Chevrolet Lumina

Price Paid:  $4000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1996 Chevy Lemona

Summary:
Let's see...had the car breifly and had to replace the fuel pump. Then, the common things that happen with these cars (ha ha) the cam shaft snapped! I'll be darned. So, one new short block later and one week wow! A valve spring broke-now that happens all the time. This car has been a money pit, is now a two-tone color because of the wonderful paint they put on these cars, and just today the engine cooling fan took a dump and the car is scheduled to go back to the shop AGAIN Tues. for more engine work. And no, this is not self-inflicted damage. I drive like granny most of the time.

Strengths:
NONE

Weaknesses:
Not enough time...

Price Paid:  $2000.00 from previous owner

Year / Model Reviewed:
1996 chevy lumina

Summary:
The chevy lumina is a good car. I have had mine for a least two years and have only minimal problems (mostly self inflicted). The car is very comfortable and reliable. The gas gage is a little off, I always have more gas than what it reads. I used to get better gas mileage closer to 27 mpg but now I am getting between 20-23. I have had to replace the alternator but that is general maintenance and I have not had major problems that I didn't cause myself. Over all, a great car I almost over heated it twice and the thing just keeps going!

Strengths:
pretty good gas mileage, almost indistructable, and comfortable

Weaknesses:
not too stylish, but overall a good car

Price Paid:  $900.00 from Previous Owner

Year / Model Reviewed:
1992 Lumina

Summary:
I bought a '92 Lumina for 900 bucks. When I got it, I noticed the shocks were busted, causing the car to bounce alot on bumpy roads and the gas gauge would drop down when I drove, but I'd always have more gas than it read. Other than that, I've had no problems whatsoever. I took care of it for a couple months, but after that I started beating the hell out of it. I'd take sharp turns at 50, burn out every chance I got, slam into garbage cans, shopping carts, you name it. It's taken a load of abuse and has still proven to be a reliable ride. I changed the battery once because the old one has never been changed and it's died. Promlems I'm having with it now still aren't horrible, considering what I've done to it. The exhaust is loud, due to rust, which has gotten me pulled over a few times. I have an extremely minor brake fluid lead in the rear master cylinder, so it needs maybe a pint of fluid added every few months. The serpentine belt has a slit in it as well. And yes, the battery is horribly positioned. These problems aside, which are mostly my fault, it's an EXTREMELY well-built car. Mine has over 132,000 miles on it, I haven't changed the oil in over 6,000 miles and it still runs beautifully. If you take care of it (unlike myself), it will last you many years.

Strengths:
Highly dependable, decent gas mileage for motor size (3.1L V6), quite powerful, very comfortable, spacious, well-built.

Weaknesses:
Battery placement, gas gauge problems, too few gauges (speedometer, odometer, gas only).

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $12000.00 from dealership

Year / Model Reviewed:
1996 Chevy Lumina

Summary:
Where do I begin? I have always loved my Lumina..a classy,sharp, sensible,reliable spitfire of a car. I got her at 2 years old and from the ghetko petty little things "went'. The infamous CUPHOLDER problem! It just broke off for no apparent reason one day. After that the freaking cruise control lever just fell off in my hand, the power window motor went after about 2 months. oh and let's not forget my favorite flaw. Drum roll, please..the gas gauge. The first and only time in my life I ran out of gas was the day after I bought my Lumina. As it puttered and psffft down the streeet I was genuinely puzzled, after all I knew I had gas.Didn't the gauge showed more than a quarter of a tank. First mistake..beleving the tank..live and learn. I was careful to ALWAYS maintain half a tank after that. I am in my 7th year with the car and it hasn't reached 95k yet and yes..Ive had to properly maintain it but it's been good to me as well.My son used and abused the car after he got his license, my daughter just got her licence and is using it and I genuinely like the car despite it's flaws. I am showing signs of that intake gasket problem which is soooo prevalent with these cars. The "low coolant" light has been coming on despite it being at the mechanic 2 weeks ago. So, Im getting nervous. It would pain me to have to sink big bucks into the car, but I am not yet ready to part with her. Oh, yea did I mention that the interior is literally falling apart. The sun visor broke off and I had to -re-attach the rear view mirror and the carpet going up the front is pitiful. GM reallly doesen't deserve the high praise I am giving this vehicle, but she always rode like a dream and never failed to start. I am a Chevey person but I am seriously consdering a Foreign car next time around.

Strengths:
Rides like a dream, paint held up well, no rust reliable transpirtation. Was a classy car for the time and the price.

Weaknesses:
CUPHOLDER FALLS OFF, CRUISE CONTROL KNOB FALLS OFF,GAS GAUGE FAULTY, POWER WINDOW MOTOR (had 2 so far),LOTS OF LUCK GETTING TO THE BATTERY, INTAKE GASKET PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MIDDLE BREAK LIGHT AND REAR BREAK LIGHTS.

Similar Products Used:
Chevy Impal 1972, Chevy Camaro 1976, Chevy Impala 1979, Chevy Caprice 1985

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $4800.00 from Durst

Year / Model Reviewed:
1999 Lumina V6 3.1

Summary:
Good car i love to drive it but i did have to do some maintenance on it.
i have had it for 2 years, 78000 miles and the alternator just broke down.
also the gas gauge is off by 50 miles or so. Like others i did have to replace the intake for coolant. but that wasx like $9.00. brakes or alright but by the sounds of it i will need to get some new ones sooner or later

Strengths:
Good driving and gas mileage isnt't too bad. besides the alternator that i need to fix it still runs great

Weaknesses:
maintenance on things that should last longer than they do