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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  Nice Ride but Ohh the problems! - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By Kenbey - March 11 - 2:00 am

  The overall driving performance of our Venture van has been very good. But oh the problems! At 49k It is having the maifold gasket replaced (thats $600.to you and me) Intermittent airbag light,rogue electrical problems with heater and ac switch, oil change light which refuses to be reset, steering box and two Idler arms replaced, front brake drums, not to mention the rear hatch strap replaced 3 times.Can we agree the plastic strap just doesnt work?

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  Seems like a solidly built van - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By dave26 - March 9 - 2:00 am

  This is our first mini van. We were motivated to purchase a GM van because of rebate money from our credit card, but I was pleasantly suprised at the quality we found in the Venture. The ride is smooth and quiet. The body is tight and seems well built. So far, no problems or glitches. The 8 passenger seating option is nice and the seats are easy to adjust and/or remove. We are very happy with the van.

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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.

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  So for so good - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By dave_hill3 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  So far nothing has gone wrong. We have taken it on several trips, the kids like the dvd. I got the towing package but I have not used it much yet. I think it will be for short travel towing trips.

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  Buy Japanese - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By Katy - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I would never buy another Chevy Venture. Our back windshield wiper fluid dispenser has been fixed 3 times and is broken again. The drivers side window jams and wont go down all the way. A year ago, the airbag light went on and wouldnt go off. Not covered under warrenty. Weve had the seat belt replaced because it tore. The front seat fabric tore--replaced under warranty. The rear heat/ac doesnt work anymore or only at times--costly repair. It does get good gas mileage and is easy to drive.

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  A Useful Vehicle - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By Indiana6 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Value Venture met need for affordable new minivan with capacity for 8 seats, and no compromise on engine and transm. Handling and ride are good for a van. At 43K, 34 mos. some squeaks and rattles, and a manifold gasket change. Earlier transmission valve problem fixed under warranty.

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  suckerbeware - 1997 Chevrolet Venture
  By notgood - January 30 - 2:00 am

  This was first minivan for me. I was very excited and it had everything I was looking for. Except the day after I bought it it was in the shop for extensive repairs. Had it less than a year and am ready to get rid of it! I think the dealer did nothing before he allowed this van to be resold. Also, service sent me home with the water pump and belt bad, fortunately there is a reputable Chrysler service company who were happy to fix it for me. Will not buy from that dealer again. Did not offer at any time to give me the vehicle I paid for.