1996 Chevrolet Venture LX review from North America

The water pump leaked at 50,000 miles.

The headlight covers keep falling off, until I epoxied them.

The wiper assembly failed, under warranty.

The transmission failed at app. 86,000 miles.

The front brakes need replacement every 18-20,000 miles.

The headlights are the absolute worse! Even high output bulbs don't help.

The engine has the same annoying "rattle" everyone else complains about, since day 1.

Shocks and struts replaced at 82,000 miles.

The power steering pump seal began leaking at 82,000 miles.. still leaking at 151,000.

Radio flipped out at about 50,000 miles.

Plastic on front seat broke about 45,000 miles.

Gaskets around windows dry and "rattle/squeak", started about 20,000. Dealer said to coat with Vaseline every year.. this worked, but is annoying.

For unexplained reasons, this van has used a little anti-freeze every few months, since new..don't have a clue why, but after 151,000 miles, I ain't gonna let it bother me now.

The cheap plastic clips underneath, holding the brake/refrigerant, vacuum lines all have broken. I fabricated my own brackets/clamps.

Now for the good.

This van has been through severe "mom-mobile" duty.

It has never stranded us.

The transmission failed, but still got us 10 hours home from Florida.

The water pump was like the easiest on the planet to change, took longer to get my tools out.

The vehicle paint and body has held up well, and when clean, looks near new.

We did not really spend much money on it for repairs until after 50,000 miles.

So far the parts have not been too expensive.

At 151,000 miles, the motor runs EXACTLY as when it was new. The same rattles, but has plenty of pep/power, does not smoke, and uses no oil.

It is comfy and handles very well.

Everything inside works perfectly, with the radio the only exception, which was easily replaced.

It has performed well, and the extended wheel base has been a joy. We travel everywhere in it, and it keeps going and going. Parts wear out, and I don't mind spending a few dollars to keep her on the road. Cheaper than buying a new one.