing is truly a joke. Thanks to this thing, I will never, ever buy a domestic car again, nor will I ever buy from CarMax again.

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  1st time minivanner and joyed about it - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By amos jamos - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Just bought our venture because a 3rd youngster is on the way. Extremely pleased with the venture that bested out the caravan and the odyssey. The cornering stability is suprising and the engine, while conservative, is enough to power the luxurious cabin. This may be my first car I can sleep in while traveling. Only complaint is the gas mileage, UGH! Kudos Chevy (from a Ford man)!

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  Dont buy this one!! - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By dissatisfiedinMO - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Although initially you will love the comfort and convenience of the Venture you will end up hating it. We replaced the brakes, bearings and mater computer chip (twice)! Now it is in the shop again because with a cracked cylinder head. Apparently leaking coolant since day we got it. Nothing but problems and Chevy does not care! With 2 small kids I need reliability not just comfort!

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  Wouldnt change much - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By Wenchdawg - December 28 - 2:00 am

  We rented the Venture back in April to take a trip to Hershey, PA for vacation. I fell in love with it! I looked around at other minivans and found Chevy to be the best for what I was looking for.

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  Great car! - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By sthaydock - December 19 - 2:00 am

  My Chevy Venture has been excellent. The adjustable seat configurations are great for my family of 5 plus a dog. The car has been very reliable. I would definitely get a new one.

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  WB edition - 2001 Chevrolet Venture
  By mjlong - December 15 - 2:00 am

  We have been very please with our Warner Bros. edition. This is our second Chevrolet venture purchase. It has been very reliable and fun to drive!

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  Too Early to Die - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By rosegarden - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Problems: wipers constantly stuck in up position. Apparently this has been a recall item on other years, but GM decided not for 1999, so dealer wants lots of money to fix it. Power sliding door problems and electrical problems (remote entry), which the dealer fixed at no charge. Major problem of gasket cracking so oil and coolant leaked internally and externally (66666 miles) ($700 repair.) Dumb placement of drivers cup holders on floor. Also had some trouble with power windows, but maybe lubrication will fix them. Am investigating a Honda Odyssey as we have had good luck with Hondas in the past now that they have made them bigger.

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  This van is great! - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Jackisuzu3 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I used to own a Ford Windstar..this blows it away. The Traction control is wonderful.I have not slid once. The dvd player is a lifesaver with the kids. It is smooth and powerful. Gas mileage is great. I drove 335miles before filling up!

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  So far so good - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Fathead - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Sure, I worried about being the 35 year old fdork in the mini van, the mommie mobile, but for the ability to load 8 people or a hell of a lot of mulch, doors and other stuff (the second and third rows come out of my LS with 2nd row bucket seats), to hell with what 20 something women think. Seriously, its a good ride with good power and the price was right. I give hit high marks. However, since its a chevy...talk to me in a year.

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  my 2nd venture - 2001 Chevrolet Venture
  By ohhutch - November 27 - 2:00 am

  very roomy and fun to drive