The drivetrain of the Venture shines in being nearly invisible. It's isolated, and offers good response in traffic, even though it's less powerful than the Ford or Honda minivans. You can hear a distant growl from the engine, a pleasant muted sound that appeals to the closet hot-rodder in some of us. Our test van had the optional traction control, which engaged even after the front wheels began to spin during hard acceleration. You are reminded constantly that this is a front-wheel driver, especially when there is a lot of weight in the back of the van. The front wheels are prone to spin easily, and in corners this feels like small tugs on the steering wheel.The load leveling system compensated for the extra weight of the motorcycle, so our headlights weren't pointed to the stars. Nor did our venture wallow or lean excessively during quick maneuvering through downtown Chicago. The brake pedal of the Venture feels more spongy than in Chevy's sedans. The anti-lock brake system engaged smoothly and without drama on loose surfaces. The Venture with the touring suspension is a good highway cruiser. We found it hops around a bit on bumpy surfaces, but you won't notice this if you do most of your driving on well-paved suburban roads. |
