2004 Chevrolet Venture Review
Fuel Economy
18 - 20 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Not terribly refined, but loaded with value, the Chevy Venture is a solid minivan if you don't need all the latest features and gadgets.
Pros
Carlike ride and handling, power-sliding doors, eight-passenger seating option, available DVD entertainment system.
Cons
Flimsy modular seats, poor interior fit and finish, coarse engine character, mixed crash test results.
What's New for 2004
The standard-wheelbase Value van and the Warner Brothers edition are no longer available. An upgraded stereo with MP3 capability is now an option on LS and LT models along with XM Satellite Radio. LT models now offer the sport appearance package as an option and come standard with the DVD entertainment system when equipped with all-wheel drive. The leather seating option now includes a power passenger seat and heated front seats. Captain's chairs are now offered on the LS.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
It Drives and Drives
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Venture LS Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought this is with 24K miles on it, 3.5 yrs later it's at 115K+ and we have had very few complaints. Very reliable, comfortable, great mileage. Got from Raleigh NC to Allenton PA on one tank of gas, with a little to spare. Numerous long trips to the Midwest with no complaints and lots of comfort. Plenty of city driving, too. Basic extended model, no whistles and bells but it does the job. AC stopped working on level 5 this summer, and 4yrs old messed up the CD player with pennies, but other than a set of brakes and some new belts, tires, general maintenance, have been surprisingly happy with an American made vehicle. Would recommend it!
Favorite Features
Folding seats, built in child seat
Suggested Improvements
More latch positions on the 60/40 model--it should have at least 3! Cheap cupholder on the 60 side of the second row.
4 out 5 people found this review helpful
Personal Experience
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Venture LS Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
We searched far and wide for the perfect family van and after owning this Venture for 2 years we are confident we found it. We love the ways the seats fold and move individually, they give you so many options. The gas mileage is great. We got 25mpg driving to FL with a family and luggage to boot. The integrated child seat is awesome, I just wish we had two instead of one. I'm a Ford guy myself, but this Chevy Venture is awesome. My wife and I wanted 8 passenger seating and we could only find it in the Chevy Venture (in 2005). Yah we have 3 kids but what if the grandparents or friends want to ride, 8 passenger is a must. We've had no operational problems and we're closing on 40,000.
Favorite Features
8 passenger seating. individual seats in middle row fold. gas mileage. Overall comfort and practicality
Suggested Improvements
More substantial cup holders. Standard power door on both sides instead of one. A little more horse power, but then goes your mpg I suppose. But I want both darn it (lol)
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Underrated van
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Venture Plus Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This vehicle has performed more than adequately. Rides smoothly, swallows more cargo than previous SUV we owned and only cost $20,500 after rebates and discounts--saved $6000 over Honda Odyssey. True, resale is less now than other minivans but this matters only if you plan on selling it quickly. At 58,000 miles, only the rotors needed to be replaced and othewise no problems noted. Interior could be more high-class but we didn't buy this car for style but for basic transportation and it has fulfilled this function well. Even gas mileage is good--25-26 miles in suburban driving. Overall, very satisfied.
Favorite Features
Gas mileage, durability, cargo space.
Suggested Improvements
More sound insulation, stronger engine would be nice although gas mileage would surely suffer then.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
2004 Chevrolet Van Extended
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Venture Plus Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
A bit of a "Plain Jane" van, however, very dependable and no repairs to date. Currently have 65000 KM's
Favorite Features
Gas mileage, payload, and ride quality.
Suggested Improvements
Horn is low volume/quality and should be upgraded. I'm never sure it can be heard by other drivers. It's been a bone of contention with me since I purchased the vehicle. My dealer tells me it can't be upgraded unless I go to an after market product. Miss not having a tachometer.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
2004 Venture LT Luxury Van
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Venture LT Entertainer Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
While I have only owned this van 2 months, it has been in my family since new. It has had hardly any problems. I am very pleased with the leather interior. It has good take off power, but does struggle somewhat on long hills. Earlier models had gasket problems, but that problem was resolved for 2004. The headrest of the 2nd row captains chairs do create a blind spot when backing up, but I have learned to adjust to it. There are also a few rattles from the rear door when going over bumps.
Favorite Features
Smooth car like ride. Good styling, nice leather interior. Great sound system, DVD system. Built in air pump.
Suggested Improvements
The only improvements I can think of are more power for climbing hills, larger brakes, and the standard power door should be on the driver side.
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