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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  Hit and Miss - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By Dawn Coley - June 9 - 10:35 pm

  Bought this used from a dealer. Were told the noise from the back when you turned off the engine was the air compressor, yes this has a compressor. Turned out they lied, the shocks had a leak. Have never been able to afford to get these fixed, because other more important parts were needing fixing. One repair after another for the first two years. Since I was broke from all the repairs could not afford a new car. The upkeep and repairs are brutal. Now at 100,000 miles all sorts of stuff breaking down. Keyless entry and locking mechanism stopped working. Gas gauge doesnt work. When it needs repairs very expensive because design of engine area many parts have to come out to repair what is broken.

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  Dependable, Comfortable - I like - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By Bob - May 29 - 12:35 pm

  Bought 3 years old and is now 4 years later and I am very pleased over all with this Chevy. Had to replace the manifold gaskets, but no problem since. No other major problems. Minors: wheel bearing, spark plugs, cat converter, tires - nothing major. Now at 104,000 mi, I plan on keeping it. Have recommended to family members since resale is low. Great mini-van!

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  Original Owner - 2nd review, No Regrets - 2001 Chevrolet Venture
  By Paul C. - May 7 - 2:24 pm

  Our Venture is our weekend and family road/vacation use vehicle. After having owned our Silver WBE Venture for over 9 years now for over 58K miles, overall no regrets though weve had some minor problems. Most were fixed under the 3 year original GM warranty, mainly the leaking intake manifold. The roof still leaks occasionally at the overhead trip computer/compass though not all the time. This was supposedly fixed way back by the dealer under warranty but its occurred again lately. 1 of the rear power windows does not open fully. 3 of the tires are still the orginal FR 680 Firestones, plan to replace at 70K. Otherwise the paint and finish is like new, still drives and handles great.

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  Satisfied - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By ouchy89 - April 17 - 8:42 pm

  Bought my 1999 venture ls ext with 90,000 miles on it, about 8 years ago. It has 238,000 now. The last year has been spendy for repairs. Mass air flow sensor, window switches, multifunction switch, taillight circuit board, water pump, battery. At 146,000 miles had the lower intake manifold gaskets done. Otherwise just maintenance and normal wear and tear on the ext. And int. Very happy with the van. Yes, it has rust starting and many things are broken like all the turn knobs for the seats, rear air, overhead console, cup holders, but it still runs like a top.

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  Venture OK - 2005 Chevrolet Venture
  By Gary - March 18 - 7:59 am

  I had to downsize from Suburbans and after adjusting I really like this van. You cant get more vehicle for the money. Its a shame GM does not have a mini-van in their line up now. I have been a loyal GM buyer for 25 + years but need to look at other options for new vans.

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  Decade Van - 1999 Chevrolet Venture
  By Daisy - March 11 - 9:08 pm

  Bought used (9 mo. old) w/14k miles. Initial problem: A/C had funny smell when used 1st time each spring. Very roomy. Love the features incl. elec. pkg seating for 8 2 built-in child seats. Had it now exactly 10 years. Issues with automatic door lock - was a recall issue. Pretty reliable given weve put 100,000 mi on it. Good family vehicle. 10 day Family trip (1200 mi ea way) last summer with no problems. over the years we have done only handful of repairs (water pump, manifold gasket,belt tension gear) Left rear tail light bulb out every 3 mths drivers airbag light intermittently on Our other car is a CAMRY -- which we LOVE

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  Road trip - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By Road trip - February 17 - 10:06 pm

  Purchased new, Made several trips to the east coast and down south. Gas mileage around town about 14-15 and on highway loaded with gear and 4 passengers got around 19. Replaced intake gaskets twice, cooling fan ,rack and pinion, fuel sensor were replaced under extended warranty, replaced myself a/c condenser, water pump, motor supports, rear wheel cylinders 02 sensor. Kept it well maintained. Was totaled out last month. Side air bag did it’s job protecting the wife. If you take care of both they will take care of you. The family will miss the van.

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  Decent Car - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By ZeusCharles - February 17 - 8:11 pm

  Bought this car new. Now has 112,000 miles on it. Only major repair was the manifold gasket, but GM covered this. Outside of normal maintenance, no other issues. Steady performer and still idles as smooth as when bought. I expect to run this to 200,000 miles.

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  Sunk Costs - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By Henderson Family - February 10 - 3:22 pm

  We bought this car for our twins birth. They are now turning six. We have had an issue with every system of the car. We bought it with Onstar as a major selling feature. We were notified that due to a change in the analog, Onstar was no longer being offered. The electrical system is especially terrible. It is a gas guzzler.

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  Good Van Resonable Price - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By Steve - February 5 - 11:13 am

  Bought our van new in 2003 in time for the birth our twin boys. Comfortable, reliable vehicle for a family of 5. We have taken several long trips to Disney World, Nashville and Boston through all kinds of weather with no problems. We currently have over 80,000 miles on the vehicle with no major repairs just regular maintenance. Looking forward to taking our next road trip our family has spent many happy miles driving in this van and expect to spend many more over the next several years. Wish Chevy still made this van so I could buy another when I replace my Chevy S- 10 blazer (which still runs great)with 180,000 miles, this is my 6th Chevy vehicle, others all ran great for 200,000 miles