Used 2003 Chevrolet Venture Consumer Reviews
Tail lights and headlights
sherrington, 12/15/2013
LS AWD 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
28 of 28 people found this review helpful
I see numerous complaints about tail lights and headlights for the Venture here. I've had and cured both issues. The brake lights burn out becuase of water collecting in the tail light assembly. The seals are unable to keep it out at highways speeds. Drill a 1/4 inch hole in the bottom of the tail light assembly to drain water out. Be sure and drill through the bottom bulb chamber as well. Headlights come filled with nitrogen. Don't as why. If the nitrogen leaks out they will fog up. You can change the bulbs without draining the nitrogen, but a new head light assmebly is available online for about the cost of a new bulb. That said, my Venture is reliable, comfortable and roomy.
Reliable Van, Some Mechanical Probelms
akk050708, 02/05/2014
LS Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought my van in 2010 with 100,000 miles on it already. Here it is Feb.2014 and I have put almost 71,000 miles on it. When I bought it, it had a transmission slipping problem. I drive it daily with this problem & as long as you don't gun it at a dead stop, & give it time to shift from reverse to drive it doesn't slip. But does have tranny issues. I have also had my ABS go out at about 140,000 miles. I still can drive it daily & has never failed me even with those issues. I have had some break repairs done, but other than that it's been regular routine maintenance. I would buy this van again if they had newer models. It's been extremely reliable, never stranded me & my family.
Chevy Venture 2003
angelam1, 10/01/2012
Cargo Van Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
I own the car and it now has 204,000 miles on it. I am so attached I am finding it hard to buy another. I love the van, lifetime repairs have cost about 500.00, which isn't bad. 2 cons to the car, heater isn't the best, doesn't get as hot as other brands I have road in and doesn't blow strong. Electrical system has always had a querk. If I change one light thats out (tail or blinker) another one will go out after. I have spoke to other owners with the same problem. But with all that, it still has been very reliable, great in the snow, reliable, love it!
not bad
thisguy3, 09/05/2012
LS Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
Recived this car with 95000 miles from family member, and have a mostly possitive experience. The V6 has plenty of low end torque, so much that we used to use it as a pickup for lumber and things, steering has very good feel for a minivan, although is a bit heavy at low speeds, and is fairly comfortable.
Decent Car
ZeusCharles, 02/18/2010
LT Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new. Now has 112,000 miles on it. Only major repair was the manifold gasket, but GM covered this. Outside of normal maintenance, no other issues. Steady performer and still idles as smooth as when bought. I expect to run this to 200,000 miles.
Dependable, Comfortable - I like
Bob, 05/29/2010
LT Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought 3 years old and is now 4 years later and I am very pleased over all with this Chevy. Had to replace the manifold gaskets, but no problem since. No other major problems. Minors: wheel bearing, spark plugs, cat converter, tires - nothing major. Now at 104,000 mi, I plan on keeping it. Have recommended to family members since resale is low. Great mini-van!
Expensive to own
gunner29, 07/09/2011
LT Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We have owned this van for over 4 years and are finally selling it. It is reliable as far as driving is concerned but expensive to own. The rear brake lights are always burning out. We have also had to replace the windshield wiper motor twice, the ball joints, the rear shocks and springs, and now the rear load leveler is broken. It is also starting to rust out all along the bottom. The gas mileage is okay if you do a lot of highway driving. Use synthetic oil for oil changes. We have put on over 130,000 kilometers since we have bought this vehicle (90% highway) and this van has not broke down once while driving. We do most of our driving with the van loaded with family gear.
comfy with extras, but serious flaws
busdriverjosh, 05/28/2011
LS Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We bought this used and had a transmission solenoid go out in two months. Soon after the ABS and AWD started to quit. You can turn the ignition off to reset it but it's still a pain. Also, the wipers have a design flaw that allows the area to fill with snow and ice so the spring breaks if it's not cleaned out before use. We like it and it has a lot of room and great features, but it's just not reliable.
Nomerous complaints about taillights
kewldude_001, 01/05/2012
LT Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had my van for 6 months. Purchased from a family member. Having a few problems, i thought I would look up some info and found the many complaints about the taillights. I found I had the same issue. With burning taillights out and turning signal (driver side) To help people who might have this problem try this. At night turn lights on and hit the brake pedal. Look for you turn signal lights on you dash to glow slightly. If so the plastic around the connector melted and is allowing current to travel down brake light and turn light and vise versa. If you have some knowledge, take you brake light fixture out and look at your plug. If you see the signs of melting that is your problem!
Functional, But Boring
Papi, 10/12/2010
LT Fwd 4dr Ext Minivan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
We bought this van with low miles and the dealership was willing to do anything to get us into this van. We had zero problems except for the seat trim falling off, headlights full of water, and a loose windshield seal, until about 70K miles. Then the wheel bearings went, the transmission started shifting erratically, and the headlights were completely opaque. Sometimes the radio won't shut off, and the electric door is wonky. Windshield washer tank leaks. Have replaced 12 bulbs in 4 months and the light sockets were melted! Brake lights come and go. Acceleration is measured with a calendar.