1998 Chevrolet Lumina from North America

Summary:

Great car; awful paint problems

Faults:

In agreement with other peeling paint Lumina owners.

Thought I'd mention that my beloved white '98 Lumina which I first leased and then bought, (won't do that again) had the same peeling paint problems as many others here.

I contacted General Motors, after getting NO help from my local dealer and they sent me a "lovely" letter with a $500 credit in case I should purchase another GM car within a year. No way, ever again!

I only have 47,000 miles on this car and I still love it, even though it looks like heck--got a kick out of the bird droppings mentioned in a previous post. But, I'm totally embarrassed riding around in this unsightly mess, so my next car will be a Hyundai--sooner rather than later.

General Comments:

This car has been a treat for me all the years I've had it, and it's only been maintained by my local dealer, so everything was always up to snuff. But, the peeling paint...that's a real disappointment. And, the fact that I am not alone is a real disgrace for General Motors.

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

Review Date: 8th July, 2007

1998 Chevrolet Lumina Base 3.1 Liter from North America

Summary:

Good car for college student

Faults:

"Service Engine Soon" light is on, but car runs fine.

Seats already worn.

Tires are bad.

Color is gone from steering wheel, should be tan, is black.

Brakes make noise when reversing. I think it is a rotor or caliper.

Rear armrests on rear door are completely gone.

General Comments:

I recently purchased this car. I do believe it was abused and not maintained.

This car has manual windows, and mirrors. The only power acessory is the door locks.

This car gets great gas mileage and is quiet.

Despite noisy brakes with no ABS, this car stops great.

Not as good as my totaled 1997 Dodge Intrepid with 159,000 miles. Quality in Intrepid was better.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2007

1998 Chevrolet Lumina from North America

Summary:

Good value for money

Faults:

Hertz rental car bought at 23000 miles at end of 1999.

Alternator replaced 2004. No warning, but died soon after battery was replaced. Mileage was about 75,000.

Anti-Lock disk brakes repaired under warranty. Never told problem, but headlights would dim when applying brakes. Fix also repaired extreme sensitivity when brakes got warm on hill driving.

That was about 31,000.

The brake caliper was very loose and local mechanic showed me caliper hold down bolt was not completely threaded and bolt just stops. Dealer never found this problem when working on previous anti-lock problem. This was found when replacing front pads at 50,000. Note: squeak in rear brakes at 95,000 blew out dust. Shoes looked practically new.

Air conditioning went out before winter and repaired in Summer. I think it was due to leak in a/c radiator (?) and replaced. Result was drier and compressor were also replaced. Very expensive about $1200.

Car has slight oil leak at top rear of engine. Leaks down front near power steering pump. This has been going on since 37,000. Its coming from location of old distributor (I know car has no distributor) but that's the location. I steam clean engine 2-3 times a year, can't say same about oily concrete driveway.

This summer, turn signal became unreliable. Now that its winter, it works just fine. It needs turn signal switch which is common problem on GM cars.

Car runs OK. Sometimes it takes two tries to start, but it always starts. Coldest it gets is about 35F. Paint started peeling on one side, I covered with clear coat and looks awful, but stabilized peeling.

I have problems with Static Electric shock on this car. It might be due to the velour seat material. Its much worse than any previous car I've owned. I think leather seats would prevent shock.

General Comments:

I also own 2002 Taurus rental. Lumina is so much better, I've stopped complaining about it. Lumina is quieter, less road noise, less peppy and no water leaks on body.

Its pretty good value for the money; $9,995 in 1999. Nice accessory level.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2006

3rd Jul 2017, 21:23

Sounds like you have the common "intake manifold gasket" leak.