Chevrolet Lumina

wheresoz · February 1999

Currently checking out new GM sedans to save $$
since a family member is an employee. He claims the
Lumina is one of best values and underrated too.
according to him, I can get a lot of options by
getting the LTZ top of the line model and come in
with a lower cost than adding options to other GM
models.

Other models I'm considering are the Oldsmobile
Intrigue and the Grand Prix (fred pros & cons on
other posts).

My current car is a 1988 Old Cutlass Ciera which
is pushing 126K. It's been a good car but recently
is developing maintenance problems.

Any comments on Lumina's track record as far as
maintenance, durability, handling in bad weather,
etc. would be appreciated. I expect to buy the car
vs. lease and plan keep it for 5 years or longer.

MN9thPA · February 1999

I drove a LTZ on two occasions and was not impressed with the ride or feel of the car. The 3.8 motor is one of the best motors you can buy. The performance was strong but the seats were uncomfortable. The design is dated, not as good as the Intrigue. I ended up buying a Mercury Sable LS, it felt much better. You should try to rent both cars for a day and see for yourself. The lumina should have good reliability.

vbrahmer · April 1999

My husband and I are checking out new cars and were wondering if anyone has had any problems with the Chevy Lumina? Is it a reliable car or does it have a list of known problems? Thanks for your help.

andys22 · April 1999

We have a 97 lumina LS with 50k miles on it. 4/5 of that was on highway miles--had fuel pump replaced at 48k, intake manifold gasket replaced about 2 months ago ( it was drinking antifreeze) and now it starts to tick like a bomb when it starts up. The engine is lethargic. stay away from GM 3.1 engines-- ALL kinds of problems!

npawelk · May 1999

According to the most recent J.D. Power quality rating the Lumina is #1. This beats Accord, and Camery. I wonder why we hardly ever hear of this car's quality. It is also far cheaper then the Accord or the Camery.

Just a thought

diazodoktor2 · May 1999

Could be that when a car is GOOD nobody takes the time to tell about it. Everyone that I have talked to that has a Lumina just loves it. True, it's not what you would call a sporty car, just a reliable transportation piece. As to the relability of the 3.1 motors I don't think they are any worse than any other GM engines. Consider the terrible rep of the Quad 4 but they are still putting them into all the GM line by the millions.

npawelk · May 1999

Ummm.... The Quad four has been out of production for along time. The "Quad" four that you are talking about was a 2.3 litre 4 cylinder with 4 valves per cylinder. The new L4, that has 4 valves per cylinder, and replaces the "Quad" four is a totally redesigned engine.

And speaking of which my grandmother has a 1990 Lumina, and has absolutly had zero problems with this car. She usually buys new cars often, but she totally loves this car. I myself cannot believe how great this car is. It also has the 3.1 litre motor. Great low end power, and good top end also.

Anyway, the Lumina is a great car made by a American manufacturer, much less GM, so nobody will bring it up because it is a slap in Japans face. That America can build a sedan that is much better then theirs for thousands less.

Speaking of sporty a Lumina with the LTZ package is sportier then almost any japanese midsize car that I can think of save for maybe the Maxima

diazodoktor2 · May 1999

npawelk: Re the GM "Quad Four" A rose is a rose! The current four cylinder OHC engines in the Malibu, Grand Am, Olds Olero are a derivitive of the original OHC designs. You may be thinking of the old "Iron Duke" rattlers that preceeded it. Sorry, but I work for a vendor that sell bits and pieces to GM for that OHC engine and they are the same! Part #'s have not changed since 1992. True, they have added balance shafts, gear driven P/S pumps and a few other bells and whistles but it's basically the same old four banger with the same head gasket failure problem. Check with your local GM dealer and see if he will own up to all the "silent recalls" on that engine.

phl20d · June 1999

Got a 97 Lumina LS and it runs very good BUT I can't get really comfortable (I'm 6 ft) with the seat while driving for a while. Also I don't care for the steering, it isn't smooth and easy like the 88 Celebrty Euro Sport (why they stopped making this car is beyond me I would buy one in a minute. What a car and I still have it. I like driving it better than the 97Lumina.) As far as maintaining the Lumina---it hasn't givin me a bit of trouble.

marshap · June 1999

I have a 97 Lumina and am about to buy a 99 to replace my husbands care because the Lumina we have has been so low maintenance. I think I have only taken it to the dealer once in the 67,000 miles we have put on it. I bought an extended warranty to 60,000 and never used it - just zero problems. As far as comfort, I am only 5 feet tall and have to have the bench seats so Lumina is great there too. The only other car I am considering is the buick century because it has the same 3.1 engine as the lumina and bench seats - but why pay $1000 more?

johnnystiffey · June 1999

I recently owmed a 92 lumina,it ran descent,but i
was tired of working on it all the time.I had the
car for about a year and a half,and in that time i
put a new altinator,coil pack,and when i traded it the steering column caught fire.
I traded it for a 98 lumina with 22335 miles thinking i would not have any trouble,WRONG,I've only had the car 2 months,so far i put a rebuilt transmission,map sencor,and in 2 days it goes in the shop again for a new computer.I will not buy another one.

iraren · June 1999

i'm looking into buying a used Lumina Ltz 1998 model only 11,800 miles. What would be a good price? Is this a reliable car. I have a toyota camry that is almost 10 years. I never has a problem with it. Same with a nissan stanza, it has way over a 100,000 miles. We are afraid to buy this lumina.

npawelk · June 1999

Do not be afraid at all. First off the LTZ has the 3800 drivetrain. Which is probaly the most reliable V-6 engine/transmission combo in the world, for sure here in the US.

Also the Lumina is the top ranked midsize sedan in relability.

Of course there are lemons with all makes, Lumina should please you quiet well. Lumina also carries one of the highest ownerloyalty ratings.

andys22 · June 1999

You are wrong saying the lumina is the most reliable mid-sized car their is. If you look at the J.D. Powers award, the ownership ( number of problems, etc) experience is with in the first 90 days, not long term. As of lately, GM's fit and finish has been rather poor (Read Consumer reports, Edmunds , etc). I don't know about the Luminas, however. Our 97 Lumina with 52k miles has good fit, but the paint job on this 97 and our 95 have not been so hot. we have a "pre" rust bulge on the left rear door and paint chiping off the the rear doors and paint around the wheel wells.

npawelk · June 1999

You are wrong the initial quality award is tested up to 40,000 miles and not 90 days. And I hate to say it but I am right the Lumina does have the best relability, as for Consumer Reports.... They know as much about cars as I know about sewing, aka nothing.

ztzhang · June 1999

Hi:
I am looking to buy either Lumina or Malibu. It seems that Malibu has a newer design, but actually it is unreliable based on my research. After reading the new issue of consumer report, I found that Malibu has the worst reliablity rating among about all 20 mid-size sedans, while Lumina enjoys one of the best. I am very surprised about GM's inconsistency. J.D. Power also has very good rating on Lumina. There is a lot rebate right now on Lumina. After rebate, Lumina only costs <1000 more than Malibu. Auto sales will slow down in the summer, partly because the federal reserve will raise interest to give a little pressure on the strong sales to slow down the economy. The dealer stocks are thus expected to pick up soon. May be it will be easier to get better and better deal. Anybody agree?

Zhang

wimmer1 · June 1999

My husband and I have just purchased a new 1999 LTZ. We have been shopping for a vehichle for about 6 weeks and for the price, ride, sportiness, and repuation we went back to the Lumina LTZ. We have never heard of anything major going wrong with the car. The interior is somewhat comparable to the LeSabre that we drove and it was around $7000 cheaper and with this package will hold its value. We are pleased with this purchase and will reccomend this to anyone!!!!

piggy1 · June 1999

I have a 1998 Lumina LTZ purchased new and have had no major complaints. However, I am experiencing a clicking noise in the steering when turning, but it doesn't do it all the time. The dealer I took it to said this is normal.

allanp · June 1999

Just my 2 cents worth: Just picked up a '99 LTZ (had to go out-of-state to get as the availability is diminishing). Got it home and initial impression is that this is a fantastic buy!! I got a $ 2000 rebate on it and took it with the 1SD package and CD player option, cloth interior. For the money, you can't do much better-and, you get great crash-worthiness to boot!!

Hopefully, this car will surface again in the future for I would sure like to be able to buy an updated model when the '99 gets old!!

If you can get a Lumina LS, LTZ or whatever, do it, before they're all gone. The only other choice is to get that 2000 spaceship they're calling the new "Impala" - if you stay with the Chevy product line, that is!!

Good luck to whomever is still shopping - look no further!!

ktjong · June 1999

I just bought my LTZ with a CD player but am wondering if there is a way to install a cassette player. The salesman told me there is no place to install it. Is it true?

whizkid1 · June 1999

My friend from California is here visiting and at the rental car company gave them a Chevy Lumina. At first we made fun of it becuase we thought it would be a piece of crap, on the contarary. The car has a few annoynaces that i've noticed. First is that some of the interior pannels don't quite fit correctly or meet up with each other (I might be a tad spoiled tho becuause i drive a Mercedes but I always expect a lot). Second is the fact that all of the seats in the car sit too low and allow your butt to sink in too much which makes them seem even lower! My third small complaint is that one time I drove the car I noticed that the car is a tad underresponsive in the wheel. Now for the positivies. My first is the stereo system, from what I know it's made by Bose (their home speakers suck but their car systems are pretty good) and for what they charge for this car it's pretty good, and the CD player is quite nice. It also has that nice "Auto Tone" button which is handy to have while your driving for easy adjustment. At first when I got in i thought the buttons looked dumb but because they're large they're easy to use and read! I also like the engine in it, it's smooth and easy going, laid back. It's smooth under noraml driving but when needed it does have enough power!

I guess I have to put in perspective the fact that it's a $17,000 car for what it costs it's the best of it's kind!!!

From my limited experience it's a good car, despite it's few annoying shortcommings!

ald3rdwld · July 1999

i own a 90 lumina eurosport with about 97k on it - ive had it for 4 years and the the 2 problems i had where replaceing both back brake assembies and the computer - besides those 2 problems the car runs great - i dont know if the motor is 3.1 or 3.3 but it runs strong - im thinking of getting a 99 but i read the malibu is better - true or false ???

allanp · July 1999

Re: #19: I think it's one or the other with regard to the CD player or cassette. I chose the CD as it is far more convenient than pulling the tape out of the unit when it eventually gets stuck (they all get stuck at some point it seems). If you have to have a cassette, carry a portable player with you and lay it on the seat! (That's what I will do when a tape is all I have).

Re: #20: Your assessment seems plausible and yes, you are correct, for under 20K you will get 99.5% fit and finish--just short of perfect and certainly tolerable!! The LTX is a last great bargain from Chevy and I said before, I hope someone in GM looks at the sales figures and resurrects it in the coming years. When sales of the new Impala space ship don't meet expectations (as I predict they will not), maybe the Lumina will come back. We'll wait and see!

Good luck to those of you that bought one, you did the right thing - I know I'm glad I did!!!

bandmom · July 1999

Well, this morning my husband and I are going to sign on the dotted line for a 99 Lumina LTZ. Have to replace my 86 Cougar that my son totalled. He's ok, the car isn't. My mechanic told me that I should either get a Saturn or a GM car with a 3.8 in it.

Test drove the Lumina LTZ, Grand Priz. Grand Priz was nice but just enough over our budget we had to say no. Just to be sure, we looked at a Taurus, UGHLY! Didn't like the options available with only a 3.0 V6. Test drove a Dodge Intrepid with a 2.7 because the ES version again put us over budget but their largest was 3.2.

So went back to the Lumina LTZ (FYI - we did test drive the Impala. Same engine as the LTZ). We've decided that it's the Lumina LTZ. Other GM models over our budget. Besides, great sale this weekend at our Chevy dealer.

Wish us luck!

bandmom · July 1999

Sorry that should have been '89 Mercury Cougar

roadstar8602 · July 1999

i believe that Taurus are ugly, but Lumina are ulgy too and I rather buy a Sable than Taurus or Lumina because Sable isn't ugly but is roomier and better looking than a Taurus.

besides I so glad that you didn't buy the Saturn because Saturn are Junk as a Joke!

plmills66 · July 1999

We've had great luck with the Luminas. First was a 1992 Euro. Bought it for my husband's work car as he had to have a 4 door. He liked the sportiness of the Euro. He drove it 3 years and put about 80,000 miles on it. Only bad thing was that it needed several brake jobs. In talking to other people, we found out this was common with the 92 Euros. Traded the 92 for 1995 Lumina LS. Had the regular 3.1 engine, which my husband did not like nearly as well as the 3.8 -- there was nothing wrong with the engine, he just missed the power of the 3.8. He also missed the sport suspension on the Euro. But the 95 Lumina was a wonderful car. We never had to have it in the shop for anything except an oil change. Right before we got ready to sell it (a few weeks ago) with 76,000 miles, we noticed a brake squeal, so we had to get new front brakes. Only $109. That was the total repair for 3-1/2 years!! His new Lumina is a LTZ. He had to buy the LTZ because he likes bucket seats. But he's glad to be back into the sport suspension and larger motor. He got leather seats, CD, sun roof. Our only complaint with the all the Luminas is that it's kind of a noisy car -- you hear wind noise through the windows and road noise through the floor. But you're also paying less than comparable cars, so I guess they have to cut corners somewhere. Based on our experiences, we would highly recommend a Lumina.

j_coleman · July 1999

This is the car my grandparents drive. They have a '95 and it's done good for them except the battery and alternator that had to be replaced. Very common with GM vehicles, I think.

jpstax · July 1999

We have one of the first Lumina LTZ models built in the summer of '97. So far, I've only had to replace the oxygen sensor. Like #17, I also hear a clicking noice in the steering column. I heard this noise before, in my '89 Celebrity. It was the rack & pinion starting to act up. I eventually had it replaced at no charge.

When the warranty runs out, I'm thinking of adding the Eaton supercharger and performance kit. I heard it can be done, but the transmission might also have to be changed to a heavy duty type (40 extra hp and 55 ft/lbs extra torque is tough on a standard trans).

rb3914 · July 1999

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents worth. I currently own a 92 Lumina Euro with 98k on it. It was a demo with 5900 miles when purchased in 92. So far I've had 3 alternators, coil pack and rear brake calipers replaced. Just 2 months ago I replaced valve cover gaskets to stop an oil leak. This may sound like a lot, but I feel it is very low problem levels for a 7 year period, and car has peformed flawlessly.
I too opted for the Euro styling, and am con-
sidering a new Lumina or the Impala this year (intend to keep the Lumina as a second car) if the budget will reach.
Roy

jpstax · July 1999

Response to rb3914:

I'm in the same boat with you! I own 2 Luminas. My '93 is a 3.4 Eurosport with 85,000 miles, that I drive to work. It's still pretty quick off the line, but doesn't always want to start on very cold days (0 or less). I've had it towed 3 times due to engine flooding. Chevy dealer said it's the reason they replaced it with the 3800 for the LTZs and Monte-Carlos. So, I went out and bought a '98 LTZ for my wife; traded in my '89 Celebrity.

Anyhow, for my next car (to replace the '93 Euro), I'm torn between the Pontiac GTP and Buick Regal GS, both of which come with the supercharged 3800.

However, as I've stated in other forums, I heard a rumor that Chevy may bring back the Impala SS for 2001, and it will have the SC 3800 as the standard motor. That would surely satisfy my "baby boomer" desire for a higher performance engine in a sedan.

My wife is perfectly happy with her LTZ, but most guys my age would prefer a car with more "getup and go". Does anyone else agree?

jpstax · July 1999

Opps! I heard from someone in another townhall topic that the 2001 Impala is going to be getting the 4.0 L V-8. This is the same engine that powers Oldsmobile's Aurora. It makes 250 hp. However, its 0-60 time is not all that great (8.2 seconds), mainly because the car tips the scale at almost 4000 lbs.

The Impala SS would certainly be much lighter than the Aurora, and consequently faster. Chevy could boost the hp to 260 by using a low restriction air intake (like the 3800 uses), and installing big dual exhausts. The car would then have as much hp as the classic '94-'96 Impala SS cars, but not as much torque. I'm sure it would be a big seller.

szerfas · July 1999

I saw a few people deciding between the Malibu and the Lumina. Just to add my 2 cents, I would take the Lumina over the Malibu. Girlfriend has a new Malibu and really has not had anything wrong with it in 12,000 miles although I have heard quite a few discouraging stories. The Malibu also tends not to feel tight giving us the feeling that it might not hold up so well in the long run. On the other my brother and other we know have had Luminas and had great luck with them. My brother's 96 was a company car and it went to 113,000 with no problems, I don't even think he had break pads replaced. There is a little more room and the design is more modern in the Malibu but in the long run you will be happier with the Lumina.

Happy Motoring,
Stephen

rea98d · July 1999

Everybody knows that the Monte Carlo is almost a 2 door clone of the Lumina. This leads me to wonder if the Lumina is going to get the same makeover the Monte is for next year? Chevy's entry into the midsized market is nice, but rather conservative. When can we see a new Lumina, whether its still a 4-door Monte Carlo, or something different?

jpstax · July 1999

A Lumina LTZ SS for 2000 or 2001 would be nice, especially if they dropped the SC 3800, or the 4.0L V-8 (Olds Aurora engine), in it.

I've posted in other forums about the return (rumored) of the Impala SS, also with the SC 3800 or 4.0L V-8. However, after seeing a 2000 Impala LS "up close and personal", I'll stick with the Lumina. Our '98 Lumina is roomy enough for me and my wife, but I wish it had just a little more hp.

szerfas · July 1999

From what I have read and understand the Lumina will go away. I think it is only suppose to be around a year or two more. The replacement for it is the Impala, which I have already seen on the road around here. I have read a few reviews and they sound very positive on it. The MonteCarlo gets an update, but I also believe it get moved on the Impala's platform. With the Impala as of now you have a choice of the 3400 V6 or the 3800 V6. Both the Impala and the Monte Carlo are front wheel drive.

Have a good one.
Stephen

netmaner · August 1999

We have a 1993 Lumina with 67,500 miles on it and have had no problems. Its been a great car. Very nice on the road. Best riding car in its class.

hjr · August 1999

Has anyone else had trouble with the rear window defogger on the Lumina? Mine just keeps blowing fuses after only one winter. Also the clips that hold the sunvisors keep falling out. Finally the visibility is restricted by the top/windshield supports/sunvisors that you sure have to look twice whenever you come to a four way stop.

deetraveler · August 1999

Guess what? I just sold a 90 Lumina with 232,000 miles and little trouble and still drive a great 94 Lumina Sedan with 157,000 miles on it. I love it. It's comfortable and reliable.

noburgers · August 1999

I recommend the Lumina. It is a good value. Mine is a '97 base model which is my commuter car--it fits three kids in the back, gets 29 mpg hiway w/AC on too, cheap insurance. I only paid $16,100 and I've seen ads for '99's in the high $15K range. Initial (and current) quality is great. There were no defects as delivered. After 39K miles only one warranty repair--leaking power steering pump. The current model was designed with 1/3 fewer parts compared to the previous generation Lumina, so it should have fewer rattles and problems over the long haul. For the person considering the Century: you get ABS and traction control for the extra $$, but the back seat is a little narrower. For the person complaining about the steering, I agree, the steering is more sluggish than the competition.

jpstax · August 1999

I must be in the minority because no one else has complained about the 3.4L DOC engine ('93 Lumina Eurosport). As I've said in past posts, the car absolutely would not start on very cold mornings (0 or below). It flooded, resulting in a tow, plus plug and oil changes (happened 3 times to me). Each year this happened, I had the engine tuned the previous autumn. My dealer's service manager told me that this is the primary reason the 3400 was replaced with the 3800 Series II.

chasmala · August 1999

I understand that the last year for the Lumina is going to be the 2000 model. I also heard it may not make it through the entire year. That leaves a very big gap size wise between the Malibu and the new Impala. Does anyone know for sure whether GM is going to make this mistake and leave us mid-size car people with nothing?
The last year of a production model tends to go downhill in reliablity because they don't seem to care as much. I hope this isn't true about the Lumina.

jpstax · August 1999

I suggest that you post a message at the Chevrolet website (www.chevrolet.com), asking them to re-consider keeping the Lumina, or else replacing it with another mid-size car. A completely re-designed Lumina, a smaller version of the Impala, or a 4-door version of the Monte-Carlo come to mind. Just my 2 cents worth.

szerfas · August 1999

The Malibu is smaller then then Lumina but not by a really big gap. I actually can fit and drive the Malibu easier then the Lumina. The only area that you might notice some of the room difference is in the trunk and even that is not too bad. The new Impala should not be that much bigger on the outside, it should feel roomier on the inside. You might also want to look at the Buick Century.

prestone · August 1999

I'm currently leasing a 98 Lumina LTZ which I picked up in Aug of 97. Overall, it's been a fun (not to mention, affordable) car to drive. I've really babied this car and have 16k on it. For the most part, my LTZ has been trouble free (had a problem with a slightly sprung trunk lid and had the weather stripping on the windshield start to separate. Both were quickly repaired by the dealer.) However, either the rear struts or springs have begun to squeak. I took my LTZ into the dealer and they heard the annoying squeaks, but found nothing wrong. They told me to bring the car back in if it became worse. My LTZ drives and handles great, but that annoying squeak is driving me nuts! Has anyone had this problem?

andys22 · August 1999

hey their, glad you like your lumina. heh better it be something in the rear then the front. my lumina pings while going up hills, but nobody can find anything wrong with it... might want to try another dealer--- our dealer basically has told us " unless its TOTALLY broken, ya can't fix it"

jpstax · August 1999

My wife has a '98 LTZ, but the only problem (so far) has been a faulty oxygen sensor (covered under the 36K warranty). Haven't heard any strange noises coming from the rear struts or springs. It could be a worn part (bushing?) rubbing on a strut arm. Don't know what would cause a spring to squeak. My advice is get a second opinion (Midas, CarX, etc.). Maybe they could diagnose the problem (for a small fee) and write it up for the dealer to see. In any event, I'm afraid you're stuck with the dealer fixing the problem under your warranty agreement, unless you just want to pay up the nose (Midas, CarX, etc.).

baveux · August 1999

I'm really happy with my Lumina Ls 99,but I have one question WHO DESIGNED THE TRUNK LID HINGES......A PIPEFITTER ? They are so big that we are loosing lots of space in the trunk

atcers · August 1999

I think I'll purchase a 99 Lumina at the end of the year. It's less expensive than it's sibilings from Buick, Olds and Pontiac and has a great reputation. I presently own a 91 Olds Cutlass Supreme which is the same line as the Lumina. After 181K miles(mostly highway)I'm impressed with this line of cars. I will admit my 91 has had problems with rear disc brakes, but other than brakes and good regular maintenance it's used three alternators(very easy to change on the 3.1L) a MAP sensor, and a master cylinder. I consider this fantastic for a 9 year old car with 181K! As far as the 3.1L goes the only negative comment I've ever heard about this engine is from post #3 on this fourm. If I'm not mistaken aren't the 2.8L, 3.1L, and the 3.8L all the same family of GM engines?

fairdeal · August 1999

The 3100 and 3800 engines are completely different. They do not come from the same block or background. While both have proven reliable, I enjoy the extra punch from the 3800. With the Lumina, the 3800 also gets you the LTZ package which dresses up a conservative exterior, firms up mushy suspension, replaces rear drums with rear discs, and includes the custom cloth interior. It's a good value when you get it with the current substantial rebates being offered.

jpstax · August 1999

I agree. The 3800 Series II is rated one of the ten best engines on the planet. The Lumina LTZ, Monte Carlo SS, and base Camaro all have this great powerplant. The Pontiac GTP and Regal GS come with the supercharged version, making 240 hp.

Chevrolet Lumina

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