IndyStar.com's view

Chevrolet has long been a venturesome division of General Motors Corp. So, it’s no surprise that, when Chevy decided to introduce a new minivan, it would be named Venture.

The 1997 Venture minivan offers advanced features in seating, space/storage, creature comforts and power. It also comes as a stretch job, with the standard 112-inch wheelbase extended to 120 inches.

As a small or extended unit, the ’97 Venture offers model configurations to fit specific needs. The regular model is 187.3 inches long. The extended version is 201.3 inches, which might not be a mini, but that’s how Chevrolet regards it.

The van’s cargo-carrying capacity goes up as the length increases, translating into space of more than 126 cubic feet for the standard wheelbase unit to 156 cubic feet for the long wheelbase.

The prime attraction of a van is the ability to carry people and things under one roof. Up to seven passengers can be distributed among one of three seating configurations.

Bucket, bench or split-bench arrangements accommodate a driver and riders on lightweight seats designed for space on demand. Seatbacks can be folded down and used as tables.

Loading passengers or cargo is a lot easier with Venture’s optional left side sliding door. This left side door, however, is available only on the extended wheelbase model.

The third row of seats slides forward to enable a shopper to stow as many as 14 grocery bags or several sheets of plywood. The rear seats also can be folded flat or completely removed.

Chevrolet has given the Venture some power. GM’s updated 3400 SFI (sequential fuel injection) V-6 engine produces 180 horsepower and 205 foot-pounds of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels with four-speed automatic transaxle.

The engine is a proven workhorse, using a push rod/rocker arm valve train with two valves per cylinder. Engine enhancements include thicker side wall stiffening of the lifter valley ribs in the block, a stiffer oil pan to strengthen the bottom end, and the addition of roller rocker arms.

Other mechanicals include ABS (anti-lock) braking and an optional load-leveling suspension system with an air pump that can also be used to inflate tires.

Stylewise, a minivan is a minivan, although the Venture is a fairly aerodynamic one. There is a pretty good rake to the windshield for improved visibility over a moderately short, rounded front end. Hidden wipers and radio antenna contribute to body lines designed to minimize wind noise.

The inside design is where there is user-friendly emphasis.

You want cupholders? They’re all over the place, 17 by actual count, plus juice box holders and 26 other handy storage areas, including cargo nets positioned between the two front seats and along the rear side panels. There also are sliding door storage bins.

Front air conditioning is standard, with rear air conditioning offered as an option. The Sungate windshield keeps the Venture’s interior 20 degrees cooler on a hot, sunny day co mpared to uncoated glass.

A dual mode sound system lets front seat passengers listen to the radio while rear seat riders can listen to tapes or CDs, or vice versa. Allergy sufferers will breathe clean air through a standard pollen/dust filter.

Chevrolet will begin producing the 1997 Venture at the GM assembly plant in Doraville, Ga., during the third quarter of 1996. The minivan arrives in Indianapolis Chevy dealers’ showrooms in the fall.