2003 Chevrolet Venture: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Venture's least-expensive versions make antilock brakes and front side airbags optional instead of standard for 2003. Regular-length Ventures come in Value, Base, and LS models. Extended-length versions have an 8-inch-longer wheelbase and come in LS, LT, and top-line Warner Bros Edition models. All have a V6, automatic transmission, and dual sliding side doors. A power right-side door is available for LS models. LS, LT, and Warner models offer optional dual power doors. Most Ventures have 7-passenger seating. An 8-seat setup is standard on Warner, optional on LS models.

Most come with a 2nd-row bench that includes an integrated child safety seat. LTs have 2nd-row captain chairs without an integrated child safety seat. Warner Bros models have three 2nd-row buckets with a child safety seat.

Front side airbags and ABS are now packaged as a $950 option on Value and Base models. They remain standard on other Ventures. Most Ventures have front-wheel drive and available traction control. Extendeds offer GM's Versatrak AWD; it includes independent rear suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes. Other options include rear-obstacle warning and a stowable 3rd-row seat. Exclusive to LT Entertainer and Warner Bros models is standard rear DVD entertainment. Venture's basic design is shared with the Oldsmobile Silhouette and Pontiac Montana.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that 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 Honda Odyssey. It's sportier to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat, but the ride can grow harsh at times.

Recommended Chevy Venture and Toyota Sienna are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, but they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys. Mazda MPV makes it to the Recommended list this year as a reliable family hauler offering better fuel economy than competitors at a reasonable price. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they don't offer the Caravan's breadth of model choices, they are mechanically similar. Their entry-level models are a super value for the price.