2001 Chevrolet Venture Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Venture offers regular- and extended-length models, both with dual sliding side doors. Power operation is available for the right-side door on most models, while LT and top-trim Warner Bros Edition models offer power for both side doors. All Ventures seat seven; LS and LT extendeds optionally seat eight. A V6 engine, automatic transmission, front side airbags, and ABS are standard. Optional are traction control and a rear obstacle detection system. A stowable 3rd-row seat is available, as is a rear floor-mounted covered storage tray. Warner Edition includes a rear-seat video entertainment system. Venture's design is shared by the Oldsmobile Silhouette and Pontiac Montana.

Competition

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that the new Dodge Caravan is still one of the best minivans you can buy. It offers all of the creature comforts in a pleasing package at a fair price. Our other Best Buy is the Honda Odyssey. It's a little bit smaller than the Dodge, but more sporty to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat.

Trailing at a close second are the Recommended Chevy Venture, Ford Windstar, and Toyota Sienna. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our two Best Buys. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they are mechanically similar to the class-leading Caravan, they don't offer the breadth of model choices.

News

Venture is far more popular than Chevy's old "dustbuster" Lumina/APV minivan, but with calendar-2000 sales of some 97,500, it's no threat to Honda Odyssey, Ford Windstar and the Chrysler/Dodge models that all sell comfortably in six figures. One apparent handicap has been a relatively narrow body designed with one eye on the European market. That won't be a problem with the next-generation Venture, which is still set for 2004 as an exclusive North American product. Same goes for the related Pontiac Montana. Both will be visibly wider and doubtless longer than the current offerings.

Meantime, Venture will offer all-wheel drive as a first-time option for 2002. It's the same "Versatrak" system introduced with Pontiac's quasi-SUV Aztek and Buick's related 2002 Rendezvous. It normally drives the front wheels, but can direct power to one or both rear wheels as needed. Unlike rival setups, Versatrak is purely mechanical and doesn't steal space from the rear load area.

2001 Chevrolet Venture Road Test

Pros	Cons

Ride	Fuel economy

Passenger and cargo room	Rear-seat comfort

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

LT ext. length	LS reg. length	Class Average
4	4	3.6

These Chevy, Olds, and Pontiac minivans have adequate power from a stop and do well in passing and merging situations. We recommend the available traction control.

Fuel Economy

LT ext. length	LS reg. length	Class Average
4	4	3.9

Good for the class, averaging around 18 mpg in our tests, though a Montana got 15.7 in mostly city driving.

Ride Quality

LT ext. length	LS reg. length	Class Average
6	5	4.8

Most bumps easily absorbed; highway ride is comfortable and stable. Load-leveling suspension available on all three brands is useful feature.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LT ext. length	LS reg. length	Class Average
5	5	4.6

All handle much like large cars, feeling sportier than the minivan norm, with accurate and communicative steering, grippy cornering, modest body lean. Montana's sport suspension, part of Option Pkg. 1SB, slightly improves agility but makes ride jittery on urban streets. Braking is controlled and progressive

Quietness

LT ext. length	LS reg. length	Class Average
5	5	4.6

Wind noise prominent around mirrors at highway speed, but road and engine sounds are well-muffled.

Controls

LT ext. length	LS reg. length	Class Average
6	6	5.7

Gauges unobstructed, radio controls large and easy to reach, but climate controls mounted rather low. Overburdened turn-signal stalk also handles wipers and cruise control. Rear entertainment system is the best in the business, It has a bright, ceiling-mounted screen and cordless headphones, allowing front-seat passengers to listen to the radio while a movie is playing. Improvements over the years bring interior materials, fit, and finish abreast with most any rival.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LT ext. length	LS reg. length	Class Average
6	6	5.9

Low floor makes climbing aboard a simple matter of stepping in. Generous head and leg room. Driver has fine outward visibility, helped by large mirrors.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LT ext. length	LS reg. length	Class Average
7	5	6.7

Second- and 3rd-row seats have good head room but don't feel as substantial as those of rivals, and are too close to floor for best comfort. Of the GM minivans, only Venture offers a 2nd-row bench, only Silhouette offers 3rd-row buckets.

Cargo Room

LT ext. length	LS reg. length	Class Average
9	9	9.2

Available 2nd- and 3rd-row bucket seats are lightweight for easy rearranging, removal. Optional stowable 3rd-row seat doesn't disappear into floor; it folds level with convenience tray, about 4 inches above floor level.

Value within Class

LT ext. length	LS reg. length	Class Average
8	7	5.5

These minivans merit strong consideration. Venture is best value of the three, but base prices on all are reasonable and include a fine array of standard features. Note, however, that the announced phase-out of Oldsmobile means that unless you plan to keep your Silhouette 5-10 years it will have poor resale value and low lease residual value.

Total Score

LT ext. length	LS reg. length	Class Average
60	56	54.5

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		43
Average Score		54
High Score		66

2001 Chevrolet Venture Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 11/08/2000

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Value regular length 4-door van	$21,200	$19,610	$640

Plus regular length 4-door van	$24,680	$22,335	$640

Plus extended 4-door van	$25,680	$23,240	$640

LS regular length 4-door van	$25,610	$23,177	$640

LS extended 4-door van	$26,610	$24,082	$640

LT extended 4-door van	$29,125	$26,358	$640

LT w/power rear driver-side door extended 4-door van	$29,475	$26,675	$640

Warner Bros Edition extended 4-door van	$30,770	$27,847	$640

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Value

Powertrain

3.4-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side impact airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, 7-passenger seating (front bucket seats, center 2-passenger split bench seat, rear 3-passenger split bench seat, center console, overhead consolette, cupholders, power door locks, dual sliding rear doors, AM/FM radio, digital clock, variable intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, dual outside mirrors, 215/70R15 tires, wheel covers.

Plus adds to Value:

Comfort and Convenience Features

OnStar System w/one year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), cruise control, heated power mirrors, power front windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, center row split folding bench seat, rear stowable bench seat (extended), overhead console, AM/FM/cassette, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deep-tinted rear glass.

LS adds to Plus:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power rear quarter windows, rear stowable bench seat (extended), AM/FM/CD player, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack, alloy wheels.

LT adds to LS:

Powertrain

Traction control.

Safety

Rear parking assist.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front and rear air conditioning, 6-way power driver seat, two center row captain chairs, rear stowable bench seat, power passenger-side sliding rear door, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, rear radio controls, rear headphone jacks.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system w/alarm, air inflation kit, touring suspension w/automatic load-leveling.

Warner Bros Edition adds to LT:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cloth/leather upholstery, three center-row bucket seats w/integrated child seat, rear convenience tray, LCD screen, VCR player w/remote control, wireless headphones.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: traction control, air inflation kit, touring suspension w/automatic load-leveling.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Trailering Pkg.
LS, Warner	$720	$619
LS/Warner w/self-sealing tires	$570	$490
LT	$165	$142
Includes heavy-duty engine and transmission oil cooling, touring suspension w/load-leveling, air inflation kit.

Powertrain
Traction control
LS, Warner	$195	$168


Safety
Rear parking assist
LS extended	$150	$129


Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning
Plus extended, LS extended	$475	$409


Power passenger-side sliding door
Plus	$770	$662
LS	$720	$620
Includes 6-way power driver seat, power rear quarter windows.

Power driver-side sliding door
Warner	$350	$


ABE 2-center row captain chairs
LS regular	$290	$249


ABF 8-passenger seating
LS extended	$525	$452
LT	$0	$0
Three center-row bucket seats w/integrated child seat, rear stowable 3-passenger bench seat w/convenience tray. NA with leather upholstery.

Leather upholstery
LT	$625	$538


AM/FM/CD player
Plus	$100	$86


AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LS	$100	$86


AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LS	$395	$340
LT, Warner	$295	$254


Rear-seat audio controls
LS	$155	$133
Includes headphone jacks.

Rear defogger
Value	$305	$262


Universal garage door opener
Plus regular, LS extended, LT, Warner	$110	$95


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
Plus	$225	$194


Theft-deterrent system w/alarm
LS	$60	$52


Engine-block heater
LS, LT, Plus, Value, Warner Bros Edition	$35	$31


Touring suspension
LS, Warner	$555	$477
LS/Warner w/self-sealing tires	$405	$348
Includes traction control, load-leveling suspension, air inflation kit, 215/70R15 touring tires.

Self-sealing 215/70R15 tires
LS, Warner	$300	$258
LT	$150	$129


Alloy wheels
Plus	$295	$254

2001 Chevrolet Venture Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Venture 4-door van	Chevrolet Venture (extended) 4-door van

Wheelbase, in.	112.0	120.0

Overall Length, in.	186.9	200.9

Overall Width, in.	72.0	72.0

Overall Height, in.	67.4	68.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	3699	3838

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	119.8	140.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	1612	1457

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0	25.0

Seating Capacity	7	8

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	39.0

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

Engines

	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.4 /207

Horsepower @ rpm.	185 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	210 @ 4000

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	19/26

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chevrolet Venture 4-door van	Chevrolet Venture (extended) 4-door van

Collision	5	NA

Collision (HLDI)	63	NA

Front Impact, Driver	4	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	4	NA

Injury	5	NA

Injury (HLDI)	65	NA

Side Impact, Driver	5	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4	NA

Theft	5	NA

Theft (HLDI)	22	NA

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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2001 Chevrolet Venture Photos

Also in the 2001 Chevrolet Venture Review:

Chevrolet Venture

Chevrolet Venture Road Test

Chevrolet Venture Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Venture Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Venture Photos

Chevrolet Venture Full Review

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