2002 Chevrolet Venture LT 3.0 V6

Summary:

Worst car ever

Faults:

Engine was nearly destroyed (previous owner did not replace the engine oil since he purchased it at 60,000km)

Things that has actually GONE WRONG after repairs:

Power windows didn't work. Needed to replace the unit.

Radiator fan stopped working.

General Comments:

I have never seen a car so unreliable. Maybe not a surprise considering that the Asian market version is assembled in China.

When the radiator fan stopped working, I went to Chevrolet to ask what was wrong. They didn't know and wanted to run a diagnosis. For 9 whole hours. at 50.00 USD per hour. I complained, telling them that it shouldn't cost me anything to know what was wrong with my car. That if they expected anything of me, it should be for repairs, labor and parts. I mean, shouldn't they know what the problem is? And if they didn't, then why on earth should it cost me 450 bucks just to find out?

Tried to help the dumb technician narrow down the problem by exploring the possible problems one by one. Nothing wrong with the wiring, electric current. Decided that there was something wrong with the thermal sensor for the engine. Asked him how much it would cost to have the sensor replaced. He said 60 bucks for thermal sensor, but more for another related sensor... 110 bucks. Asked how much the brake pads cost. 250 bucks per set. Ridiculous!

The only thing I like about this car is the interior. The seats are comfortable and the onboard toys are plenty. But other than that... I hate the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th April, 2008

30th Apr 2008, 01:39

Why should you get the repair for free? It's 6 years old, the warranty is long gone. The dealer was trying to charge you 50 bucks an hour? That's a deal! Usually the going rate at a dealership is twice that. Sounds to me like you don't know how much a car actually costs to maintain. 250 for brake pads sounds high, unless that price includes the rear brake shoes and labor. If that is the case, then 250, done at a dealership is a fair deal. 60 bucks for the fan sensor, again from a dealership is a good price. Oh yes, the previous owner's negligence in changing the engine oil resulting in engine breakdown shouldn't be a reason to hate the car, neglect will damage things. Next time when you buy a car have a mechanic check it out first!

7th Feb 2010, 10:19

Totally unreasonable conclusion in this review IMO. Your complaints are entirely isolated to a neglectful previous owner and an incompetent technician. These complaints have NOTHING to do with the vehicle or the design.

Worst vehicle ever? An entirely misleading conclusion, based on your review.

9th May 2010, 11:58

Just got a pre-owned Chevy Venture'02, mileage 80K... I was lucky to have the car well maintained by the previous owner.. thanks to them the car is in very good condition. Suspension plays well, A/C is great considering the car is 8 years old, no squeaks, engine delivers well... excellent riding comfort.

2004 Chevrolet Venture 3.0

Summary:

Great performing van with great air-conditioning

Faults:

Air conditioner control panel in the rear compartment has come loose, was subsequently fixed very quickly at the dealers.

A pair of small 3" felt seals seem to be coming off. Could be our heat. Haven't fixed this one yet.

General Comments:

This car is used in the Philippines and I understand that its made in Shanghai.

Its extremely easy to drive, the performance you get from the right pedal is amazing, completely over specced for the congested city I live in, but excellent out in the country roads.

Wish the brakes felt a little sharper. in emergency stops, I feel as though I need to come off my seat and stomp on the brakes.

Seats are average in comfort. after owning a Nissan Urvan Escapade, this is luxurious! but the seats could do with some back adjustment features. at current, only the drivers seat has full adjustment, the rest are only able to slide back and forth.

Air-conditioner works VERY VERY WELL! this is a must in the Philippines. Also we got the car tinted with 3M brand tints... and the funny thing is that our windows now have the word 3M on it, I mean not at the corner, but dead centre of the glass. that's the wierdest thing I've seen. now at a glance it feels as though a fly is on your window.

At P1.2 it's a lot of car for that price. American branding, good interior space, good air-conditioning and good performance.

As the car is made in Shanghai, the overall quality is yet to be seen. I've only done 640km. Some of the American reviews are really bad and hopefully these faults would be recitified in the 2004 model.

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

Review Date: 15th June, 2004

27th Sep 2006, 11:02

You can read some reviews I've done on some of my other cars.

2006 Nissan Latio / Tiida http://www.carsurvey.org/review_90744.html

1998 Nissan March / Micra http://www.carsurvey.org/review_23915.html

1971 Mazda RX2 http://www.carsurvey.org/review_18807.html