Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Chevrolet Venture U 3.4 i V6 (188 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 282 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1680 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.2 s). The top speed reaches 187 km/h. 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 (188 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides a slight power increase over the 180hp variant, resulting in marginally quicker acceleration and a more responsive feel.
Fuel Economy
Similar to other V6 options, fuel efficiency is average for its class, with a slight increase in consumption compared to the 180hp model.
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:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(U: 1996 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Venture |
| Generation: | U |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.4 i V6 (188 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 188 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 56.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 282 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LA1 [Same engine] More details about the engine 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 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 187 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.9 kg/Hp, 111.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6 kg/Nm, 167.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1680 |
| Max. weight: | 2430 |
| Max load: | 750 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 3580 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 610 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4760 mm mm [13mm more] |
| Width: | 1850 mm mm [21mm more] |
| Height: | 1710 mm mm [2mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2845 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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 | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/70 R15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Help others decide – share your experience!