1996 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1 liter V6 from North America

Summary:

Overall acceptable car

Faults:

1. After purchasing the car we noticed that the rear seat did not fit properly to the rear deck. When shown to the dealer there was nothing they could do about the fit.

2. Living in an apartment we use a car wash quite a bit. After repeated washings the windshield trim started to come off. Dealer fixed under warranty.

3. Repeated trips to dealer for piston slapping upon start up. First dealer told us it was just lifer noise and normal. Second dealer recognized the piston slap and showed us a TSB for the problem. Long-block was then replaced under warranty.

4. At 40,000 miles, 4,000 over the warranty period, a transmission bearing went out. Cost to repair at dealer $2,500.00. After much communication with GM negotiated price down to $1,500. 110,000 miles later transmission is out again.

General Comments:

Our two biggest complaints with the car are the brake feel and turning radius. The brakes are biased to far to the front that the rears still have not worn out at 150,000 miles. I believe this is to blame for the long stopping distances and the poor pedal feel.

If you need to make a u-turn better have at least 2 lanes available.

Overall the car achieved good gas mileage 30+ on the highway and was a good long distance cruiser. There were very little minor issues with the vehicle only major ones.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th November, 2004

1996 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

The best car for your money, hands down

Faults:

I have had no problems yet, as I just bought the car.

General Comments:

This is the part of the review I'm excited to write about. My last 1996 Chevy Lumina had absolutely no problems beyond normal wear/tear maintenance until it reached 186,000 miles. At that time, I replace the injector rail and injectors. My sister was in need of a cheap, reliable second car, and in a moment of weakness, I sold her my Lumina for the cost of the injector repair.

Today, I bought the same model and year from the daughter of a 95 year old man who had put less than 30,000 miles on the car. I feel like the luckiest human being alive! I have my favorite car back (comfortable, cheapest thing on the road to drive, seats 6 adults, fast and fun) and paid only $4500 for it! I know I'm gloating, but if any of you are out there looking for a superb vehicle, if you can find a Lumina with decent mileage out there, it will be the smartest money you can spend on a vehicle.

Oh, and how is my old car that my sister is driving? At over 200,000 miles, it's running like a top. I think Chevrolet stopped making them because they were too reliable. My first one didn't need to go back to the dealer for anything until it was 7 years old!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2004

12th Dec 2004, 20:19

You are correct in saying that The Lumina is the best car in the world, And I do think that's is why Chevy discontinued it. They were fast fun and very very reliable. If you can get a Lumina I Average 32 MPG on the Highway with my 3.1 and it is still very peppy.

1996 Chevrolet Lumina from North America

Summary:

Great gas mileage for the high gas prices!

General Comments:

This car seems to be a pretty good car. I have had it very long the only problem I have with my car is when I first bought the service engine soon light was on and I don't know what that's all about. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the engine or anything and the guy told me that sometimes when that light comes on it is because it needs an oil change. If anybody has any suggestions or actually knows if that is true you can email me at big_man888420@yahoo.com.I would really appreciate it, but, all in all this is an outstanding car. It really beats what I had before it. I would buy another one if I had to. Chevy Lumina Rules!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 13th July, 2004

3rd Nov 2004, 19:03

The engine light comes on when the fuel computer senses something wrong and it takes a few days for it to clear out. Mine has come on during humid weather and has always cleared itself after a few days. Typically, it came on either with a less than half full tank and hot, humid weather or just after getting gas. In both cases, it was just after leaving it sit in the hot sun. No problem when the car experiences cold weather. Check your manual for more info on what I just wrote. Good luck!