Chevrolet Venture - Road Test - American Car

GM got the message-loud and clear. In developing its new clean-sheet minivan series, the company's dogged focus wasn't on setting styling trends-as it was the first time around-but on simply producing the type of solid product that minivan customers are really looking for.

In 1990, with the company's first from-the-ground-up effort at building a car-based passenger minivan, GM tried to wow the public with a futuristic aero look and an advanced body structure that used composite body panels on a steel spaceframe, similar to the build of a Corvette or Pontiac Fiero. The result was that, in the intense effort to be noticed, the van lost some of the basic functionality and much of the homeyness that make minivans appealing.

Not this time. GM set its sights on one key target: Chrysler. With the road to minivan dominance leading straight through Auburn Hills, GM figured if it could build a vehicle that beats Chrysler at its own game, the sales would come. We recently spent some quality family vacation time in the new Chevrolet Venture under a variety of driving conditions in and around the White Mountains of New Hampshire with children and spousal unit in tow, and the difference between yesterday and today was dramatically apparent.

Gone is the familiar Dustbuster-like nose. In its place is a handsome and appropriately conservative body design that melds comfortably with the contemporary scene without calling attention to itself. In place of the more-expensive composite panels is a tried-and-true steel unibody that's been strengthened significantly through the use of integrated ladder-style frame rails. This structure was important in achieving the vehicle's excellent driveability characteristics.

The Venture is available in either regular (112.0-inch wheelbase) or extended (120.0-inch wheelbase) versions, with two trim levels: base and LS.

In addition to the standard right-side sliding door, both Venture lengths offer an optional left-side sliding rear door similar to Chrysler's. Extended-length models can be outfitted with an optional electric-powered right-side slider, a thoughtful feature carried over from the previous generation. This power door can be operated from a button on the passenger-side B-pillar, the overhead console, or the remote keyless-entry key fob. It doesn't take long to become spoiled by the convenience of this option. For safety, a soft warning jingle accompanies the door's closing, but even if the door encounters a person or object, it automatically retracts. We tried it; it works.

Buyers can choose from numerous seat configurations to accommodate up to seven people with relative roominess. While the front row always consists of two reclinable buckets, the second row can be ordered as a two-person bench or three buckets. The third row is available as a three-passenger bench or two buckets. Each modular bucket seat is a 38-pound lightweight that's easy to lift out and stow away, if needed. Similarly, both benches are a split design, so each half can be lifted out separately, making them more manageable than full benches.

Integrated child seats, which worked well for our test kids, are optional for the middle row. In the stowed position, though, the kiddie perches make the seatbacks uncomfortably stiff for adults-a trait typical of this feature.

An optional ceiling-mounted rear control panel gives middle-row passengers control of their own destiny in terms of fan, temperature, and audio settings, even allowing them to listen to a different audio source (through headphones) than that being played in the front.

Storage nooks abound, including a handy cargo net that can hang between the two front seats to keep maps, books, and other small items from sliding around on the floor. Depending on the interior arrangement, the Venture can also tally up to 17 cupholders.