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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  Ladys view - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By Cecilia R Chapa - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I am happy with my chvy venture in regards to the drive, sound, relaxation. What I dont like is the materials they used for the seating. It seems like we have to take constantly have to take it in for some kind of fixture. Being that it is a van I would think it would be design for family use and the matierial would be strong. I guessed wrong.

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  Handles and rides well with good techs - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By csc881 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Handles well and rides smoothly. Steering is precise.4 wheel disc brakes are excellent.Engine has good acceleration for passing and adequate for a minivan. Engine whirs when climbing grades. Ride is smooth and quiet except on very rough roads. Seats are comfortable. The three middle row captain are useful. Flexible seats are very adjustable. Integrated radio, CD and DVD system is well designed. The dual power doors work well. Good backup warning system .The auto leveling suspension works. Has air pump and hose for pumping things. Combined gas mileage is about 22.5. City between 13-19 and highway between 22-28.

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  Underrated Minivan - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By TheKidd - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I have been shopping for a minivan for the last 6 months. Ive done tons of research, test drove many vans.When I drove the Venture I was sold. Chevrolet has done a poor job of marketing this vehicle, I think it is a more sturdy and solid vehicle than the Dodge and Chryslers I drove.

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  No attention to detail - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By Jkurth - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Attention to detail has been sadly overlooked. I have had nothing but trouble with the elictrical system of this vehicle. I found the problems to be caused by the rear tail light assembly(s). They were not put together correctly at the factory and leaked water. Worse yet, I have had it in the Chevy dealer(s) multiple times for electrical problems. Each time I brought it in, they would charge me for repairs of the various electrical subsystems, but the problems would keep coming back. I found out the break lights were causing the problem getting a warning ticket. I took the breaks apart and found water and corrosion damage!

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  Another gasket problem - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By ddarpel - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I used tolove this van - it is my second Venture. After a crash that totaled our first Venture, but left my family uninjured I bought this one without a second thought. At 35,000 miles the manifold gasket has failed and I have been without the van for three weeks waiting on parts. Ive called Chevy and had to go tot the dealerships GM to get my rental upgraded to another van (they pulled a used one from stock!). Chevy really needs to re-design this gasket and recall for the repair, Im out of warranty after about two more years!

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  Id buy another - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By dalbc - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The van runs great, handles well, and is quite comfortable. Surprisingly, we often average 26 mpg on long highway- centric trips. The Venture has not disappointed us.

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  Great Van! - 1998 Chevrolet Venture
  By chuckyanne - May 24 - 2:00 am

  We have three little kids (including a set of twins) and this van works great for us. We have four doors which is wonderful for getting them all in and out easily. We bought it used and with high miles, but we havent had any problems with it. Its definitely Chevy quality!

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  Beautiful - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By NK - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful car! Seats all my kids comfortably. I have heard bad things about the reliabilty. But well see if we have any problems in the future. So far so good!

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  Tested them all - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By Jeff in Mtwc, WI - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Of all the cars I drove, the Venture was the best. The van has a solid feel and great features for the entire family.

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  BrewChevVen97 - 1997 Chevrolet Venture
  By jbrewer - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Have had no problems with this vehicle. Now have over 80K miles and it handles as well now as it did when purchased. For a large car the gas mileage is excellant and the ride is smooth and comfortable.