Faults:

The rear window leaked.

The rear hatch strap broke.

The fuel filter leaked.

Parts of the interior door molding fell off within the first year.

The rubber strip on the front driver's side door came off within the first month.

Several times the power sliding door tried to open while I was driving. Fortunately, the lock prevented it from opening. This has since been fixed on a recall by GM.

At 54,000 miles, my Venture is currently at the dealer having the transmission replaced. This is the first time I have have ever had transmission problems on any vehicle I've owned.

General Comments:

When I first bought this van, I loved it. Then the problems began. At first, they were minor and under warranty so I was still generally happy with the van. However, a few days ago, it started making a whining noise when running over 45-50 miles per hour. I took it to the dealer and was told it needed a new transmission. So that's where it is right now. Less than a week before Christmas we're stuck replacing a transmission that certainly should have lasted more than 54,000 miles!

My Geo, also a GM product, had multiple problems as well. My husband's previous Ford and our other car, which is also a Ford, have never had any problems and they are much older and have higher mileage. We bought this van instead of a Ford because we had a discount, but I will never buy another Chevrolet. The extra money we've had to spend on repairs more than negates any savings we got from the discount!

Faults:

The power sliding door repeatedly opened while the vehicle was moving.

The inside lift gate handle snapped at one side.

It is nearly impossible to remove the battery--there are no directions in the owner's manual.

The middle row, middle seat belt sticks constantly.

General Comments:

This is a roomy van and rides nicely; however, I was shocked and horrified when, while driving at 50 MPH, the sliding door popped open--which happened to be next to the seat that my 3 year old was sitting in. Thankfully, she was securely buckled in and I was able to pull over and shut the door. I took it to a dealer (not the original) and had them fix it. Apparently, this was a problem with many of the Ventures.

Faults:

The only real problem has been a broken inside pull-strap for the rear hatchback. The only other minor gripe is that the cross-pieces on the roof rack make rattling noises during highway driving.

General Comments:

This van has been very reliable, with no problems during the 17000 miles we've owned it. The 3.4 V6 is powerful and smooth, and gets decent gas mileage. The transmission shifts smoothly and performs well. We have had no problems with any electrical or mechanical equipment. Compared to the numerous mechanical and electrical problems we had with our previous 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, the 2000 Venture has been a joy to own and drive.