Closely related to the Oldsmobile Silhouette and Pontiac Montana, the Venture is ChevroletÂ’s front-wheel-drive (FWD) minivan. Last year, the Venture added an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, and little has changed for the 2003 model year.
Ever since its predecessor, the Lumina APV, was introduced in 1990, ChevroletÂ’s version has been the lower-priced value-oriented member of the GM trio of FWD minivans. Renamed the Venture as part of its 1997 redesign, ChevyÂ’s minivan handily exceeds the combined annual sales of its two GM companions.
The Venture lineup includes the Value Van, Plus, LS, LT and Warner Bros. Edition trim levels. The Warner Bros. Edition is equipped with a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system and GMÂ’s OnStar communication system. Versatrak AWD is available for the extended-length LT model. A redesigned Venture is likely in the middle of this decade.
Exterior
The regular-length Venture rides a 112-inch wheelbase and measures nearly 187 inches long overall, while the extended-length model has a 120-inch wheelbase and stretches 200.9 inches from stem to stern.
All Ventures have dual sliding side doors. A powered right-side door is standard on the LT and Warner Bros. Edition and comes optional on the LS model. Power operation of the sliding door on the driverÂ’s side is also available. AWD minivans have 16-inch tires, but FWD models get 15-inchers.
Interior
Seating for seven occupants is standard, but an eight-passenger capacity is optional in the LS. The standard setup includes a two-passenger split bench seat in the second row and a three-place split bench seat in the third row. Flat-folding captainÂ’s chairs with cupholders are available for the second row, as are modular bucket seats for the second and third rows.
All seats except for the front buckets can be removed, which then yields a cargo volume of up to 126.6 cubic feet in regular-length models or 140.7 cubic feet in extended-length versions. All Ventures have a rear, swing-up liftgate.
Under the Hood
A 3.4-liter V-6 engine sends 185 horsepower to a four-speed-automatic transmission, which is the same powertrain used in all three GM minivans. A sport suspension is standard on the LT and optional on the LS and Warner Bros. Edition. Traction control is optional for the LS and Warner Bros. Edition models.
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard. Side-impact airbags are installed in the LS, LT and Warner Bros. Edition. An optional rear parking-assist function emits an audible warning as you approach an obstacle to the rear while backing up. LATCH child-safety seat tethers are installed.
Driving Impressions
The ride quality in the Venture is pleasing, and performance is a definite plus. The Venture is energetic when starting from a standstill, and it passes and merges effectively. GMÂ’s solid powertrain functions with impressive competence, and it has smooth, prompt gear changes.
The VentureÂ’s handling is fine on the highway, and it steers with a light touch. However, this minivan isnÂ’t as stable in curves as some of its rivals. Nothing is really wrong with the Venture, but it fails to stand above the minivan pack.
Â
