1991 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1L from North America

Summary:

A good family

Faults:

The brake system has been replaced. Brake pads wear more quickly than other cars I have owned.

The alternator and serpentine belt have been replaced.

The turn signal switch wore out and has been replaced.

The air conditioner compressor has been replaced and the dashboard fan doesn't seem to have much power at blowing air into the passenger compartment.

The speedometer is beginning to fluctuate + or - 5 miles per hour when the car reaches speeds near 35 miles per hour.

General Comments:

I have been very pleased with the overall cost of maintaining this car. I do all my basic car care (oil changes, etc.) but have found this car fairly reliable. Major repairs have only been about between every 30,000 - 35,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th November, 2002

1991 Chevrolet Lumina Euro Sedan 3.1 from North America

Summary:

This car failed to live up to its reputation as a reliable car

Faults:

This car was a repair nightmare. Despite having low miles, a multitude of electronic parts went bad. I replaced O2 and Air Idle control sensors several times. Master ingnition sensor went out. Computer was junk.

Bad gaskets led to oil leaks.

Back calipers completely seized up causing $800 in break repair.

This car went through 6 alternators in 5 years.

Every time this car went into the shop, the computer's memory would be erased causing car to behave erratically. Had to be reset by dealer. Expensive!

Repairs were costly and labor intensive. Difficult for mechanics to pinpoint cause of electronic problems. This car never idled correctly and no one could figure out why!!!

The final blow, a rod went out in the engine after only 100,000 miles. One could not spend money more foolishly by flushing it down the toilet! US can drop a bomb on a camel in Afghanistan from 10 miles up, but it can't build a decent reliable car!!!

General Comments:

Overall, comfortable ride. Very roomy and decent gas mileage on the highway.

Engine lost power and acceleration over time.

Multitude of small electronic problems added up to make this car a major headache.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th November, 2002

22nd Dec 2004, 20:42

You cannot directly reprogram the computer in this car. The computer can adapt to your driving style over time, but no mechanic can go in and actually program the computer. The memory can however be erased by way of either a bi-directional scanner, or by disconnecting the battery for several minutes, which is probably what happened to your car (completely normal). Only cars made '96 and later have actual programmable memories. If your mechanic told you that he "reset" as in "reprogrammed" the computer in this car, I would strongly recommend that you go elsewhere for your repairs.

6th Aug 2005, 10:09

I have a 91 Lumina. It's going through some bad times. It has been stalling on me and won't start back up for hours. We ran Water from my yard hose over it for about 5 minutes and it started back up. Still Can't pin point the problem after changing many parts. It was not the TBPC, Was not the Fuel Pump or the Injectors. This car is a problem in all.

7th Jun 2006, 12:05

I had the same problems with my lumina starting, every time I tried to start it it would click, turned out to be the starter or solenoid. I had to replace the brakes at least once a year, that costed over 1100 dollars cause calipers need replaced at same time. wheel barrings kept going over and over, but other than that it wasn't too bad of a car to drive.

1991 Chevrolet Lumina Euro 3.1L V6 from North America

Summary:

Peppy, family sedan!!

Faults:

Normal wear and tear. Brakes, alternator, etc. The most expensive was the rack and pinion.

General Comments:

Very reliable car. I had to let it sit for 3 years. When I popped a new battery in it, it fired right up and I've been driving it since.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2002