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
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.