1997-2005 Chevrolet Venture Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Chevrolet Uplander. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Chevrolet Uplander.

1997-2005 Chevrolet Venture Review

Redesigned from the ground up, Venture was one of a trio of second-generation, front-drive GM minivans. Except for styling and trim levels, Chevrolet's minivan was similar to the Oldsmobile Silhouette and Pontiac Trans Sport. Plastic body panels were replaced by steel skins, and a passenger-side airbag became standard. Standard-length Ventures rode a wheelbase 2.2 inches longer than their predecessor, but measured 4.6 inches shorter overall. The new extended-length model was 8 inches longer in wheelbase, and 14 inches longer overall. GM's exclusive power sliding passenger-side door was optional only on the long-wheelbase version. Also limited to extended-length models was the optional manual sliding door on the driver's side. Both sizes came in base or LS price level. All models used a 180-horsepower, 3.4-liter V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features included dual front airbags, antilock braking, and daytime running lights. Traction control and built-in child safety seats were optional. Standard 7-passenger seating in short-wheelbase models included two front buckets, a 2-person bench seat for the middle row, and a 3-person rear bench. Modular split bench seats were standard on extended-wheelbase models, with modular bucket seats optional.

Year to Year Changes

1998 Chevrolet Uplander: Seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front occupants became standard this year. Regular-length Ventures could now be equipped with the optional sliding door on the driver's side. A cargo version of the long-wheelbase Venture joined the lineup, fitted only with two front bucket seats.

1999 Chevrolet Uplander: Eight-passenger seating became available this year. Heated power mirrors and a rear-window defogger became standard.

2000 Chevrolet Uplander: No more 3-door Ventures were available; all were now equipped with dual sliding doors. A new Warner Bros. edition held a rear-seat video entertainment system, including a video player, TV monitor, and an audio system with separate second- and third-row headphone jacks. A child safety seat built into the second-row bench was standard on the Warner Bros. and optional on other Ventures, except the Value edition. Venture's V6 engine gained another 5 horsepower. Traction control became standard on the LT model and GM's OnStar communications was dropped from the options list, at least temporarily.

2001 Chevrolet Uplander: 2001 additions included a stowable third-row seat, driver-side power door, 6-disc in-dash CD player, and rear parking aid. The cargo version was dropped after 2000.

2002 Chevrolet Uplander: Optional all-wheel drive and a DVD rear-entertainment system were the top additions to the 2002 Venture.

2003 Chevrolet Uplander: Antilock brakes and front side airbags are now optional instead of standard on Value and Base.

2004 Chevrolet Uplander: The regular-length Ventures comes only in the Plus model for '04, and satellite radio is also available as an option on the LS and LT this year.

2005 Chevrolet Uplander: Venture loses its regular-length and all-wheel-drive models for a shortened 2005 season. It's being phased out for a restyled replacement, the '05 Uplander, expected by early calendar 2005.

1997-2005 Chevrolet Venture Road Test

Pros	Cons

Ride	Fuel economy

Passenger and cargo room	Rear-seat comfort

Antilock brakes

Automatic-transmission performance

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

In terms of interior space utilization, General Motors designers did their job well. Even with the minivan's split-bench seats, they managed to retain the flexibility of the convenient modular seating concept. At the same time, they added innovative storage helpers throughout the interior, and the Venture's optional driver-side sliding door opens wide enough to permit access to the third row of seats. Chevrolet's minivan feels somewhat sportier than those from Ford or Chrysler. Steering is precise and accurately communicates the action of the front tires. Body lean is moderate in turns, and the minivan's all-season tires grip securely. The suspension absorbs most bumps with ease and delivers a comfortable, stable highway ride. Test Ventures halted with good control and a progressive pedal feel. Wind noise around the mirrors has been prominent at highway speeds, but road and engine sounds tend to be well-muffled. The 3.4-liter V6 engine produces sufficient acceleration for nearly every usage. On the other hand, both Ford and Chrysler have offered optional engines with higher torque ratings, which are better able to cope with full loads of cargo and/or passengers. The automatic transmission keeps unnecessary gear changes to a minimum. It also reacts quickly when a downshift is needed to pass or merge. As for economy, we averaged 15.3 mpg with an early Venture, in a blend of city/suburban commuting and freeway travel--just about average in the minivan league. A later test of an extended-length model averaged 17.6 mpg.

Value for the Money
Critical shoppers are likely to find a lot to like about the GM trio of minivans, despite the discomfort endured by some backseat riders due to the low seats.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Chevrolet Venture LS	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	5

Quietness	5

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	5

Cargo Capacity	9

Value within Class	7

Total:	56

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1997-2005 Chevrolet Venture Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: If the air conditioning is insufficient, the engine cooling fan and the air-conditioning orifice tube may have to be replaced. (1997)

Brakes: The brake pedal may not return causing the brakes to drag, get hot and wear out prematurely. The cause may be misadjusted brake or cruise control switches of a defective brake-pedal assembly. (1997)

Climate control: The heater may not be adequate in cold weather requiring a revised heater core and possibly a new distribution duct. (1997)

Engine temperature: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)

Hard starting: Corroded electrical connector under the driver's seat can cause hard starting, stalling, and improper fuel gauge readings. (2000-02)

Vehicle noise: A rattling noise from the rear on long wheelbase models equipped with electronic level control requires replacement shock absorbers. (1997-98)

Windows: If the "auto-down" feature of the power window quits, the integrated circuit that controls this function must be replaced. (1997)

Windshield: The windshield may crack in cold weather. (1997)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$635

Alternator	$380

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,160

Brakes	$240

Constant Velocity Joints	$490

Exhaust System	$330

Radiator	$450

Shocks and/or Struts	$460

Timing Chain or Belt	$345

NHTSA Recall History

1997-05 Venture w/second-row bucket seats or captain's chairs and power sliding passenger door:: If someone holds onto the sliding-door handle while it's being opened by the motor, that person's arm may be pushed into the seatback or armrest, possibly resulting in injury to wrist or lower arm.

1997-2001 Venture w/passenger-side power doors: Door closes but may not be latched. If this happens, the sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion.

1997-98 Venture w/bucket seats or split bench seat in second or third row: Seat-latch mechanism does not have protective covers; when activating release mechanism to roll a bucket seat forward, finger(s) could be severely injured or severed, if they are not kept clear.

1997-98: Faulty power-steering bearings may have been installed on certain vehicles, resulting in difficulty turning the steering wheel. Dealers will inspect and replace all affected parts.

1997-98: Windshield-wiper linkage arm can contact brake line connected to traction-control modulator valve; brake line can chafe, resulting in brake-fluid leakage.

1998: Broken shift-cable fitting or loose shift linkage can occur; moving shift lever to "Park" position may not shift the transmission to "Park," and vehicle could roll.

1998-01 w/passenger-side sliding door: Front passenger-side sliding doors may have inadequate welds. Actuator can jam in the unlatched position and, when the sliding door closes, it will not be latched.

1999: Front lower insulator to cradle sleeve on small number of minivans may collapse, which could result in steering-shaft separation.

2000 w/extended wheelbase: Small number of vehicles have inoperative fuel-tank rollover valves.

2000: Some seatbelt assemblies were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement.

2001: Owner's manual doesn't adequately explain-child restraint anchorage system. Dealers will send vehicle owners a supplement to their manual.

2001: Passenger-airbag inflator modules may have been built without the correct amount of explosive. Airbag explosion or failure could occur.

2001: Seat-latch anchor wire diameter may be wider than 6.1 mm, potentially inhibiting the installation of child restraints.

2002: Airbag-inflator could fracture and possibly injure passengers.

2002-04: Exposure to high ambient temperatures may lead to the fracture of the fuel tank inlet check valve. A fracture may allow fuel vapors to pass through and leak. Dealers will replace the fuel tank.

2003-04: Owner's manual doesn't adequately explain child restraint anchorage system. Dealers will send vehicle owners a supplement to their manual.

2004: Warning label attached to available second-row integral child restraint is incomplete.

1997-2005 Chevrolet Venture Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1997
Venture extended	$2,400-3,100	$1,700-2,200	$500-600
Venture regular	$2,100-2,800	$1,500-2,000	$400-500

1998
Venture extended	$2,800-3,500	$2,100-2,600	$600-800
Venture regular	$2,500-3,200	$1,800-2,300	$500-700

1999
Venture extended	$3,500-4,200	$2,800-3,400	$900-1,100
Venture regular	$2,900-3,700	$2,200-2,800	$700-900

2000
Venture extended	$4,100-5,000	$3,400-4,100	$1,400-1,700
Venture regular	$3,500-4,400	$2,800-3,500	$900-1,200
Warner Brothers	$5,400-6,300	$4,600-5,400	$2,200-2,600

2001
Venture extended	$4,800-5,800	$4,000-4,900	$1,800-2,200
Venture regular	$4,200-5,200	$3,400-4,300	$1,400-1,800
Warner Brothers	$6,500-7,500	$5,700-6,600	$2,900-3,400

2002
Venture extended	$5,600-7,500	$4,800-6,500	$2,300-3,100
Venture regular	$5,000-6,200	$4,300-5,300	$2,000-2,500
Warner Brothers	$8,000-9,000	$7,200-8,100	$4,100-4,600

2003
Venture extended	$6,600-9,000	$5,800-7,900	$3,000-4,100
Venture regular	$5,900-7,300	$5,100-6,400	$2,500-3,100
Warner Bros., Entertainer	$9,500-10,500	$8,600-9,500	$4,900-5,500

2004
Venture Entertainer/AWD	$11,000-12,300	$9,900-11,100	$5,900-6,600
Venture extended	$8,000-10,500	$7,200-9,500	$4,100-5,400
Venture regular	$7,200-9,300	$6,400-8,300	$3,500-4,600

2005
Venture Entertainer	$12,700-14,000	$11,400-12,600	$7,400-8,100
Venture extended	$10,500-12,700	$9,500-11,400	$5,600-6,700

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1997-2005 Chevrolet Venture Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	3-door van	4-door van

Wheelbase, in.	112.0	112.0

Overall Length, in.	186.9	186.9

Overall Width, in.	72.0	72.0

Overall Height, in.	67.4	67.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	3699	3699

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	126.6	119.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	1612

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0	20

Seating Capacity	7	7

Front Head Room, in.	39.9	39.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	39.9	39.9

Rear Head Room, in.	39.3	39.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.9	36.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Only one powertrain has been installed in Ventures: a 3.4-liter V6 engine rated at 180 horsepower, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower rose to 185 for 2000.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V6	3.4 / 207	180-185	205-210	4-speed automatic: 18/25	4-speed automatic: 15.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Venture

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1997-2005 Chevrolet Venture Review:

Chevrolet Venture

Chevrolet Venture Road Test

Chevrolet Venture Reliability

Chevrolet Venture Prices

Chevrolet Venture Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Venture Photos

Chevrolet Venture Full Review