2004 Chevrolet Venture: Road Test
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2004 Chevrolet Venture ▼
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- MSRP: $21,475 -$33,625
- Invoice: $19,435 -$30,431
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Our road test for the 2004 Chevrolet Venture includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Chevrolet Venture from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Chevrolet Venture, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Chevrolet Venture help you decide if a 2004 Chevrolet Venture is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Plus reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Front-drive versions of these Chevy, Pontiac, and Olds minivans feel lively enough on takeoff and have satisfactory passing/merging power. AWD adds about 200 lb that saps off-the-line snap but doesn't affect acceleration much otherwise. AWD a boon in slippery conditions, especially with a load that transfers weight and, thus, traction off the front tires. Traction control is a worthwhile option on front-drive models.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Plus reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Good for the class. Front-drive models averaged around 17 mpg in our tests, though one Montana returned just 15.7 in mostly city driving. Test AWDs averaged 16.3 mpg in a city/highway mix.
RIDE QUALITY
| Plus reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Most bumps easily absorbed. Highway ride comfortable, stable. AWD has little effect on ride quality. Available load-leveling suspension is a useful feature.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Plus reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
A bit sportier than the minivan norm despite rather vague steering feel and fairly marked body lean by passenger-car standards. Braking controlled and progressive with ABS; too bad that important safety feature is optional rather than standard on Plus models.
QUIETNESS
| Plus reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Wind noise prominent around mirrors at highway speed. Engine well-muffled. Coarse pavement generates prominent road noise around side-door area.
CONTROLS
| Plus reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Gauges unobstructed. Audio controls large and handy, but low-set climate controls demand stretching. Overburdened turn-signal stalk also handles wipers and cruise control. Unexceptional interior materials reflect cost-conscious vehicle pricing. Lightweight plastic dashboard trays and drawers tend to squeak and rattle.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Plus reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Low step-in makes climbing aboard a simple matter. Generous head and leg room. Driver has fine outward visibility, helped by large mirrors.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Plus reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Good 2nd- and 3rd-row head room. But seats don't feel as substantial as those of rivals and are too close to floor for best adult comfort.
CARGO ROOM
| Plus reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9.3 |
Available 2nd-row buckets light enough for easy rearranging, removal. Optional stowable 3rd-row seat doesn't disappear into floor, but folds level with a convenience tray that stands about 4 inches above the floor.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Plus reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Venture and its siblings merit consideration for value-conscious shoppers. The Chevys offer the most for the money, but all these GM minivans have reasonable base prices that include a good array of features. And only Dodge, Chrysler, and Toyota offer AWD among direct competitors. Note that the phaseout of Oldsmobile hurts Silhouette's resale value.
Total Score
| Plus reg. length | LT ext. length | LT ext. length AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 60 | 60 | 58.8 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Minivans
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