These vehicles, in my opinion, have the best engine and transmission combination off all minivans, foreign or domestic. They are solid and good performers, but they do have an inherent flaw.

ENGINE: B-
The 3.4L engine is powerful and the transmission is extremely smooth. It has a great torque curve, giving you low end power and high end mileage. The gas mileage is in the mid to upper 20's, which is very good for a van of this size and power. Access to the serviceable parts is average. Changing the oil is a breeze. So is replacing the air filter and cabin filter. The serpentine belt replacement is doable, but don't even think about changing the spark plugs on your own...the engine needs to be tilted to reach the plugs on the back side of the motor.

So why, if most all things seem good, did I give the engine a B-. Because there is an inherent problem in GM and their antifreeze of choice, DexCool. DexCool appears to prematurely rot or wear engine parts and or gaskets. I am on my second engine in my fan. I did opt for another 3.4L GM Factory Engine, w/ DexCool, but if you buy or look at one of these INQUIRE VERY SPECIFICALLY ABOUT COOLANT LOSS, OVERHEATING OR ANY OTHER ENGINE COOLING PROBLEMS LIKE PREMATURE RADIATOR FAILURE, THERMOSTAT PROBLEMS OR WATERPUMP FAILURE. Any sign of coolant issues, walk away. Look closely around the water pump, thermostat and all underneath the car for coolant leaks.

Good test drive steps:
Drive the car. Once it is warm, with the car running pop the hood and see if you smell antifreeze (very sweet smell) and look for coolant leaks all around the waterpump, radiator, hoses and the headgasket area. Look for indication of coolant loss around the head gasket area especially. INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURES ARE ONE OF THE PRIMARY ISSUES WITH THIS MOTOR AND THEY ARE TYPICALLY NOT VISIBLE. Again, with the car warm, check the coolant overflow bottle and make sure it is reading at the "Full When Hot" level. If it is not, START ASKING QUESTIONS...A LOT OF QUESTIONS.

GM HAS BEEN DENYING THIS PROBLEM FOR A LONG TIME NOW AND IS NOT BACKING THE ENGINE FAILURES RELATED TO DEXCOOL. There are several lawsuits pending on the issue currently. If you buy the vehicle, try to get a warranty. Even if you don't, ask the right questions early on and watch the coolant overflow bottle from the start. Check it once a week. The intake manifold gasket leaks start slow, so slow that even week-over-week it may be difficult to notice the loss in the overflow bottle unless you mark it with a pencil, but watch it closely. GM will tell you that you need to maintain the proper water/antifreeze mixture and that it is normal to have to top off the system once in a while, ALL OF WHICH IS HOGWASH.

So you can see now why I gave the engine a B-. We made the $5000 investment in a new engine because other than that problem, we absolutely love the van and felt because it was still so comfortable and solid three years later, it was worth the investment and cheaper than a new van. Not all are bad ones, so if you are careful and watch closely you can get a great van for the money.

TRANSMISSION: A
Very smooth and no prevalent problems to speak of. Works very well with the 3.4L enigine.

BRAKING: A
The braking system is very good and works well with the traction control system. It has 4 wheel ABS and is very reliable.

STEERING AND SUSPENSION:
Very good. The vehicle rides very smoothly. Well balanced system and cruising at 80 MPH is almost too easy and requires little engine work. The front end holds alignment very well and the parts are durable. The suspension is strut front and spring/shock absorber rear. Driving this van is a joy. It actually feels more like you are driving a car, which to me is one of the truest tests of a minivan.

INTERIOR: A
This is one of my favorite parts of the vehicle. There is A LOT of room. We have 4 children and own the GL Extended model. The van comfortably seats 8 passengers and still has a lot of room behind the last row of seats for luggage, soccer balls, baseball equipment, etc. The integrity is very solid so far, still no squeaks or rattles after 80k miles. Nice job GM.

EXTERIOR: A
The paint is very well done on this car. The shimmer is very deep and nice when washed and waxed. I have been told on several occasions, after washing the vehicle, that the vehicle looks brand new, and I agree. Nice job GM.

SUMMARY:
In sum, this is a great van with a history of some coolant related problems. Any vehicle will have problems, its avoiding the big ones that is the trick. I hope this helps. A final note about replacement parts, they are easy to find and inexpensive. The Olds takes the same parts as its Chevy counterpart, the Venture, making this another reason to consider buying this van...because overall future operating expenses will be lower.
Amount Paid (US$): 20000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2000
Model and Options: GL Extd, Auto, Air, 3rd Row Seats, Rear Air