I traded in our Ford Taurus for a 2001 Chevy Venture in October 2007. We needed a bigger vehicle for our family. The price of Chevy Venture was very reasonable.

The Chevy Venture Minvan was produced by General Motors from the 1997 to 2005 model years. It has now been replaced with the newer Chevy Uplander Minivan.

Standard features in the 2001 Chevy Venture include: antilock brakes, front side airbags, a tilt steering wheel and alot of cupholders and storage bins, a passenger side power-sliding door, rear seat audio and climate controls. The rear door is a swing-up rear liftgate. Ventures have a 185-horsepower, 3.4-liter V-6 engine and a 4-speed-automatic transmission.

Options: This year model has both the standard and extended wheelbase option, and the four-door body. While the seven-passenger seating with individually removable chairs is standard the eight-passenger is available. We purchased the model with the 8 passenger. Our 2nd option was the model with the stowable third-row seat with a covered, floor-mounted storage tray. The switch between having the 3rd row seat up and down is done very easily. We also have a adjustable drivers seat which makes it nice for me and husband, as he is much taller than I am.

We purchased this vehicle used so we don't have any warranty left on it.

Downside: Fuel economy is much less in a minivan than a 5 passenger car.

Upside: This well-equipped 2001 Chevy Venture presented a good bargain to us with 8 passenger capacity and great highway handling.

Our thoughts: We love our 2001 Chevy Minivan. The interior has lots of room for our family to spread out. By folding down one of the seats on the outside of the 2nd row getting from the 2nd row into the third row of seats is simple. This van has enough power to pass and merges effectively in heavy traffic. Gear changes are smooth. The ride is smooth.

After driving multiple minivans I thought I would never find one that didn't feel huge and make me uncomfortable however I had no problems switching to this minivan from a car. It drives just like a car to me.
Amount Paid (US$): 8,500
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2001
Model and Options: 2001 Chevy Venture Extended