2002 Chevrolet Venture: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Optional all-wheel drive and a DVD rear-entertainment system are the top additions to the 2002 Venture. This minivan is offered in 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 seat seven; LS and LT extendeds optionally seat eight. Venture is available with front-wheel drive or GM's Versatrak AWD that includes independent rear suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS and front side airbags are standard, as are a V6 engine and automatic transmission. Optional are traction control and a rear-obstacle-warning system. A stowable 3rd-row seat and a rear floor-mounted covered storage tray are available. The Warner Bros Edition includes a rear-seat entertainment system with a DVD player, vs. last year's VCR. Integrated child-safety seats are standard with the 2nd-row bench seat. 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 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.