1990-1994 Chevrolet Lumina: Road Test

Updated: 11/23/08

1990 Chevrolet Lumina 4-door sedan
1994 Chevrolet Lumina
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1990-1994 Chevrolet Lumina

  • Price Range:  $0 - $1,400
CG Rating

53

out of 100

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Our road test for the 1990-1994 Chevrolet Lumina includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Chevrolet Lumina and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Chevrolet Lumina is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Lumina's base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers only so-so action. The 2.2-liter of 1993 isn't sufficient, either. The 3.1-liter V6 is snappier, especially with 4-speed automatic transmission. However, the automatic's aversion to downshifts makes the car feel sluggish. Acceleration off-the-line is quick, but once underway, a heavy throttle foot is needed to overcome the transmission's reluctance. Highway cruising is quiet and relaxed, however. The twin-cam 3.4-liter engine, available from 1991 onward delivers outstanding acceleration, but most of its power is concentrated at high engine speeds. Body lean in turns is well-controlled. While the suspension absorbs most bumps without much disturbance, freeway dips set the body to jouncing. Steering feel is imprecise and heavy, contributing to the car's ponderous feel in urban driving. All-disc brakes have good stopping power, but the pedal is too firm and hard to modulate. Non-Euros lag a bit in performance and handling, though both versions deliver a solid feel on the road. For competent handling, the Euro's sport suspension and bigger tires are a necessity. Even so, Euros have proved to be disappointing. Their suspensions fail to filter out the bumps well, and still allow too much bounce over wavy surfaces. With its sport suspension, the Z34 is quick but rides rougher than its more sedate mates. Gauges are not easy to read at a glance, and some controls are hard to reach. Climate controls are large and simple. Luminas are roomy inside for adults, front and rear, with plenty of cargo space on a flat trunk floor. Rear seat cushions are too short for long-distance comfort. Every door has a map pocket, and the center storage console is handy, but the glovebox is tiny.
Value for the Money
Though quiet and capable cruisers, Luminas don't quite match Taurus in overall style, features, or performance. On the other hand, a reasonable secondhand price can overcome at least a few of those objections.
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Expert Ratings Summary

Category Chevrolet Lumina Euro sedan Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 7
Total Score: 53

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

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