2005 Chevrolet Venture Trims and Specs

The Cargo van version of the 2005 Chevrolet Venture is utilitarian in nature, but still offers up some nice features. Available only in front-wheel drive, with a 120-inch wheelbase, the 2005 Venture Cargo has the same 185-hp, 3.4-liter V6 and 4-speed auto tran as the other trims. It rides on 15-inch wheels, and unlike the plus, comes standard with ABS brakes and both dual front and front-side airbags. Other safety-oriented features include automatic headlights and daytime running lights. Traction control is optional, along with a sports suspension.

Power locks, windows, and mirrors, heated mirrors, cruise control, tinted glass, a tilt steering wheel, intermittent front and rear wipers, and rear defrost are all included in the base price for the 2005 Venture Cargo. It has two rows of bucket seats, for up to four passengers, and with the second row flipped and folded, the cargo area holds 141 cubic feet. Cargo tie-downs are included, and a net can be added. A manual passenger-side sliding door provides access to the second row and cargo area. Because it is mostly used for utilitarian needs, there are few options available, but you can add on a CD player and a second row bench seat. A roof rack and towing package add more hauling versatility. The 2005 Venture Cargo can tow up to 3500 pounds.

The last year for the 2005 Chevrolet Venture Plus minivan means few changes. Now available only in front-wheel drive and with an extended 120-inch wheelbase, the 2005 Venture Plus features a 3.4-liter, 185-hp DOHC V6 and 4-speed auto tran.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, automatic headlights, daytime running lights, and 15-inch wheels. A nice feature in the Venture Plus is an integrated child seat. Options add on side impact airbags, ABS brakes, and a sports suspension.

Since it only comes in an extended version now, the 2005 Venture Plus seats seven in three rows, and is nicely equipped for a base model. Full power features, cruise control, intermittent wipers, a radio, and tilt steering wheel are all standard. Read seats are removable and the second flips and folds -- neither row folds flat. There is one manual sliding door on the passenger side. The cargo area holds anywhere from 31 to 141 cubic feet and comes with tie-downs. Available features include OnStar, heated mirrors, a power sliding door, rear climate control, a CD player, rear window wiper, remote entry, and a trip computer. Towing capacity maxes out around 3500 pounds.

Stepping up from the Plus trim, the 2005 Chevrolet Venture LS adds more features and more options into the mix. Fueled by a 4-speed auto tran and 3.4-liter, 185-hp V6 that gets 210 lb-ft of torque and 19/26 mpg, the 2005 Venture LS is a passenger minivan equipped to seat seven or eight, available only in an extended 120-inch wheelbase version this year. Standard safety features include daytime running lights, automatic headlights, 15-inch wheels, and dual front and front-side airbags. Upgrading from the Plus, ABS brakes are also standard and traction control, rear parking sensors, and a self-leveling suspension are available.

Along with full power features, intermittent wipers, and cruise control, the LS is equipped with heated mirror, rear defrost, keyless entry, privacy glass, a rear window wiper, and a CD player. Captain's chairs sit up front and are also available for the second row as a substitute for its bench seat. Both second and third row are removable and fold down for up to 141 cubic feet of cargo space. The LS receives more options than the Plus, including heated leather seats, power front seats, rear audio controls, and a towing package (up to 3500 pounds). Other add-ons include rear climate control, satellite radio, Onstar, a garage remote, and a roof rack. The manual sliding door on the passenger side can be supplemented with a driver's side door, and a power option for both is extra. Drivers like the room for families and easy access through the power doors, but think the style is too bland.

Definitely the most luxurious and well-equipped trim in the lineup, the 2005 Chevrolet Venture LT features the same 3.4-liter, 185-hp V6 engine and 4-speed automatic, but is packed with upscale features to keep both parents and kids happy. 15-inch wheels, ABS brakes, and dual front and side impact airbags help earn four-star ratings, along with automatic headlights and daytime running lights. The 2005 Venture LT adds standard traction control. Rear parking sensors, a stiffer sports suspension, and a self-leveling suspension are options.

The LT fits seven people with its standard captain's chairs in the first two rows and a bench seat in the third. The third row is removable and the second row flips and folds (not flat). A manual passenger side sliding door provides access to the back rows. Heated leather seats and leather trim, an 8-way power driver's seat, audio controls for the CD player on the steering wheel and in the second row, intermittent front and rear wipers, a DVD player, and trip computer are all standard on the LT. They join full power features, a security system, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, cruise control, and heated mirrors. A roof rack is also included, adding to the cargo space in the back, which expands from 31-141 cubic feet. A cargo net and tie-downs are standard. Options include dual power sliding side doors, OnStar, satellite radio, an MP3-compatible audio system, and a rear spoiler.

Owners like the handling of the 2005 Venture LT, but mostly appreciate that it can fit up to eight passengers. They also say the rear seats are easy to remove.