1995 Chevrolet Lumina APV 3.1 from North America

Summary:

Junk!!

Faults:

This vehicle is the worst that I have ever owned, I have owned it for a little over 1 years, and so far, I've replaced the wiper motor, the driver's door handle, the water pump, the battery twice, and 5 alternators. And the alternators still aren't working right, along with an electrical problem with the headlights deciding to go out whenever they feel like it.

My mechanic is already ready to hit the roof because he's sick of working on it. Granted it has a lot of miles on it, but with this many problems in this little time frame, it's definitely ridiculous.

By the way the 5 alternators have been within the last 6 months!!! I would never by another one of these if my life depended on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th April, 2008

26th Jul 2008, 02:31

I would say the van definitely has an electrical problem to go through 5 alternators... and two batteries like that. If that was fixed you would be at the one replacement alternator.

6th Jan 2009, 20:56

If I were you, I'd probably replace the original battery cables, or in the least, I'd remove the negative cable at the motor and clean its mounting area at the motor block. Cables corrode just as the battery corrodes at its terminals. This sounds much more like a plausible remedy then constantly replacing the alternator and battery, doesn't it? I'd also think about finding another mechanic...

1995 Chevrolet Lumina van 3.1 from North America

Summary:

I will not buy GM again since this vehicle and my 3 previous vehicles have caused me too much grief

Faults:

The interior has basically self destructed, plastic throughout the vehicle has cracked, specifically the rear hatch which has almost fallen off.

The seats are seriously undersized, even though I am 5'10" the seats only come 2/3 of the way up my back.

I have had a water pump let go at 60,000km.

I had upper and lower ball joints replaced for initial safety inspection upon purchase of the vehicle. The same ones were replaced again at 80,000km. The last time I had the vehicle in for service I was told they were worn and almost need them replaced. This was a 158,000.

The rear hatch glass has lost 2 fasteners due to corrosion so when the rear hatch is closed, the glass actually flaps.

The passenger door handle has broken again (it was broken and repaired before I bought it)

The transmission failed and was replaced at 120,000km. The transmission that replaced it was used with 70,000km on it and it just gave up again at 168,000km.

The motor uses approximately one liter of oil for every 600-800kms.

There was a mysterious event that occurred at 100,000 kms where the engine shut off completely, twice, including electrical, but never occurred again.

General Comments:

This vehicle has ample power and acceleration, and handles much better than my previous vehicle (Blazer), however, the reliability is not there. The fit and finish of this vehicle are horrendous. Although this vehicle started out with low mileage and low price, I do not believe that there was any advantage to me as it cost me so much in repairs and grief. I will not buy another GM van again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th February, 2008

1995 Chevrolet Lumina LS 3.1 V6 from Netherlands

Summary:

A big and comfortable ride

Faults:

The transmission had to be replaced in the first few weeks after I bought it.

Air-con system had to be revised.

Ignition had to be mended.

ABS-sensor had to be repaired.

General Comments:

Compared to other European cars around me, the Lumina is a very big car. Regarding drivability, it has lot of European characteristics, while the suspension is still very American.

The car looks a bit anonymous in Dutch traffic, only the red rear turn signal lights make it look like an American car.

The Lumina LS is definitely not a racing car, but compared to the Celebrity it is more responsive.

I am glad I now have a working air-con and cruise-control, things that I lacked on my 1987 Celebrity. That car, however, is still cruising around between the windmills and the bulb fields in our flat landscape.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th November, 2007

13th Jul 2010, 06:00

After about 3.5 years of ownership, I would like to share an update on my 1995 Lumina LS:

I have been back to the shop for the ABS sensor, connectors a couple of times. This is for sure a weak point of the Lumina. The air-con fluid has been refilled, it usually does not work in winter time, below about 7 degrees celsius. Had an oil-leak fixed, quite an expensive operation, thermostat also done at the same time.

Overall I am still satisfied with my Lumina. There is hardly any corrosion and the engine is running smooth. However, I am looking around to buy another car, probably an SUV, like a Chevy Trailblazer. Just returned from a roadtrip in the USA, and drove around in a Chevy HHR and a Jeep Compass. Really appreciated the more elevated seating and the flat trunk to store our luggage.

Regards, Daniel.