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:
Showing 331 through 340 of 485.00-
Venture Stacks up to the competition - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
By Fred Beno - September 24 - 2:00 amI have owned mini vans since 1992 and with three children purchasing another mini van was a no brainer.I test drove the Town & Country, the Windstar, the Oddessy and the venture. I had no real complaints with any of them but I felt with all the incentives from General motors the venture was the best bang for the buck.
-
Great for kids or drywall - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
By brushrrunabout - September 24 - 2:00 amGreat for hauling kids or drywall. Will fit anything. Heated seat great and can fly by SUVs in the snow. Great milage for the size also. The DVD is great for long trips
-
Why I own a Venture - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
By Barbara Hoekstra - September 24 - 2:00 amI own a 1998 LS Chev Venture. I love it. The mileage is excellent and it is a joy to drive. Driving on long trips is a pleasure. I would buy another one in a few years if I decide to sell it.
-
No confindence - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
By Burned by a Chevy - September 22 - 2:00 amThis van has been nothing but trouble ever since it went out of warranty. Both power window regualtors have failed ($850 a pop), the front wipers failed ($300), and true to form the head and manifold gaskets let go. Of course Chevy will not do anything to help with the gasket repair, even thought the problem is caused by the Dex-Cool. GM used "normal" gaskets in the Venture, check out how much heftier the replacments are before they install them on your Venture.
-
Chevrolet Venture - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
By Erron Woodard - September 13 - 2:00 amWe purchased this 2003 that was a rental vehicle. Van is very smooth riding and has plenty of power. The only thing they should have thought of was more power outlets in the front. There is only one. My previous GMC Jimmy had 3 power outlets. Enjoy having the sliding passenger door, makes a big difference with our little baby getting her in and out. Rear air is a life saver!
-
New veh review - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
By Billk - September 10 - 2:00 amThis vehicle gets around very easily and is responsive to driver inputs.The acceleration is quite adequate for a vehicle of this size.Having driven a Windstar with a larger engine during my evaluation process, I find the smaller engine very adequate and the fuel economy offers a savings in fuel costs.
-
Great Van - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
By CHASA - September 3 - 2:00 amGreat for family with lots of room. great flexability for all family functions. Great choice of options for different needs.
-
My Venture - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
By Saydee - September 3 - 2:00 amI havent had any problems yet. Nice size, comfortable and runs well.
-
2002 WB AWD Venture - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
By PLH - August 31 - 2:00 amNo problems yet. Did better than our then brand new 97 Grand Voyager. Chevy did a great job marketing this 8-seater as an excellent kiddie transporter, with the Warner Bros. bells and whistles. My kids love the van and the DVD. Overall though, a great buy.
-
Fix the engine! - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
By gmp000 - August 27 - 2:00 amAfter 3 years and 40000 miles I had engine oil sprayed all over the motor compartment. As it appeared, it was upper/lower intake leaking, also engine coolant was leaking. Mechanic said it was very common. And the warranty has just expired... Other miscelanous defects include: rear hatch handle broken, battery leaking - acid corroded the paint inside, rear wiper broken once.
