The Venture features a pleasant, open interior with simple, easy-to-reach
controls. The list of standard features is commendable: air conditioning,
power locks and mirrors, tilt wheel, and an overhead console.
Storage is plentiful with a big glovebox and up to 26 compartments,
according to Chevrolet. A cargo net stretches between the two front seats
on the LS model to store purses, phones and other stray objects. Less clever
are the hard-to-reach cupholders that fold down from the sides of the front
seats.
The modular seats make it easy to rearrange space in the rear. Seven-passenger
seating is standard, and available in split or solid benches or bucket
seats. Single or dual integrated child safety seats ($125-$250) are available.
The second and third rows are raised slightly to give passengers a better
view. The seat bottoms are relatively low, though, which will force some
adults' knees uncomfortably high.
Seatbacks on the bucket seats flip down to provide a flat surface, or
the whole seat can be folded up to make space for a big box and at 38 pounds,
the seats can be removed by one person. Those who want leather seats or
dual captain's chairs for the second row will need to shop an Olds or Pontiac
store.
The wide pass-through makes transit between the front and the back easy,
while numerous features make life in the back comfortable. High on any
teenager's list would be the dual-jack rear audio controls that are optional
on the Venture LS ($110). Back-seat passengers can listen to a tape or
CD ($200) over headphones while front-seat passengers listen to the radio
(or vice versa). Rear vents and climate controls will cut down on temperature
complaints.
Cargo space is plentiful; maximum capacity is only 13 cubic feet less
than Chrysler minivans despite the Venture's narrower width. Behind the
third row of seats, the Venture has more space than the Chrysler. The LS
has a net across the rear opening and two netted compartments at the sides
of the rear cargo area to keep gallons of milk and tool kits from skidding.
The one annoyance is a ridge across the floor at the rear that forces you
to lift heavy objects out rather than slide them.
Some buyers may have questions after viewing the last-place showing
of the Pontiac Trans Sport in an insurance-industry-sponsored 40-mph frontal
offset crash test. Federal standards--which all U.S. vehicles meet--regulate
performance only in head-on and side impacts.
Buyers should note that of the nine vans tested, only the Ford Windstar
received a Good rating, so the issue involves more than just the GM minivans.
Carmakers point out that there are no Federal standards for offset collisions,
that the test was conducted at a much greater speed than any Federal test,
that offset crashes constitute only a small proportion of all accidents,
and that minivans in general have an excellent real-world safety record.
Overall, the Venture provides a relaxing driving environment, thanks
to its quiet interior, car-like ride and handling, and robust engine, a
180-horsepower 3.4-liter V6 that is more powerful than the standard engines
of its competitors. The V6 provides plenty of start-up oomph and passing
power at cruising speed. It is paired with a smooth-shifting four-speed
automatic transmission. The firm, accurate steering saves the driver from
constant corrections at higher speeds.
The model we tested was equipped with the optional touring suspension
with automatic load leveling in the rear ($180). In general, the handling
was responsive and controlled. The ride tended to the firm side, but with
little body roll. The standard suspension would have less harshness but
more roll.
Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard, and traction control ($175)
can provide extra security.