2002 Chevrolet Venture Warner Bros. Edition

The 2002 Chevy Venture follows a typical minivan formula: adequate V-6, easy-driving 4-speed automatic, somewhat unexciting exterior profile and enough seating for a Little League team. As with other vehicles in its class, cupholders abound, and some nifty storage spaces help stash gear enough for a summer trip to the beach or a winter trip to the slopes.

The Warner Bros. Venture enters 2002 with minor refinements. The Versatrak all-wheel-drive option includes 16-inch wheels and rear disc brakes. Power side doors are standard.

What distinguishes this family hauler from the pack is the new Warner Bros. Edition, one of three models in the Venture lineup—and one of the only in its class to offer a full, factory-installed DVD entertainment system. With free Warner Bros. DVDs and a complete audio/video DVD/CD and cassette sound system, this package deal all but guarantees that the kids will never ask, "Are we there, yet—"


The latest Venture is not a radical departure from past versions in the GM stable, or those offered by competitors. Positioned to compete with the Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan and their Voyager cousins at Chrysler as well as with the Ford Windstar, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Mazda MPV, this Venture is more of a logical extension of the family vehicle Americans (and, increasingly, the rest of the world) have come to love.

The Warner Bros. Venture is one of the few vehicles that offers a factory-installed DVD entertainment system. This package is optional on non-Warner Ventures.

From the outside, GM's new offering cuts a sparse, straightforward silhouette that won't win design awards but gets the job done. A low front grille and air dam accent the snub-nosed front end and large windshield. Side doors slide back easily and are available with power assist on both sides. The rear liftgate completes a square back end, and a luggage carrier keeps things in place on the roof.


The Warner Bros. Edition is distinguished by a few exterior changes from the other models in the lineup, including color-keyed, satin-finish side panels, aluminum wheels and "Warner Bros. Entertainment" badging. This co-branded version also comes with a standard passenger-side power sliding door. (Power on the driver's side is still optional.)