Once inside our basic Lumina tester, we were struck by the roominess
and plain simplicity of interior. If the Amish liked cars, they would like
this one. There is plenty of room all around; the standard seating capacity
is six passengers, and the back seat can even fit three real adults. An
integrated child seat is available ($195).
The minimal controls are clear and easy to use. The instrument panel
consists of large round analog gauges, and the heating controls employ
large rotary knobs. It would be better if the more-frequently-used radio
controls were above the heating controls, but everything is within easy
reach. Extensive sound-deadening has produced a pleasantly quiet interior.
New for 1997 is a clever indicator that tells you when it's time to
change the oil. It calculates wear based on your driving habits by tracking
engine temperatures and engine speeds. Lots of short, cold hops around
town? The light will come on sooner. Scores of easy highway miles? You
can stretch out the time between oil changes.
The Lumina has a sound menu of basics as standard features: dual air
bags, air conditioning, automatic transmission, power locks, rear child
locks, height-adjustable seat belts up front and child comfort adjustment
loops on the rear belts. It has a short, thoughtful list of amenities including
a gas cap tether, intermittent wipers, and a lined storage cubby to the
left of the steering wheel handy for toll tickets.
Stepping up to the LS trim level adds about $2200 to the base price
and a good selection of features: antilock brakes, power windows and mirrors,
cruise control, a better radio with a cassette player, 16-inch wheels instead
of 15, trip odometer, cargo net in the trunk and a higher quality of cloth
on the seats. The LTZ has all of the above-- except cruise control--for
about $2500 more than the base Lumina.
Several options are only available on the LS and LTZ, including a power
sunroof (new this year), front bucket seats, dual-zone temperature controls,
and steering wheel controls for the radio (also new this year).
The fact that 80% prefer the base Lumina says a lot about how value-conscious
its buyers are. Many prefer to add only the specific features they desire.
Key options and their prices include antilock brakes ($575), uplevel radio/cassette
player ($232), rear window defogger ($170), upgraded seat cloth ($100),
and an equipment group that includes power windows and mirrors, cruise
control, remote trunk release, floor mats, and cargo net ($758).
In keeping with its "stick-to-the-basics" design philosphy,
the Lumina provides competent ride and handling. Ride quality leans to
the soft side, but not egregiously so. The standard power steering gives
the driver a reasonably accurate steering feel. The standard suspension
soaks up bumps without adding too much floatiness.
This generation Lumina, which appeared in the 1995 model year, was originally
engineered to replace the Caprice, so the engineers went out of their way
to give it the substantial, somewhat isolated feel of a traditional full-size
domestic sedan. The handling will seem slightly remote to someone used
to more nimble imports, but it is predictable and gets the job done without
any complaints or melodrama.
The standard engine is the same as last year's, a 160-horsepower 3.1-liter
V6 that delivers enough power for comfortable passing and maneuvering.
It is mated with GM's smooth 4T60-E four-speed automatic transmission.
Those looking for more performance can opt for the new LTZ. The complete
LTZ package includes a 215-hp 3.4-liter V6, paired with the new 4T65-E
four-speed transmission, designed to accommodate the extra power.
Complementing the larger engine is a suspension package for a firmer,
more controlled ride. The LTZ also features premium P225/60R-16 touring
tires for more traction, as well as the better stopping power of ABS with
four-wheel disc brakes, instead of the basic disc/drum combination.
The LTZ is priced in two steps. The base price of $19,995 includes the
appearance and convenience items. Add in the 3.4-liter engine, heavier
transmission, sport suspension and tires, and the price rises to $22,241.
Both engines feature money-saving maintenance aspects such as 100,000-mile
spark plugs and 5-year/100,000-mile coolant.