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Chevrolet Venture U 3.4 i V6 (180 Hp)
Overall Rating
Chevrolet Venture:
The Chevrolet Venture is a minivan produced by General Motors for the 1997 to 2005 model years. The Chevrolet Venture, along with most of its General Motors minivan siblings, was built at GM's Doraville, Georgia, assembly plant.
The Venture name was first used on a 1988 Chevrolet concept car, which was a full-size four-door sedan more aerodynamic than the 1991–1996 Chevrolet Caprice. It was exhibited in January 1988 at the Teamwork & Technology: For Today and Tomorrow show at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City....(Read more on Wikipedia)
U Overview:
Chevrolet Venture (U). With 278 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1665 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
Primarily a North American market vehicle, the Chevrolet Venture (U) generation was not tested by Euro NCAP.
3.4 i V6 (180 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising, suitable for a family minivan of its era.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is typical for a V6 minivan from the late 90s, proving somewhat thirsty, especially in urban conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior for families
- • Comfortable ride quality for long journeys
- • Practical cargo capacity with removable seats
- • Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for improved traction
- • Generally affordable on the used market
Cons:
- • V6 engines can be thirsty, impacting fuel economy
- • Interior materials and design feel dated by modern standards
- • Some common reliability concerns (e.g., intake manifold gaskets, transmission)
- • Braking performance (rear drums) can be less effective than all-disc setups
- • Not tested by Euro NCAP, limited official safety ratings for European context
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Venture |
| Generation: | U |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.4 i V6 (180 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 180 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 53.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 278 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LA1 |
| Engine displacement: | 3350 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.3 kg/Hp, 108.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6 kg/Nm, 167 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1665 |
| Max. weight: | 2430 |
| Max load: | 765 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 3580 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 610 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4747 mm |
| Width: | 1829 mm |
| Height: | 1712 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2845 mm |
| Front track: | 1560 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1610 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/70 R15 S |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Chevrolet Venture!