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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  i love my van - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By eldockside - August 22 - 2:00 am

  THE CHEVY VENTURES ARE BUILT AT THE GENERAL MOTORS, DORAVILLE PLANT IN DORAVILLE, GA.I HAVE SEEN THEM BEING BUILT AND I KNOW PEOPLE WHO BUILT THEM, THEY ARE HARD WORKING AMERICANS AND I WILL SUPPORT THEM BY BUYING AMERICAN, AND I CAN SAY I LOVE MY TRUCK, I STAND FIRM WITH THE PEOPLE WHO BUILD THEM, MY MONEY WILL STAY IN THIS COUNTRY, I WILL NOT BUY FROM OVERSEAS, THE FOLKS I KNOW AT DORAVILLE HAVE CHILDREN AND I WILL SUPPORT THEM,I HAVE FOUND NOT ONE PROBLEM WITH MY VAN, IT IS A PLEASURE TO DRIVE, HAPPY MOTORING

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  My dog van - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By caninetrainer - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my 99 Venture LS for the 03 LT. The cab space seems smaller and I miss the lumbar support. I do not like the universal front seat adjustments. I also do not like the digital odometer. It is hard for me to read. I also do not like the audio controls on the steering wheel. I do like the way it drives and handles the road. However, I wish the rear seat would fold like the Honda Odyssey. Also I think the automatic sliding door is on the wrong side. And why could they not put splash guards on this expensive vehicle? Also I have a hard time with closing the hood. It takes several tries.

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  Bad transmission - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By ht - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the van used in Feb. 2003,when it had 12,000 miles on it. It now has 25,000 and shifts roughly. I think the tranmission will go out soon.

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  great auto - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By ronbo - August 17 - 2:00 am

  great auto delux model have 42000 on and going strong , never been back for any major problem . would recomend it to anyone

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  Great Van - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By Charles Ring - August 16 - 2:00 am

  The Venture is hands down the best van my wife and I have ever driven.The Dodge Mini Van we previously had serious problems.The paint and head liner fell off,body rattles,drive selector fell off,air conditioner vents will not stay on and the ride was harsh. The Venture by contrast rides very well,interior quality is outstanding,gas mileage is good,handling is superior to the Dodge,has built in sound proofing for a much quieter ride than the Dodge and has a much more livable and comfortable interior.In short,the Venture is superior in every way.

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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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  problems with dexcool and manifold gaske - 1997 Chevrolet Venture
  By no more chevys - August 14 - 2:00 am

  bought new. had to dealer 3 times for muddy antifreeze. Now the manifold gasket is leaking, and waterpump. all problems noted on other reviews. I love driving it, but cant stand the maintenance problems. 6 years old, only 53,000 mi. Why cant chevy build a vehicle to last. Im looking into Toyota next time.

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  Venture is the best - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By RJ - August 7 - 2:00 am

  We were so impressed with our first Venture we bought another one and kept the first. Have had no trouble with either vehicle. The first is a 1998.

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  Best mini van in the market - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By Diego - August 6 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best family vehicle Ive ever owned.

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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.