2001 Chevrolet Venture LX 3.4 from North America

Summary:

Not general satisfied with performance or reliability of 2001 Venture Van

Faults:

Passenger window stops working and then starts again. Head Gasket blown at 50,000 miles. Rapidly fluctuating temp gauge since purchase and to date. Overheats in the winter, but dealership says nothing wrong. Electric rear windows do not work. Automatic sliding door will not stay closed without manual assisance. ABS Sensor went out subsequently causing the ABS casing box to go out ($1200 total to fix). Transmission leak at 50,000 miles. Hard shifting since purchase. Everything plastic inside the van is broken after 3 yrs (i.e. cup holders, jack panel, etc.)

General Comments:

Still experiencing a fluctuating temperature guage after replacing the thermostat (x2), flushing and replacing fluids, etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th August, 2004

27th Apr 2006, 17:55

Solution to fluctuating temperatures:

Similiar to bleeding the air in the brakes' lines, the venture's cooling system will have air if you open the radiator cap.

There are 2 bleed screws: 1) on the thermostat housing

2) by the hose near the the water pump. They look like brass screws with 2 nuts. Just warm the engine to normal temp, then loosen the top nut and let air and coolant come out for a while.

30th Dec 2006, 14:18

My 2001 Chevy Venture Van has ABS brake problems, passenger window does not work sometimes, temperature gauge goes up and down like crazy, now shifting hard.

2001 Chevrolet Venture 3.4 Liter from North America

Summary:

Like everything except the 3.4 Liter Intake Manifold Gasket Problem!

Faults:

Lower Intake Manifold Gasket at 30000 miles. Our previous car was a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix. Same problem. GM Customer Care line replaced previous car's gasket for free. What is the deal with this gasket?

General Comments:

I like the power.

Mileage is 24 highway, 19 City.

Air Filter is a pain to replace.

I do like driving this van. I test drove a Grand Caravan and the seat was not nearly as comfortable as the Venture van.

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

Review Date: 28th April, 2004

2001 Chevrolet Venture Warner Bros. Ext. 3.4 6 cylinder. from North America

Summary:

Good performing van, but some doubts

Faults:

Van is our weekend vehicle so its gets low miles (avg. 7K annually).

No problems 1st 2 years of ownership.

But minor problems since July of 2003.

All fixed under warranty, not from dealer where purchased, but one nearest to home.

These problems should not be in a vehicle less than 3 y.o. with less than 20K miles.

Rear A/C fan blower died.

Worn out front tie out rod.

Leaking water through the Driver Information Center.

Leaking oil from intake engine manifold.

General Comments:

Bought this van due to GM rebates accumulated from their GM Mastercard.

Overall a very comfortable van that drives, handles and rides well with many amenities and features:

Video system, rear A/C & audio with wireless headphones, power sliding door, Data radio with CD/Tape, folding 3rd row seat with storage compartments, seating for 8, roof rack, leather seating, integrated child seat, power for windows, locks, and driver's seat, OnStar communications system, alarm system, remote entry, DIC with 8 point compass, trip computer and outside temp., auxiliary power outlets.

Great gas mileage, about 28 mpg highway and 20 mpg overall.

Complaints are:

Questionable reliability for long term.

No tachometer.

No cruise control light.

No cupholders for 2nd row occupants.

Front headrests that don't adjust well to "perfect fit".

OnStar kind of pricey ($16 per month)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th April, 2004

2001 Chevrolet Venture Base 3.4 from North America

Summary:

Best value

Faults:

The rear pull strap has broken, but this also happened in my 1999 and 1997 Montanas and seems to be a common problem with GM vans.

The front brakes on these vehicles seem to only last about 50,000km. I have been told that it is because they are too thin and warp.

General Comments:

I find the front seat on the base model to be more comfortable than the upgraded seats.

I do prefer the individual buckets in the back, to the base seating.

I am happy that I no longer have to replace transmissions, the way I had to with my 1992 and 1996 Caravans.

I have now traded my 1999 Montana for a 2003 Malibu and have been informed that it may have the same brake problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th December, 2002