1999 Chevrolet Venture

Summary:

Comparable or even better than some of the competition

Faults:

Brake lights and turn signals malfunctioning.

ABS and Airbag warning light always on.

Early problems with interior upholstery.

Side power mirrors failed a long time ago so I just adjust with my hands.

Wipers stayed in the up position but I fixed this by spraying the gear mechanism with WD-40.

Intake gasket being replaced in shop today.

Replaced heating core.

Rear wheel cylinders need replacing.

Front tie rods need replacing.

General Comments:

This is a very great van to drive, and I am pleased with it so far after 90K miles and 9 years, except for the things I have to repair now.

Seems like we all have the same problems (being reported), could this be a general ploy by dealers to make money. I mean, how many of us have really checked to see if the intake gasket really needs replacing? The dealer says it needs replacing and if we don't we could blow the engine. Pretty expensive to replace the gasket, but it could cost even more if we don't.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2008

1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 3.4L

Summary:

We have been happy with it overall

Faults:

Fuel gauge/sensor quit working.

Sliding door won't open from any switch, but does close from every switch.

General Comments:

I had a similar problem as some others with the flasher lights come on when you apply the brake, and if you turn on turn signal, it flashes fast. I have had both right and then left turn signal do it. The problem I found was the connector that plugs into the rear taillight assembly. The middle wire of the wire harness connector melts the plastic around the connector, and this causes a bad connection. AC Delco has replacement wire harness; you have to cut back about foot of wires, crimp new harness and connector to old wire harness. Then I ran electrical tape around connector to give it more strength, because the new connector melted too. Working OK now. Not sure why it melts now, but didn't first 3-4 years we had it.

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

Review Date: 31st May, 2008

1999 Chevrolet Venture Extended 3.4

Faults:

I bought this van new straight from the dealer. It now has 143,000, due to a daughter in competitive gymnastics. Thank goodness that's over.

I have had the problems that most of you had, wipers, windows, water pump and rust on the rocker panels. I had bought a extended warranty so my costs were down.

Front brakes were replaced at about 75,000 with taxi cab heavy duty ones and they are still working great.

My ABS light is on. Brakes were adjusted in February, and found no problem. My garage said the could poke around for the codes, at their hourly rate, and gave me a print out of the steps. Considering the miles, we left it as is.

Current problem is my transmission skips right over second gear. This started 6 months ago (right before the holidays). Sometimes I hardly notice it. Then I get the wake up call and even a toot to move along. Would if I could.

The thing that gets me is my engine is great. Half the time I can't even hear it running. I have never had a problem with it. Too bad the car is falling apart around it.

It needs to keep running until inspection time in July, and need a new one. I have owned GM cars since 1988, but I think I'm going the foreign route.

Are there any problem free cars out there???

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

Review Date: 14th May, 2008

1999 Chevrolet Venture LS 3.4 gas V6

Summary:

Good for around town close to home, comfortable, and convenient

Faults:

Will need some front end parts replaced soon due to wear.

Chronic "check engine" light.

Power mirrors don't work any more. Makes driving on the freeway harder when the right one moves on its own.

General Comments:

This thing runs and drives great, but the chronic "check engine" light gives me pause (although we've never had trouble). We really like this van but chose to take the higher-mileage Silverado instead when we move halfway across the country.

The on-board computer says that we're getting about 22-23 mpg.

It's comfortable and the factory radio and CD player work and sound good. The dash and controls are much more sensibly laid out that my Chevy pickup but not quite as good as the Lumina.

The convenience features on this van are unbeatable--my wife loves the rear seats, power doors, etc. There are a lot of cup holders and cubby holes for your stuff. This thing was originally built with everything but the car alarm.

It's comfortable and has plenty of room but when backing it up I feel like I'm driving a school bus (this is the extended model).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2008