16 Storage Nooks -- Chevy's Venture Big On Flexibility - And Places To Park A Drink

It's unfortunate, but the '98 Venture will likely leave owners of previous Chevrolet minivans wishing they'd waited or have them thinking it's trade-in time. The differences are that significant.

Some of the features that made the extended-wheelbase test Venture an impressive ride were optional - it came with enough extras to balloon the base price of $22,829 to $27,460. But even base-price buyers will get the advantages of the two sliding doors, a better stereo, stylish aluminum wheels, anti-lock brakes, side air bags and a slightly narrower body that makes parking a bit easier.

Regular-length Ventures measure 186.9 inches overall, extended versions 200.9 inches, and both roll out of General Motors' Doraville, Ga., plant with three or four doors. The base-price range is $20,819 to $22,829.

The options on the deep gray test Venture gave driver and passengers many of the amenities standard on large near-luxury cars, plus 17 drink holders and 26 storage nooks and crannies.

Drink holders molded into seat backs aren't all that useful, but the storage areas include a useful net between the front seats and expandable seat back pockets.

One of the Venture's major assets is its flexible seating. The flip-and-fold rear seats weigh about 40 pounds each and can be removed - not as effortlessly as Chevy suggests, though - so seating can be adjusted to mix people and large-ish cargo. (Take them all out, and the Venture will accept a standard-size sheet of plywood, a yardstick for manufacturers.)

The power sliding door on the right side ($385) isn't an option for everyone, but transport kids and its value becomes apparent. (It rebounds if an obstruction is met, but not with lightning speed.)

The vertical opening is 44 inches and the maximum width is 29.4 inches, so adults can enter easily without having to first put in bags or briefcases.

Interior space in the extended Venture was good with plenty of headroom and legroom, although adults seated in the rear complained about legroom (36.7 inches).

Overhead vents kept everyone comfortable, and the optional dual-play stereo system is a sensible investment ($120) that enables music fans to listen with headphones while other occupants converse or hear a different sound from the stereo.

Drivers experienced with Chevrolet vans will find the '98 a better-driving vehicle, and the test vehicle's optional sport suspension ($210) added automatic load-leveling and included an inflator to pump up tires, air mattresses or basketballs.

The exterior isn't a thing of great beauty, but the shape is functional.

On the road, the Venture doesn't lack power - the standard V-6 is rated at 180 horsepower with 205 pounds-feet of torque - and the handling is good, but side winds and turbulence will move the 3,800-pounder about. The noise factor is down from previous models, but you still hear the engine and some road rumble.

Still, the Venture has no glaring annoyances. It can be a stretch to shut the upward-opening rear hatch, and the EPA figure of 18 mpg in the city is rather optimistic.

But the Venture increases the odds that comparison shoppers will now view Chevrolet as a serious player in the minivan market and not just one still chasing those benchmark Chrysler vehicles.

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1998 Chevrolet Venture

Type: extended wheelbase, four-door, front-drive minivan Price as tested: $27,460 Base price: $22,829 Drivetrain: 3.4-liter V-6 engine (180 horsepower), four-speed automatic transmission EPA figures: 18 mpg city; 25 mpg highway Finance note: Assuming a 10-percent down payment and a five-year loan at the prevailing national rate of 9.18 percent, monthly payments would be $429.42