1997 Chevrolet Venture

Summary:

I will never buy another Chevrolet product!

Faults:

ERG sensor replaced twice.

Both headlights replaced due to lens cover falling off (passenger side replaced 2 times in 6 months period)

Passenger power window stopped working.

Thermostat replaced.

Intake manifold valve replaced.

Water pump replaced.

Buttons #1 and #4 burned out on radio.

Rear washer stopped dispensing fluid.

General Comments:

The van had good performance and reliability when it was new, but once I hit 125,000, it has been a downhill spiral.

I have spent well over $2300.00 in the past 6 months. I should have traded sooner for something better.

My 1990 Honda with 232,000 miles is more dependable than this vehicle!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th September, 2004

1997 Chevrolet Venture Extended 3.4 6 cylinder.

Summary:

A Reliable Mini-van

Faults:

High pressure power steering hose went out at 90,000 miles. This cost $500.

Coolant intake valve was leaking at 105,000 miles. This cost $600. At the time I also had them replace the fuel filter, belts, plugs and wires for $300.

The headlight cover (glass part) broke twice, which the dealer said happens a lot. The dealer charged $210 to change this. The second one my brother in law helped to replace it, and the cost was $65.

General Comments:

The van still looked very new after 107,000 miles.

The engine provided a lot of power, and did well towing a larger pop-up camper.

It got 22 miles per gallon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th May, 2004

1997 Chevrolet Venture LX

Summary:

A hunk of junk

Faults:

The first thing that went wrong after a couple of months of owning was the rear sliding door and after three recalls the door never worked and does not work at all now.

Transmission went at 109,000 km. Rebuilt under warranty.

Within the last six months of owning CD player, dash lights, rear wiper motor, power drivers seat not working and rear sliding door gone again.

Guess what at 177,000 after having the transmission fixed previously I cannot put my van in gear. It is gone again.

Dealer gives run around and will not back product. Poor Service.

General Comments:

The worst vehicle I ever owned.

The worst service I ever had.

Please beware.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd August, 2003

1997 Chevrolet Venture LS 3.4L V6

Summary:

I loved my van until it left me sitting along the highway

Faults:

At 108,000 the motor locked up.

Transmission went out at same time.

General Comments:

I have never had a problem with my venture until now.

It has a lot of room inside.

Very comfortable to drive and ride in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th March, 2003

3rd Apr 2003, 15:01

I, too, have a 1997 Chevrolet Venture with just over 100,000 miles (about 105,000 but not sure, since it is at my mechanics). The engine went out and left me stranded along the road as well. It had 40,000 on it when we purchased it, and has been serviced & maintained above and beyond manufacturer's recommendations. My complaint is that its value is only about $4000 and it is going to cost me $2000 to replace the engine (with a USED one!). I still owe on it, to boot. I have always felt Chevrolet made excellent vehicles, but this one makes me wonder. Is there no recourse? I can't even seem to find someone to get it off my hands. If there are a number of people with the same year vehicle and the same problems, shouldn't Chevrolet be looking into this as a recall situation?

10th Aug 2003, 02:51

From personal experience be glad you own one of these instead of a Chrysler product or you would really be in trouble.

1997 Chevrolet Venture LS 3.4

Summary:

180,000km and bailing

Faults:

Engine had loud lifter/tappet noise at about 10,000km. 4 visits to service before it was repaired.

Turn signal bulb holders melted and appeared burnt, dealer replaced (15,0000km)

Rear wiper broke, several times.

Has the poorest headlights I have ever owned, bought high output bulbs and it is barely tolerable.

On second radio/deck and needs to be replaced again.

General Comments:

Overall dependability for the Van was pretty good, never left us stranded even in -30 degree weather. The paint and finish is still very good, got a fairly high trade due to good appearance. Handled fairly well, not as tight as the Transport, but OK. Reasonable gas mileage, good brake life 50,000-60,000km, no problem with tire wear. Probably has the most versatile seating arrangement of all the Vans we looked at, even new ones. We have started to have problems with the engine at 180,000km, seems to be using oil. Have done all oil changes through dealer for the entire life of vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th March, 2003