2005 Chevrolet Venture

CHEVROLET VENTURE: FAMILY FUN AND CONVENIENCE

After reigning as one of North America's most popular minivans for many years, Venture has an abbreviated model run for 2005 as it makes way for its successor, the all-new Chevy Úplander crossover sport van.

For 2005, Venture is offered in an extended-length version only, in either Plus, LS or uplevel LT trim. New to the lineup is a Sport Touring Package for the Venture LS model, which adds 16-inch chromed aluminum wheels on P225/60R16 touring tires, a slightly firmer FE4 touring suspension, automatic suspension leveling control and a convenient on-board inflator kit that can be used for a variety of recreational equipment.

New colors for 2005 include Sandstone Metallic and Dark Blue Metallic.

The front-drive Venture is powered by a 3400 3.4L V-6 engine, rated at 185 horsepower (138 kw) and 210 lb.-ft. (285 Nm) of torque. It is coupled to GM's Hydra-Matic 4T65-E four-speed electronically controlled automatic transaxle.

Standard features include air conditioning, power windows with driver express-down feature, power door locks with child security locks in the rear, power rack-and-pinion steering, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, and battery rundown protection. Venture also has an extensive list of available convenience and entertainment features, enabling owners to tailor their vehicle specifications to their own needs.

Convenient passenger/cargo flexibility

Venture's low step-in height through its standard dual sliding side doors offers easy access to a spacious interior, with seating for up to eight people. Available separate front and rear HVAC controls add to passenger comfort. With the stowable third-row seat and flat-folding captain's chairs, Venture has up to 140.7 cubic feet (3,984L) of cargo space, and enough room to stack 4-foot by 8-foot (1.2-meter by 2.4-meter) panels with the liftgate closed.

A two-passenger 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat is standard on the Venture Plus and LS. The LS and LT also are available with either three second-row bucket seats or two captain's chairs.

Venture's standard third-row seat is a three-passenger, 50-50 split-folding bench. On eight-passenger Ventures, an optional third-row bench seat can be stowed to create a flat load surface when combined with its rear convenience center (the stowable third-row seat is not available with the second-row captain's chairs). Nestled behind the third row, the convenience center has three compartments for easy organizing. The middle compartment has a sealed bottom and sides for wet bathing suits, muddy boots or garden center supplies. Conveniently located power outlets and up to 17 cupholders help meet any family need.

A safe environment

Venture has a full complement of safety features, starting with standard driver and front-passenger air bags, and available driver and passenger side-impact air bags. An integrated child safety seat is standard on all models except for those with captain's chairs. The LATCH (Lower Anchorages and Tethers for CHildren) system is standard and independent of the vehicle's safety belts, enabling parents to properly and securely attach child safety seats.

An available Rear Parking Aid alerts drivers of objects or people behind the vehicle with both audible and visible signals while the van is in reverse. Venture is the only product in the industry to offer both types of indicators.

Venture also is offered with GM's OnStar safety and security system, which provides driver assistance using Global Positioning System satellite networks and wireless technology. A one-year subscription to OnStar's Safe & Sound plan is also included. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the Ú.S. and Canada. OnStar services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location, remote door unlock, emergency services dispatch, roadside assistance, remote diagnostics, route support, convenience services and OnStar Concierge.

OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls through a nationwide network in cooperation with Verizon Wireless. Virtual Advisor (Ú.S. only) gives subscribers access to personalized information in a hands-free, voice-activated manner with no screens or displays.

GM Mobility options

Venture can be fitted with a range of Mobility vehicle preparation packages for customers who transport passengers or themselves, but require easier access to enter or exit a vehicle.

Mobility equipment includes GM's dealer-installed Sit-N-Lift power seat. Operated by a hand-held remote control, this innovative seat rotates and extends outward from the right side of the vehicle's second-row seating area to provide easy transfer from a standing position or from a wheelchair.

The Sit-N-Lift seat is mounted in the original seat attachments and is installed in place of the second-row passenger seat. Available as a regular production accessory and as an accessory kit through GM Service Parts Operation, Sit-N-Lift requires no permanent vehicle modifications.

Family fun and entertainment

Venture is the ideal vehicle for extended trips with family or friends, especially with the available DVD-based entertainment system. The system, part of a comprehensive package on the LT, plays DVD video, DVD audio and CDs, and includes a flat, flip-down, 7-inch (178-mm) video screen, two wireless headphones and wireless remote control. The DVD-format screen provides superior picture quality, and the system has a 1.5-second 'video memory' which prevents potholes, railroad tracks and other rough road surfaces from interfering with the sound and picture. Simple controls – Power, Play and Eject buttons – make the DVD player easy to use. Three auxiliary jacks for devices such as video games and camcorders offer additional versatility

Adding to the variety of entertainment possibilities, Venture is available with XM Satellite Radio (continental Ú.S. only). XM Satellite Radio provides 100 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original music, news, sports and talk. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $9.99 a month - less than the cost of a single CD. In addition, GM customers with GMAC financing can choose to include the XM subscription in their car payments.

An available CD/MP3 radio adds even further to the entertainment choices. In fact, passengers can use the DVD player, the radio and the CD player all at the same time.

Source - GM Corporation