Used 2002 Chevrolet Venture Consumer Reviews
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2002 Chevy Venture Mini-Van
Yes, this van has some "minor issues" like no interior light when the door opens, windshield wipers sticking in the upright position and some rear tail-turn signal-brake light problems, but this is a damned good reliable vehicle. It has almost 190,000 miles on it and she is still running smooth.
Venture van
The Venture is a good mini van. Mine has stood up well for 4 years with both in town and highway driving
Road trip
Purchased new, Made several trips to the east coast and down south. Gas mileage around town about 14-15 and on highway loaded with gear and 4 passengers got around 19. Replaced intake gaskets twice, cooling fan ,rack and pinion, fuel sensor were replaced under extended warranty, replaced myself a/c condenser, water pump, motor supports, rear wheel cylinders 02 sensor. Kept it well maintained. Was totaled out last month. Side air bag did its job protecting the wife. If you take care of both they will take care of you. The family will miss the van.
No complaints
Bought new. In 90,000 miles, I've only had to replace a power steering pump. Everything else has been routine maintenance. The original tires were noisy, but that's easy to fix. We love it, and don't know what we'll get when it's time to get something else. I think a lot of people just like to complain. Not everyone is having bad luck with these vehicles.
Don't buy
This is my 2nd Venture. I've had the WB van for 4 year and all it's been is a money pit! The upper intake manifold was replace at 5 years old 68,000 miles, transmission was replaced at 88,000 miles, air shocks, brakes front and back and O2 sensor all replaced within the past few weeks. Now the muffler has a huge whole which is $600. to replace, the low intake gasket is leaking, oil is leaking(had a oil change 500 miles ago and now there's no oil in the van at all). As I talk to other Venture owners and the dealership where I get it worked on at this is a common engine issue! I cringe every time I get into the van! This van as doesn't hold its value and tens to rust out at the sliding doors.
Great Van!
Bought this van from a repo auction a year ago. replaced front brakes, and intake gaskets which are normal for this engine. I have put $500 in the van. I have never had any problems with this van! I love it and so do my kids. We love the auto sliding doors and I like the parking aide. I have 170,000 on her and she runs great! Wouldn't hesitate to drive this anywhere. Bought an entertainment center for a big screen home in it.
Love Chevrolet Venture Minivan
My major problem is I have a heating problem when driving in 50 degrees or lower - The interior does not heat up as expected, I freeze in winter time. I don't know if it is just my Venture Van or if others are experiencing this same problem.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Great Value
I have really enjoyed my Venture Warner Brothers van versus my friend's other brands of minivans. For the year, it was the first van to have the DVD loader up front, so I can control my kids' DVDs while I drive. I love that I can carry a total of 8 people in the van comfortably. Most of the other vans on the market carry only 7. I also love the parking sensors. We have only had 2 problems with the van, so for the mileage, that is really not bad at all. We have never had a problem with the DVD player, or other parts, but did need some a minor repair of an oil pan leak. Overall, we've taken our van from sea level to the peaks of Colorado and have really loved the vehicle.
Save the trouble...don't buy Chevy
Bought this 2002 AWD LT model used about two years ago. What a joke! My wife wanted the safety features it had, AWD, ABS,OnStar, and side airbags. But after 2 years and 30,000 miles, I find it to be very cheaply made. Problems with ABS sensors, AC, and transmission were just the beginning. This van has become the creakiest, noisiest vehicle we ever owned. The windshield whistles in high wind, the power doors creak , and you just hope they don't fly open. Was told by dealer to WD40 the door seals...still noisy! My only thankful thought is I only paid $18,000 for the thing being 1 1/2 years old rather than the $33,500 original pricetag. My wife is now driving my AWD Explorer! No more GM products!
I Love It
I Bought the van in January and I am very pleased with it. Great gas mileage for a mini-van. I get about 27 miles to the gallon highway. Loaded with extras and not over priced.
Much better review
I have had a much better ownership than some of the other people in their reviews. The van has done great until 85000 miles and only then did the ac break and the manifold gasket leak. Not a major deal. I can fix both of these with little outlay of money. If care is taken with the car and maintenance performed, it will last a long time. I plan to put 140000 on the car before selling it for another. My gas mileage in town is 22.5 and 28 to 30 on the highway. I drive the speed limit. Give it a try.
How do I hate my venture... let me count
My venture was purchased as a rebound in 2002 from an unhelpful Honda dealership (no negot. On an Odyssey). If only I had a time machine and could undo this horrendous mistake. Yes, it was loaded with stuff, yes, it was peppy, yes, my kids loved the dvd player. Here's what I didn't know. Less than a year after buying the van, the manifold gasket went. Then the ac went, after soaking the interior carpet with drips from the condenser. The power sliding door fell off in 2004. The windshield wipers failed after the circuit board got wet (built into the motor, Nice). I have been told by many mechanics that this was a big mistake to ever buy this van.
Handles and rides well with good techs
Handles well and rides smoothly. Steering is precise.4 wheel disc brakes are excellent.Engine has good acceleration for passing and adequate for a minivan. Engine whirs when climbing grades. Ride is smooth and quiet except on very rough roads. Seats are comfortable. The three middle row captain are useful. Flexible seats are very adjustable. Integrated radio, CD and DVD system is well designed. The dual power doors work well. Good backup warning system .The auto leveling suspension works. Has air pump and hose for pumping things. Combined gas mileage is about 22.5. City between 13-19 and highway between 22-28.
This van SUCKS
My housekeeper owns a 2002 Chevy Venture LS V6 FWD that my father brought her in 2001 as a Christmas gift for being a fabulous housekeeper. She clearly loves it and does not want to give it up for even a new 2012 Nissan Quest? ODD but I hate that van, it does not have a quick take off like most vans in that class, the gas gage is broke so she can only use 75% of her tank, the headlights and highbeams are not bright at all. In fact at night you can even see the road well. The interior lights don't work when the doors are open only when you turn the lights on it the van from the switch. It's just a mess. Handling is even worst cause there is so much body roll.
Too many problems, going to Honda
We have had to replace the A/C condensor at 60,000 miles. The rocker panels are both rusted due to open seams at the welds. My local dealer says that nothing can be done because it is past the warranty although it is a defect. It is currently losing oil at about 2 quarts per 4000 miles. Probably a bad head gasket. I am trying to trade it, but the trade in offers are only around $4300. Terrible for a vehicle that stickered for $26000 4.5 years ago. We had a Montana previously that had to be towed three times. The last time was for a shot transmission at 37000 miles while I was 600 miles from home. I must say that after a nasty discussion, GM did replace the transmission at no cost.
Watch quality and parts availablity
Our experince started well but after about 15,000 miles, problems with quality became apparent and we are currently going for lemon law remedies for repeated wheel bearing failure (have been replaced x3). Have had warranty work for the electric door lock system, dvd, door handle, rear wiper, etc. Have also experienced long delays for parts. According to the dealer, many parts are unavailable because the w-b line has been discontinued. Be careful with the remote control. We lost it and were told you can't buy another... they aren't available from GM. The remote is the only way to get most movies to play...
Surprisingly Great Van
We have had our Venture for almost 3 years now, without even a hint of a problem. It gets exceptional fuel economy for a vehicle this size. We have exceeded 26mpg on trips over 500 miles regularly. It's also very comfortable, even on 12-hour rides across the country. Visibility is great, too, and driving one requires little adjustment from other vehicles (cars or trucks), unlike many SUVs which have turning-radius issues that make parking lots an adventure.
Buy warrantee
With less than 45000 miles I have replaced 4 wheel bearings, the left front was replaced twice. Now my light is on telling me I probably have another bearing going out. I've had a tie-rod replaced, and most of my driving is done on paved streets. The side doors never sound like they are shut tight. In my opinion they are under powered for the weight they are pulling.
Don't buy Chevy's
We bought a new Venture van in July 2002. Immediately following the expiration of our 3 year warranty the air conditioning went and all of the brake components failed without warning and needed to be replaced. It looks shiny when its new, but if you want a vehicle that will last look elsewhere. This long time GM customer will never buy a GM vehicle again.
Love my Venture!
My wife uses this van to drive back and forth to work, in Lake Michigan shoreline driving conditions, and loves it. We also take it all over the United States in the summer (we are both teachers). It has performed like a champ. We have crossed the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, climbed the Rocky Mountains, and cruized the Great Lakes region extensively. We love this van, and will be sorry to let it go when we finally wear it out and beat it to death (we have kids).
Great Van
Great Van. Kids love and and so do we.
Great Buy
I have no regrets about purchasing this vehicle. I paid a lot less than what a Odyssey or Caravan would have cost. Drives great, is reliable and very roomy - especially the trunk. I only wish I had purchased the Warner Bros option package. Great buy for the money.
A good family vehicle
This van is very roomy, yet gets good gas mileage on long trips (28 mpg). Engine has ample power. Good climate control for both front and back.
Venture Van
This vehicle is very practical and does not have the A/C problems or trans problems the dodge and chrysler have. This van gets good fuel economy and has a very good ride. I love the load leveling which is standard on Lt Models. The only downfall is that the engine is a little under powered. Wish for a bigger v-6. (3800)
2002 Chevy Venture WB Edition Review
You get what you pay for. The amenities are nice & it's a versatile vehicle. Bumpy ride knocks passengers around especially on roads in need of repair, over railroad tracks, and in parking lots with speed bumps and gutters. Had to have several warranty repairs to A/C, reverse sensors, weather stripping. Terrible scraping sound during breaking even though breaks are still over 60% & absent of condensation.
I love my Van!
When I went from a Windstar to the Venture I felt like I was stepping into a more quality vehicle. I was actually giggling when I drove it home, opened the automatic sliding door and showed the kids the DVD player and their individual captain chairs. It's like a new member of the family!
2002 WB AWD Venture
No problems yet. Did better than our then brand new 97 Grand Voyager. Chevy did a great job marketing this 8-seater as an excellent kiddie transporter, with the Warner Bros. bells and whistles. My kids love the van and the DVD. Overall though, a great buy.
Unfortunate Mistake
Reluctantly I have been driving mini van's since 1989. I purchased this used in '04. I jumped ship from Chrysler products and now wish I had never jumped. The price was right (dealer was going out of business and dumping inventory cheap) but I have been disappointed since driving it away. I feel like I am in an aluminum can. Road noise is the worst in this vehicle. I can't have a conversation with someone in the rear seat without yelling. I replaced the AC condenser at 42,000 due to a faulty mount. I have 55,000 on it presently and feel like I should get rid of it before it becomes afflicted with the issues I read about (i.e. manifold gasket and head gasket).
Two Transmissions in 150K
Overall, I love the Venture. No problems with entertainment system, power doors, or comfort etc. Dissappointed to replace transmission at 104,000 miles. Extremely disappointed to have replaced again at 150,000. Proper maintainance schedules have been followed.
Venture is a bargain!
I narrowed my choices to this vehicle and the Honda. The Honda dealer was arrogant, and let me know that there was absolutely no room to negotiate. The Chevy people were very courteous, and rated about an 8/10. We have enjoyed the Venture, especially some of the features we really didn't expect.
Great minivan
I have owned this minivan for 3.5 years. The only time it has been in the shop is for oil changes and tire rotations. It is very reliable and I have been pleasantly suprised with the fuel economy. I couldnt ask for a better vehicle, for thousands less than some of its competitors.
I am going to miss my van!
I bought my Venture Van in 2004 with 65,000 miles on it. I absolutely loved my van. Had no major issues, plenty of space, the kids loved the DVD player, drove down the East Coast twice! Now with over 142,000 miles the van was totaled in a car accident. Both airbags deployed but everyone including my 13 year old who was sitting in the front passenger seat walked away without injury. I would highly reccommend this vehicle. My only complaint, may be some of the cheaper plastic pieces on the interior, but the safety and reliability win over a few cosmetic pieces on the seat.
Great when it works...but rarely works
Overall we were satisfied with the Venture. Unfortunately, we're on our third hub/bearing assembly at 60,000 miles. The rear heat controls fail intermittently and blast the back seats with straight hot air. The brake fluid low light comes on for no reason. Our intake manifold gasket leaks coolant, and the air conditioner stopped working this week. It's a great van when it works, but there's always something wrong with it. Unfortunately most of these issues are well known to Venture owners and don't seem to be addressed by Chevy. Most of these problems happened shortly after the warranty expired.
Intake Manifold Leak / Blown Head Gasket
I bought it new in 2002. My wife drives it to work till now, and she has been using my own 2001 Venture to work now. I took it to Hogan. All they did advise me was to do an engine flush and replace the thermostat. I keep getting warm and cold from my heater even I have it on the higher at all times. I took it to shop, and hopefully will get it in a few days for the Manifold leak and blow head gasket. I have spent about $2,500 for the last couple of months. I will not own any more GM's vehicle in the future.
Great vehicle
This has been one of (if not THE) best vehicles I have ever owned. All controls and gauges are handy and accurate. The built-in tire inflater is wonderful. Acceleration is good and mileage is as good as can be expected for a vehicle this size. The rear compartment is very roomy with the seats folded up.
Sunk Costs
We bought this car for our twins birth. They are now turning six. We have had an issue with every system of the car. We bought it with Onstar as a major selling feature. We were notified that due to a change in the analog, Onstar was no longer being offered. The electrical system is especially terrible. It is a gas guzzler.
Tested them all
Of all the cars I drove, the Venture was the best. The van has a solid feel and great features for the entire family.
Good Van
I bought this van new and think overpaid for it at 27K. My other choice was a Honda Odyssey, but dealer did not want to reduce price. Overall the van has performed well. Drove from NC to Colorado, and then to San Diego and back without problems. Has a good soft ride, OK gas mileage, and good interior features. Wish it had better cup holders in front and better storage in center console. Front seat rear pockets have come apart at the upper corners from kids pulling on them. Storage space is great. It seats 8, but second row is too low to the floor. Overall I am happy with the van. I dislike the fast depreciation when compared with its Japanese counterparts. You should get a good deal on this van when buying used
CHEVY FORCES GM EMPLOYEE TO BUY SUZUKI
THIS IS THE POOREST GM VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED. MULTIPLE BREAK DOWNS THAT REQUIRED TOWING. WHEEL BEARING, SPEED SENCORS, SLIDING DOOR PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS...ALL THIS AND I GET GM EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT. AND TO TOP IT OFF THE VEHICLE (TOP OF THE LINE VENTURE) DEPRESSIATED 52% IN 1.5 YEARS. TOTAL DISSATICFACTION FROM GM
Good Van
Good allround van. Paint could be a lot better ...too hard and chips TOOOOO easly
It does the job
We have had our van for almost three years now and it has served us well. Getting the three seats in the middle has come in handy sometimes as you can fit eight people comfortably. The automatic leveling system has been a fine feature when we pack it for a vacation. Compared to any other van it gets some of the best gas mileage. Unless you do towing, the horsepower is very adequate. We have the two electric sliding doors and I have been amazed at their durability. I used to actually joke to my friends that the door motors would only last three years, but so far so good. My only issue would be that it could use bigger front brakes as it takes much longer to stop with 7 people in the van.
The worst vehicle I have ever owned
31K two original tires replaced for odd bulges and noises. 44k both rear brake slave cylinders leaking brake fluid. 45k cd player stops playing. 47k lower manifold intake gasket failing and fuel filter leaking gas. 53k rack and pinion leaking power steering fluid and upper intake gasket leaking oil. This vehicle has been well maintained, regular oil changes etc. Even so It's in the shop alot! I don't care what kind of deal your getting, beware, spend your money else where!
very comfortable for long rides
I bought this car after driving an Outback to Chicago and knowing I couldn't drive it for long rides. So I bought this and 3 weeks later drove to Denver, 1700 miles. Since then I've driven it 4 times to Denver and twice to Dallas. It's extremely comfortable, reasonable gas mileage, and a huge cargo space. I'd buy another one if they still made them.
overall Good Vehicle
I bought my Venture used with 33K Miles on it. Overall I am pleased with the van, it is comfortable (I' am 6ft 6" tall) and the power seat is adjustable enough that my wife and I can both find a good seating position. Cargo capacity is excellent, whether people or other. I have hauled upwards of 1500Lbs worth of concrete blocks (the payload rating is 1450 Lbs which is 25lbs less than a std full sized truck!) after I took out the seats(which are quite heavy). I have used this van to haul motorcycles, fire wood, full size sheets of plywood, appliances, etc. The back end is cavernous once all the seats are removed but the seats are a pain to remove compared to Dodge Flip'n-fold.
Problems from the word go
Our van has had problems from the word go. Within two months our driver side window had problems going up and the interior roof liner began sagging. The window, we were always told was due to sand in the track. This is not the case.The liner we were told was a known problem but the engineers don't know how to fix it. Two years and two seasons of owning our van, our condenser for the air conditioning went. We were told it was due to a bad weld but chevy refused to fix it because we were past the warranty in miles. They did offer to fix a head gasket that we were not aware was problematic. In the end before our two year ownership anniversary the van needed $2300 worth of uncovered work.
GOOD
I THINK THIS VEHICLE IS FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO USE AND OR DRIVE
love it
i love my van i am so comfertable in it my kids absolutly love it also i have so much room to put things in it and it can get up and go. our gas milage is wonderful we get about 24 miles to the gallon. i would buy another one again.
great van
very fun to drive, has much better ride than the dodge or ford mini vans.
Awesome MiniVan
Love the vehicle. Kids love the DVD, makes the long trips easier. Very comfortable. The eight seat option is great.
Seen better
Bought that car in 2006 (4 years old) with 35000 km. First year had to replace front wheel bearings (500$, second year the front breaks (350$) amd this year had to rebuilt the transmission and replace the manifold casket as all the ventures sold in north america. Thought about changing but no value anymore so I decided to keep it for 2 or 3 more years.