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:

• 

  Dear lord I didnt want a minivan - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By Landiss - June 29 - 2:00 am

  But since Ive had this one Ive enjoyed it, in relative speaking. I like my wifes Dodge van better for less money. I cant wait until the kids get older and I can have my pickup truck back.

• 

  2000 venture plus - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By petesa - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Great luck with it. No major repairs in 3 years. No dealership visits.

• 

  Others that are better - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By tbates - June 24 - 2:00 am

  *Headlights are terrible, if you are going to be driving at night, drive somthing else. *If you want a vehicle that is a snap-together vehicle your looking at the right one. Most everything inside is snapped together making it easy for it to unsnap and wear out. *If you like unusal noises coming from your vehicle, this ones a regular musical instrument.

• 

  Underrated family hauler - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By kkollwitz - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I shopped & test drove for three months before buying this van, which was a surprise even to me. The car is still wonderful at 68K miles, has not been to the shop except for front brake discs and pads. Versatile, roomy, peppy engine, great mileage. We would consider another Venture if this one wears out.

• 

  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.

• 

  serves its purpose - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By cologal - June 8 - 2:00 am

  After driving this mini-van for 4 years, my main complaints are the brakes end up squeaking after only a few months, and the rear window washer is a joke.The sprayer should be mounted on the wiper.The gas mileage on this van is fantastic. It is great on long trips with the kids, and our model seats 8 which has come in handy. It is beginning to show its age, with squeaks and rattles and other noises, but that is typical of a well-used vehicle. Resale value is horrible, and I will have trouble when trading it in since dealers dont want to give much for it. For the busy family that prefers to drive instead of fly, this is the mini-van to do it in.

• 

  Wow! - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By iAmNotManan - June 8 - 2:00 am

  This van is simply mind boggling! Amazing. I love it. i have three of them. what else could you ask for.

• 

  Is it American quality or just bad luck? - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By PE - June 5 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a Chevy Venture less than two years ago and have already had to put nearly $2000 in repair costs into it. At 38000 miles the ignition switch failed while I was trying to leave the grocery store in a snow storm. After waiting three hours for the promised emergency road side assistance, I ended up walking 3 miles back to my house. At 48000 miles the AC condenser developed a leak. Currently in the shop and only costing us $1000. We had a Ford before this and had same bad luck. My honda is the only thing we have never needed repair work on (this with 140,000 miles). Should I try Dodge next?

• 

  A pretty good van -- one problem though - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By Ventureowner - May 28 - 2:00 am

  The van has been pretty good to us so far. Weve owned this van for 8 months (10K so far) and the only problem (a recurring problem) is with the struts on the driver side. The dealer cannot seem to find the problem with the struts. Theres a noticable clunking (metal on metal) whenever we hit certain bumps in the road. I hope they can figure this out soon, were going on our third round of service calls for this issue. A side from the strut problem, weve been mostly pleased with our new Chevy Venture!

• 

  Motor Problems - 1997 Chevrolet Venture
  By Mike 45 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Venture off a lease from a GM dealer. Now 2 1/2 years later with only 58,000 miles I need a new engine. Buyers beware