1998 Chevrolet Lumina Review

Chevrolet full-size sedans used to be a common sight in family driveways. But the once-booming market for such sedans is gone. And the Chevy Lumina isn't a top contender in the big market for mid-size, front-wheel-drive sedans.

The popular Ford Taurus mid-size sedan overshadowed the Lumina when the latter debuted in early 1989, and the Lumina just never caught up to that Ford. Moreover, the hot-selling Toyota Camry and Honda Accord mid-size sedans outscore the Lumina because it doesn't have their desirable nameplates.

Still, the Lumina deserves a harder look by more car buyers because it does everything it is supposed to do. New for 1998 are a quieter optional V-6 and more features. And there is a racier LTZ model with an optional Sport Performance package for those who want a sedan with a sporty edge.

Prices are reasonable--$17,395 for the base sedan and $19,395 for the higher-line LS. The LTZ has a $19,745 sticker price.

Even the base Lumina is well-equipped, with items such as automatic transmission, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM radio, power door locks, intermittent wipers and dual outside mirrors with manual control.

The LS adds anti-lock brakes, power windows and outside mirrors, tachometer, cassette player and wider 60-series tires on alloy wheels.

Then there's the LTZ, which adds a rear spoiler, color-keyed outside mirrors and sport alloy wheels.

A key new option is General Motors' OnStar navigation system, which is a good security blanket for a family car. It costs $895 and links the Lumina by phone and satellite to a GM center, where personnel give directions and other assistance and can summon emergency help.

The current-generation Lumina made its debut as a 1995 model. It looks aerodynamic and has a quiet, nicely designed interior with smooth, easily reached controls. There's plenty of room for four tall adults, or for five such occupants on shorter trips.

It's easy to get in and out of the Lumina. But the large, comfortable front seats provide virtually no side support when, say, the car is driven quickly through curves. And outside rearview mirrors are curiously small.

The big trunk has a flat floor and low, wide opening for easy loading of awkwardly shaped cargo.

The standard Lumina engine is a 3.1-liter pushrod V-6, which produces 160 horsepower and decent performance--although it works hard during brisk acceleration because the Lumina weighs 3,330 pounds.

Offered as part of the $500 Sport Performance package for the LTZ is General Motors' proven 3.8-liter, 200-horsepower pushrod V-6. It replaces last year's 3.4-liter overhead-camshaft V-6, which was more sophisticated and generated 215 horsepower.

But the 3.8 is quieter and costs GM less to build. Also, the 3.8 provides nearly the same performance as the 3.4 V-6--allowing the car to hit 60 m.p.h. in just 7.7 seconds.

The 3.8 also offers better fuel economy than the 3.4; it delivers an estimated 30 m.p.g. on highways and 19 in the city, compared to 26 and 17 for the 3.4. Most Luminas buyers opt for the standard V-6, which delivers 29 on highways and 20 in the city. Both engines work with a smooth, efficient four-speed automatic transmission; the 3.8 V-6 is hooked to a higher-performance version of the automatic to handle that engine's extra power and torque.

An all-independent suspension helps give the Lumina a smooth ride and decent handling. The car reponds best with the Sport Performance package, which contains a sport suspension, four-wheel disc brakes for less brake fade and performance tires with new machine-faced aluminum wheels.

However, all Luminas have power steering that is rather heavy at low speeds and vague in the on-center steering wheel position at all speeds. The brake pedal lacks the progressive feel that allows good modulation during quick stops, but stopping distances are good.

The Lumina is solid and nicely painted. It won't be changed much for 1999 and should easily satisfy a lot of parents whose dads and moms drove the old full-size Chevy sedans.