Used 1999 Chevrolet Venture Consumer Reviews
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Love It!!!
Anna, 10/05/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have had my van for 3 years now, and my husband wants me to trade it in for a new sporty SUV. I can't-I have not found anything that compares to my van. I prefer the van to the SUV's. The van has everything I would want in an SUV (except the 4-wheel drive) for half of the price.
LS Venture 99 with 180000 miles
Juan Rodriguez, 11/17/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bough my Chevrolet Venture on 08/01/1999 with 79 miles. I am driving 300 miles on Florida highway every day. I had to change the engine oil and filter every 5000 miles; transmission oil and filter every 60,000 miles; tune-up and O2 sensor at 110,000 miles. My Venture has 180,000 miles now and the engine still is very quiet. It is making 26 MPG on Highway and 19 MPG on city. Let see if it can make 300,000 miles with original engine and transmission. This is a true history.
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See all 0 listingsNice Van - Very Frustrated Mechanically
patjoja, 12/18/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this van new and have loved everything about it until I hit 60,000 miles. Simultaneously, the transmission had to be rebuilt, then the intake manifold gaskets were found to be leaking internally and externally. Fortunately the gasket problem was found soon enough so no major problems were caused by coolent in the oil. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE and the fix is not cheap. However the dealer is fixing it at no cost to me. GM knows this is a major problem and should issue a recall in my opinion.
No attention to detail
Jkurth, 06/02/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Attention to detail has been sadly overlooked. I have had nothing but trouble with the elictrical system of this vehicle. I found the problems to be caused by the rear tail light assembly(s). They were not put together correctly at the factory and leaked water. Worse yet, I have had it in the Chevy dealer(s) multiple times for electrical problems. Each time I brought it in, they would charge me for repairs of the various electrical subsystems, but the problems would keep coming back. I found out the break lights were causing the problem getting a warning ticket. I took the breaks apart and found water and corrosion damage!
Decade Van
Daisy, 03/12/2010
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought used (9 mo. old) w/14k miles. Initial problem: A/C had funny smell when used 1st time each spring. Very roomy. Love the features incl. elec. pkg; seating for 8; 2 built-in child seats. Had it now exactly 10 years. Issues with automatic door lock - was a recall issue. Pretty reliable given we've put 100,000 mi on it. Good family vehicle. 10 day Family trip (1200 mi ea way) last summer with no problems. over the years we have done only handful of repairs (water pump, manifold gasket,belt tension gear) Left rear tail light bulb out every 3 mths; driver's airbag light intermittently on; Our other car is a CAMRY -- which we LOVE
Highly recommend 99 Venture LT
rmsutton, 02/28/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LT 4dr Ext Minivan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
If you want a smooth comfortable ride with plenty of room, this is the vehicle for you. it's like driving around in your livingroom recliner.
Underrated Minivan
TheKidd, 06/02/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have been shopping for a minivan for the last 6 months. I've done tons of research, test drove many vans.When I drove the Venture I was sold. Chevrolet has done a poor job of marketing this vehicle, I think it is a more sturdy and solid vehicle than the Dodge and Chryslers I drove.
Chevy Venture - great 2nd car!
jeeplover, 12/28/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Extended cab gives owner the ability to drive and have lots of space. Good and reliable. Good inner space and has few maintenance problems. Mine has 86K miles and has been no trouble. Front wheel drive requires a slower than normal start - no kicking this into 0- 60 in 6 seconds!! People confuse that issue for trans problems.
Manifold Gasket Failure
mariposaken, 05/08/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LT 4dr Ext Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Until now, I've been pretty happy with my 1999 Chevrolet Venture LT. But on May 6, 02, I found out that the manifold gasket has failed & replacement gaskets are on a nation wide back order. Service at Anderson Chev. in Los Gatos, CA have no idea when the repair will be made. I have a rental car for the duration. I was told the manifold is made of aluminum & the engine block is made of cast iron. The two metals expand and contract at different rates stressing the manifold gasket. Long term prognosis: frequent manifold gasket replacement.
Spare Tire Falls Off!
SPARE TIRE FALLS OFF, 08/04/2005
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A few months ago, while pulling into my driveway, my spare tire fell off of its holder on the bottom of my van. The cable that holds it on rotted away. I also talked to someone else that said that they actually had one come off of a Venture they were driving behind on the highway, barley avoiding a serious accident! GM told me that they would not take care of me on this because the van is out of warranty and this is normal wear and tear for this vehicle. WOW! The transmission had to be replaced before the 50,000 mile mark. The fuel injectors stick on it. Many mechanics I have talked to say this is a very common problem in this vehicle. I will never buy another GM product!
Low Mileage Transmission Failure
Janet, 08/12/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased my 99 Chevy Venture after much research on the internet and after test driving many different manufacturers minivans. I have been very happy with this vehicle until my transmission abruptly broke. The vehicle only had 40,000 miles and I was advised that this was one of the top of the line transmissions built to last at least 100,000. The only findings were "mechanical breakdown". The repair shop advised that this was probably due to faulty workmanship when the car was put together.
Good, but in the shop a lot
SFOBPH, 11/30/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought it because the price was right. I don't regret it, but it has been in the shop too often. Most fit and finish problems, but there was one serious engine problem.
Runs hot
courcollision, 12/22/2011
1999 Chevrolet Venture LT 4dr Ext Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Water stays filling up tank van runs hot open radiator cap and it fills it self back up don't know why!! Don't like the way you have to vent coolant system!!
Satisfied
ouchy89, 04/18/2010
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought my 1999 venture ls ext with 90,000 miles on it, about 8 years ago. It has 238,000 now. The last year has been spendy for repairs. Mass air flow sensor, window switches, multifunction switch, taillight circuit board, water pump, battery. At 146,000 miles had the lower intake manifold gaskets done. Otherwise just maintenance and normal wear and tear on the ext. And int. Very happy with the van. Yes, it has rust starting and many things are broken like all the turn knobs for the seats, rear air, overhead console, cup holders, but it still runs like a top.
Biggest piece of crap on the road
quag, 03/16/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture 3dr Minivan
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car was junk; nothing more to say
1999 Venture LT
cdlevy, 07/08/2004
1999 Chevrolet Venture LT 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been an excellent vehicle. Have had no problems. Highway milage was better than expected.
Great Family Minivan
cookrenee, 09/11/2004
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our Chevy Venture is a great all-round car. My husband loves it because it does great with Lowe's trips, including 4'x8' plywood. It's 7-passenger capacity has been well-used! We've traveled from Texas to Washington and back again several times with no problems, and it has had very little need for repair work. We love the 4- door style, and the automatic remote control on the right side door. The extended version gives us lots of storage space, and the seats are extremely easy to fold down and flip up out of the way, or to take out. We've enjoyed the module in front that keeps track of outside temperature, mileage, direction of travel, etc.
like at first now concerned
family guy, 12/08/2004
1999 Chevrolet Venture LT 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Like the 25 mpg and the big gas tank. Did not like that the rear hatch handle broke at 3 yr mark, that I have to top off the antifreeze every month, that the power door and locks on the sliding doors stopped working, but I cleaned the contacts and it works again, need to clean twice a year. Biggest problem was the transmission at 67000 miles. Torque converter lock out caused vibrations like going over rumble stips, after driving 55+mph for >20 minutes, now the transmission sporaticlly slips when starting out on a grade. Estimate repair bill $3000 at dealer or $2000 at tranny shop. Since I wanted to tow a camper now, decided to trade it in for a large SUV. Tranny always had a hard shift.
Great hauling vehicle
Erik, 01/27/2005
1999 Chevrolet Venture 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have never had a problem with the vehicle besides the intake manifold gasket. The vehicle is very reliable.It always starts on the coldest days and passes emissions. Great vehicle for going 2 the hardware store with except the chore of removing the seats.
I'd buy another
dalbc, 05/26/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LT 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The van runs great, handles well, and is quite comfortable. Surprisingly, we often average 26 mpg on long highway- centric trips. The Venture has not disappointed us.
bad interior design
moo, 10/07/2009
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it performs well Last summer i shuttled a couple of kids to a camp and they said it was kind of uncomfortable. Gas mileage could be a little better It is the overall design that is really blah (hello i am a college student!!!!) The inside is nice but the black dashboard is a little too bland. The outside is worse There is no chevy logo on the back and the one in the front is too small Door handles are easy to hold but the sliding doors are heavy
Manifold Gasket Problem
FJ, 03/16/2003
1999 Chevrolet Venture 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great ride, excellent features both interior and exterior, but under the hood a nightmare. Nice to hear I am not the only one who experienced an intake manifold gasket problem. Dealer just happened to find, yeah right, the manifold gasket was leaking when I brought the van in for recall on sliding door latch. Van had just over 47,000 miles at the time of repair, which is much too early for this failure. Very expensive to repair, but found an authorized service shop that replaced the gasket more economically than dealerhip. GM will not reimburse for repairs, I think is justified for a poor design. .
Broken Hearted
TANYA, 10/19/2006
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This minivan was exactly what I needed in size and space. I never got into an accident with it. The mechanical parts have quickly begun to wear out after the 100,000 mile marker and now it is on its last leg. First the struts, the strut mounts, and now the head gasket.
Very decent minivan
hlima, 01/04/2007
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought it mainly for its design, but we found a very good interior space and overall performance.
Very good van
hlima, 01/17/2007
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My sister has a Caravan. I like that van, but when we tried the Venture we didn't think it twice. It's very comfortable. The only problem is my wife wants to drive it all the time. No repairs until now, only normal mantenance. The electrical system works fine but there are some minimal issues like the lights blink once when you press the brakes.
Very dependable
grannytaxi, 08/17/2011
1999 Chevrolet Venture 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have had a 1999 Venture for 8 years and have only had one major expenditure with it. It has nearly 170,000 miles now. It runs like a top and is getting better gas mileage (20-26 mpg) than when we first got it.
A bad Venture indeed
penwasser, 06/11/2004
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this vehicle new in 98, and like many others had no real problems until about 40,000 miles, just past warranty. I had to replace the transmission at a very hefty cost. GM would not even think about defering some of the cost, great customer support, not. I have also had problems with electrical items (ie...windows, door locks), and the same manifold gasket leak that just about everyone complains about. I gave the US market a shot, and they failed miserably. Hello Toyota.
Good Buy
repol, 05/15/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Van. Drives well on trips. Not too noisy on the road. Could use some improvement
It's cheap and it shows!
lesabre88, 01/22/2008
1999 Chevrolet Venture 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this van with only 40000 miles on it... Have had numerous things go wrong... power windows broke many times, lots of front brake wear, 3 front wheel bearings, 2 intake gaskets, exhaust, rear hatch lock, front struts and bearing plates, Abs light on half the time, check engine light on the other half, wiper motors works when it wants to, motor sounds like a sewing machine on cold start until it warms up,and much much more... funny thing is it only has 67874 miles on it now!What is going to go when it gets some real mileage on it.... I am stuck with it too because to sell it, i will loose my shirt as they hold absolutely no value ... other then that it is great
Another gasket problem
ddarpel, 06/01/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LT 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I used tolove this van - it is my second Venture. After a crash that totaled our first Venture, but left my family uninjured I bought this one without a second thought. At 35,000 miles the manifold gasket has failed and I have been without the van for three weeks waiting on parts. I've called Chevy and had to go tot the dealership's GM to get my rental upgraded to another van (they pulled a used one from stock!). Chevy really needs to re-design this gasket and recall for the repair, I'm out of warranty after about two more years!
Happy w/ 99 Venture
jmp1970, 04/13/2003
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We love our Venture. We have had it almost a year, purchased new. We previously had Caravan and had an Odyssey for about 1 yr and had major problems that I was told were normal, NOT! I would buy another Venture when the time comes.
First 500 miles
Twocoast, 01/09/2003
1999 Chevrolet Venture 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this 99 at the end of 2002. So far so good, I see reviews of a gasket problem and hope that is an anomoly.
injector problems
problem child , 04/16/2003
1999 Chevrolet Venture 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but problems with the fuel injectors on this van...i think it is a production problem with this!!!!!
Head gasket problems
richard connelly, 01/16/2005
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In the past 2 years I have had to replace 2 gaskets that seperate the manifold from the engine block. Anti-freeze leaked into the engine case. Very poor design. And GM has had no recalls on this re-occuring problem. I have spoken with mechanics and other Venture owners who have had this problem. Very dissappointing. This will be my last GM purchase. It also has had electrical short problems with the rear tail lights. Also the headlights are dull.
Venture
HVP, 03/18/2003
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
GOOD RELIABLE MINIVAN WE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR WHICH WAS FIXED AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS. OTHERWISE A GOOD CAR.
serves it's purpose
cologal, 06/08/2003
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving this mini-van for 4 years, my main complaints are the brakes end up squeaking after only a few months, and the rear window washer is a joke.The sprayer should be mounted on the wiper.The gas mileage on this van is fantastic. It is great on long trips with the kids, and our model seats 8 which has come in handy. It is beginning to show it's age, with squeaks and rattles and other noises, but that is typical of a well-used vehicle. Resale value is horrible, and I will have trouble when trading it in since dealers don't want to give much for it. For the busy family that prefers to drive instead of fly, this is the mini-van to do it in.
Manifold, what manifold?
Adventure, 02/22/2008
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought our Venture used from CarMax in 2000 with 26,000 miles. We have driven it 154,000 miles since, under nearly every condition, and it's been a great van. We have pulled two different pop-up campers all over Maryland (beach to mountains) and although the 6 cylinders might have complained climbing the mountains, they never gave out. Our two kids have grown up in the van and we always have room for them, friends, travel junk and more. Our van is the default vehicle for road trips because of how well it holds people and stuff. We're not thrilled with the fit and finish of the interior and things have started to fall apart, but nothing unexpected for 180,000 miles.
Underrated family hauler
kkollwitz, 06/21/2003
1999 Chevrolet Venture 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I shopped & test drove for three months before buying this van, which was a surprise even to me. The car is still wonderful at 68K miles, has not been to the shop except for front brake discs and pads. Versatile, roomy, peppy engine, great mileage. We would consider another Venture if this one wears out.
No confindence
Burned by a Chevy, 09/22/2003
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This van has been nothing but trouble ever since it went out of warranty. Both power window regualtors have failed ($850 a pop), the front wipers failed ($300), and true to form the head and manifold gaskets let go. Of course Chevy will not do anything to help with the gasket repair, even thought the problem is caused by the Dex-Cool. GM used "normal" gaskets in the Venture, check out how much heftier the replacments are before they install them on your Venture.
Unhappy Owner
tonylaura, 10/23/2003
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very poor quality. Always something going wrong. Constant SES light. Air bag light intermittent. Rear wiper intermittent. Replaced many parts.
Too Early to Die
rosegarden, 12/11/2003
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Problems: wipers constantly stuck in up position. Apparently this has been a recall item on other years, but GM decided not for 1999, so dealer wants lots of money to fix it. Power sliding door problems and electrical problems (remote entry), which the dealer fixed at no charge. Major problem of gasket cracking so oil and coolant leaked internally and externally (66666 miles) ($700 repair.) Dumb placement of drivers cup holders on floor. Also had some trouble with power windows, but maybe lubrication will fix them. Am investigating a Honda Odyssey as we have had good luck with Hondas in the past now that they have made them bigger.
a great family vehicle
JLA, 08/29/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great family vehicle, not fun to drive-but comfortable.The suspension needs to be firmer.
Bad Design on Intake Manifold Gaskets
Manifold Gasket Flaw, 12/30/2003
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Yeah, I too have been taken to the dealership cleaners on the Intake Manifold gaskets. At 51,000 miles, a "new" kit was required. Very expensive for such low mileage. GM should reimburse at least part of the cost. I am not a satisfied GM person now. Will not buy another Venture or GM van in general.
Not as good as I expected
jumeplatt, 06/09/2007
1999 Chevrolet Venture 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the van with 55,000 on it so I expected it to be used and have minor repairs. The problems started with the intake gaskets blowing this turned out to be a very typical problem with the Venture; coolant deteriorates gaskets (Dex-Cool). Then there is the engine rattling also typical for the 3.4, caused by short piston skirts (design defect). Water pump went out ended up being related to the intake gaskets (Dex-Cool). Then there is the transmission hydraulic pressure defect that results in having to replace the transmission also typical of the 1999 Venture. These are all very costly repairs and I would not have purchased the van if I had known they were all so common to the Venture.
99 CHEVY VENTURE
PLAYPEN95, 01/22/2003
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
OUR CHEVY VENTURE IS WONDERFUL!!! it is a very comfortable ride. the children even love the van. they think its so cool with the sliding door, cd player,the seperate seating instead of one big all together seating, they seem to have more room. we have had a plymouth van in the past and it does not compare to the venture!! there has not been anything we have not love about the van as of yet. if you want a fully loaded minivan and the comfort of sitting home on your sofa, and a great, reliable van then the chevy venture is the one for you!!! hope you all enjoy your ride as much as we do.
problems
mark f, 08/05/2010
1999 Chevrolet Venture LT 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you check the internet, you will find a lot of gripes about this van and I experienced them all. electrical include brake lights shorting out, turn signals failing, power sliding door going out,and radio lights burning out. Mechanical include brakes constantly need serviced and the head gasket goes out at around 120,000 miles on almost ALL 3.4 motors. My buddy is a mechanic, he says he works on the head gaskets a lot, can do it in his sleep now. Cost $700 to replace head gasket as they have to plain down the aluminum heads to fit properly. Then you may as well replace timing belt and oil pump since you are that far into the motor, talking around $1100 now.
Good design /poor quality
Chris, 06/03/2008
1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 4dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like the gas mileage and the responsive engine, but the Caravan is nicer to drive and feels more solid on the road. I had to replace the intake manifold gasket at 90000 kms, got partial payment from a GM goodwill warranty but had to replace valve lifters as well because antifreeze had leaked into the engine, cost out of own pocket about a thousand bucks. The body began to rust out prematurley along the roof line above the windsheild, the rocker panels, bottom of rear hatch, the hood and front fenders. I have had to replace 3 windsheild wiper motors at a cost of about 200 each (aftermarket )GM replacement was about 350. Water pump went at about 150000km, brakes shot at 110000kms,etc
Beautiful
NK, 05/21/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LT 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a beautiful car! Seats all my kids comfortably. I have heard bad things about the reliabilty. But we'll see if we have any problems in the future. So far so good!
no more venturing for us
twk, 02/20/2004
1999 Chevrolet Venture LT 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
1st 2 years were fine with this vehicle, soon as the 36,000 warr. wore off problems started on regular basis. have had electrical issues with the wiring, problem with the power windows and the gasket problem everyone else has mentioned..& little things like the rear hatch handle breaking off GM should stand behind its product. it is very poor quality. i can not believe how many people i know that have had the same problems! the gasket should have been a recall..and many people have had the wiring problem too. i can not afford a hefty car payment, coupled with repair bill after repair bill. no more chevy for me. traded in venture today, at a loss.
1999 Chevrolet Venture
Kurtl042, 09/21/2002
1999 Chevrolet Venture LT 4dr Ext Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very versatile. I can take the seats out and haul logs, concrete, plywood, furniture, or major appliances with ease. Good gas mileage.