2000 Chevrolet Venture from North America - Comments

Fuel sensor staying on full at 9214 miles. Fuel sensor defective.

Intake manifold gasket leaking oil and coolant externally at 29,780 miles.

Inspection of front brakes finding 0% remaining.

Rotors need replacing.

Rear wheel cylinders are leaking.

I thought that when I purchased the car in the fall of 2000 that I got a great deal on a reliable car. Manufacturer and dealership both offered rebates. I was also able to use my GM points from the GM charge card. Walked away saving $7,200.00.

I was very disappointed that at 9,214 miles that I already had my first problem. This was not a serious problem, but it was an inconvenience. Dealer replaced and fixed fuel sensor at no cost due to the car being under warranty.

This van has been serviced on a regular basis. Every 3,000 miles the oil has been changed. Every 6,000 miles the tires have been rotated and brakes checked by a service station. I could not believe that at less than 30,000 miles and four years old that I needed to have a major repair being the intake manifold gasket.

I was equally surprised that my brakes were in such terrible condition.

Of course, all the work was done at the dealership since they are well equipped to handle this kind of a repair, but very costly.

Overall I like this van, but I have lost my confidence in it since major repairs had to be done so soon.

I have to wonder if all the rebates are worth it. I would much rather not have rebates and have a car that I feel I can rely on.

Yours is the 2nd Venture review I've read where GM card rebates was a major factor in buying. I'd recommend people to look at the Chevy Astro van, which you can also use the rebates on. Consumer Reports gave bad review, but my family's owned several and they've all been super reliable, and I've yet to meet a single owner who regrets buying. They're not for everyone though.. they are built on a truck chassis which makes them super tough, but have a "trucky" feel to em (Not bad IMO, but can take getting use to). And there is no option of a driver-side sliding door. The few compromises are well worth it to me. I much rather have a van that won't break down.

An intake gasket and brake service are not major repairs. Sounds like you have a pretty good van.

I beg to differ with the previous statement regarding the intake gasket not being a major repair. I had to have that done (twice now!) on my 1996 Chevy Lumina (obviously an ongoing problem for GM). When I have to fork out $800+ dollars and be without a vehicle for a week, it IS a major repair! Anything that can kill your engine if untreated IS a major repair. Anything that could cause your vehicle to overheat while driving is a very big safety and reliability issue! Just my two cents.

I would not recommend the Venture, neither would I recommend the Astro over the Venture. I know of one case of a mid-90's GMC Safari (Astro twin, owned by relatives) that was traded at age 7 when the front suspension failed, causing the wheel to come loose (this, after a host of other mechanical and electrical problems). I've also heard complaints from Venture owners of electrical, head gasket and rust problems.

I also have a 2000 Chevy Venture WB edition. I bought it with 95,000 miles on it for $3,800. Things I have had to repair are the bearings, power windows, and the overdrive on the transmission. Not a big deal considering someone else payed the depreciation on it. I plan on having it for years to come. With minor repairs because it is SEVEN years old.

My 2000 Venture has given me little trouble over the past seven years, but, I am having problems with my fuel gauge fluctuating and not reading properly. At 140,000 miles I am neding to replace axile.

I have a 2000 venture with a bad overdrive too. What did you do to fix it? how much did it cost? You can email me at jbwmsatyahoo. com (hopefully this will reduce the spam).

Thanks,

Jonathan.