2002 Chevrolet Venture: Road Test
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2002 Chevrolet Venture ▼
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- MSRP: $21,520 -$33,570
- Invoice: $19,906 -$30,381
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Our road test for the 2002 Chevrolet Venture includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Chevrolet Venture from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Chevrolet Venture, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Chevrolet Venture help you decide if a 2002 Chevrolet Venture is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LS reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Front-drive versions of these Chevy, Olds, and Pontiac minivans feel lively enough away from a stop and do well in passing and merging situations. AWD adds about 200 lb and dulls movement off the line, but has little effect on acceleration otherwise. AWD aids traction in slippery conditions, especially with a load that transfers weight off the front tires. Traction control is a worthwhile option on front-drive models.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LS reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Good for the class, with front-drive models averaging around 17 mpg in our tests, though one test Montana averaged 15.7 in mostly city driving. Test AWD versions averaged 16.3 mpg in a city/highway mix.
RIDE QUALITY
| LS reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.2 |
Most bumps easily absorbed; highway ride is comfortable and stable. Little difference with AWD. Load-leveling suspension available on all three brands is a useful feature. Montana offers a firmer suspension in the optional Sport Performance and Handling Package, but it makes the ride rather jittery on cratered urban streets.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LS reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Slightly sportier than the minivan norm, despite somewhat-vague steering feel and more-than-modest body lean by passenger-car standards. Montana's optional sport suspension slightly improves agility, but isn't worth the cost in ride comfort. Braking controlled, progressive.
QUIETNESS
| LS reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Wind noise prominent around mirrors at highway speed. Engine well-muffled. On coarse surfaces, road noise prominent around side-door area.
CONTROLS
| LS reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Gauges unobstructed. Controls for radio are large and easy-to-reach, those for climate system are mounted low. Overburdened turn-signal stalk also handles wipers and cruise control. Rear entertainment system has bright, ceiling-mounted screen and cordless headphones, but DVD unit is mounted low in the dashboard and is hard to load or operate while driving, though it can be adjusted via remote control. Serviceable interior materials reflect cost-conscious vehicle pricing, but lightweight-plastic dashboard trays and drawers tend to squeak and rattle.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LS reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
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)
| LS reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 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. Among these GM minivans, only Venture offers 2nd-row bench, though Montana offers three 2nd-row buckets.
CARGO ROOM
| LS reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9.3 |
Available 2nd- and 3rd-row bucket seats are lightweight for easy rearranging, removal. Available stowable 3rd-row seat doesn't disappear into floor; it folds level with convenience tray, about 4 inches above floor level.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LS reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 5.5 |
These minivans merit strong consideration. Venture is the best value of the three, but base prices on all are reasonable and include a fine array of standard features. And only Dodge and Chrysler offer AWD among direct competitors. Note, however, that the phaseout of Oldsmobile has damaged Silhoutte's near-term resale value and lease residual value.
Total Score
| LS reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 62 | 62 | 55.6 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Minivans
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