Base price: Venture, $22,043–$34,275/Montana, $24,844–$34,285/Silhouette, $28,510–$36,810
Vehicle type: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive; 5-door 2–8-passenger van
Interior volume, F/M/R (cu ft) 55/52–55/43–47
Cargo volume, seats up/maximum (cu ft) 16–24/120–156
Wheelbase 112.0–120.0 in
Length/width/height 186.9–200.9/72.0–72.7/67.4–68.2 in
Turning circle 37.4–39.7 ft
Curb weight 3700–4000 lb
EPA city/highway mpg 18–19/24–26
Fuel-tank capacity/range 20.0–25.0 gal/380–450 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and side airbags
POWERTRAIN
3.4-liter pushrod 12-valve V-6, 185 hp; 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R fwd: rigid axle, 4wd: unequal-length control arms; coil springs; anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/drum
ABS standard
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CHEVY VENTURE/PONTIAC MONTANA/OLDS SILHOUETTE
Updated with a Versatrak all-wheel-drive option last year, GM’s front-drive minivans change very little for 2003. But like a number of other GM offerings, they have a good value story. For example, all have dual sliding rear doors with power operation as an option. All three vans share the same 185-hp, 3.4-liter pushrod V-6 engine and four-speed automatic, a powertrain we rate as adequate. All have easily removable rear seats, and all offer the option of a DVD-based video system for passengers in the middle and third rows. The Venture and Montana offer short- and long-wheelbase versions, the latter available in special value editions. The Montana is the sportiest of the trio, with a firmer ride and grippier tires. The Venture is the least expensive and is available in a utilitarian cargo model. Though its days are numbered, the Olds is still the luxury liner and includes wood trim.
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