1990-1994 Chevrolet Lumina: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Chevrolet Lumina and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (3.4-liter V6)
- Handling (Euro, Z34)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes (later models)
Cons
- Instruments/controls
- Ride
- Steering feel
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
Vehicle Highlights
Midsize, front-drive 6-passenger sedan arrived in late spring 1989 as GM's challenge to the Ford Taurus. A coupe joined the sedan that fall on the same 107.5-inch wheelbase, roughly replacing the old Monte Carlo. Chevrolet's sedan was the first 4-door from the GM design that produced the 1988 Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and Pontiac Grand Prix coupes. Luminas came in base or sportier Euro guise. Euros wore blackout body trim and had a sport suspension, and either 15- or 16-inch tires. Base Luminas made do with 14-inch rubber. Standard equipment on all models included 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering, and a fully independent suspension all around. Euros added air conditioning.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| 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 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Chevrolet Lumina. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Chevrolet Lumina.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Chevrolet Lumina:
A high-performance Z34 coupe arrived during 1991, powered by GM's new twin-cam 3.4-liter engine. The Z34 was the only Chevrolet model to get that potent V6. Special styling touches included a louvered hood, ground-effects body add-ons, and a rear lip spoiler. In addition to the hotter engine, the Z34 contained a sport suspension, high-performance tires on alloy wheels, analog gauges, and sport-bucket seats. A body-colored, louver-style grille replaced the black-out unit on Luminas, and Euros got "touring" tires for a softer ride.
1992 Chevrolet Lumina:
Antilock braking became available in '92, standard in the Euro and Z34, but optional in base models. Also, the 3.4-liter engine was offered in Euro sedans as well as in the Z34 coupe. The 3.4-liter Euro option package came only with a 4-speed automatic, so the engine was rated at 200 horsepower.
1993 Chevrolet Lumina:
A 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine replaced the 2.5-liter in base Luminas, but all coupes carried a V6 this year.
1994 Chevrolet Lumina:
All '94 Luminas had a V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission with new electronic controls. The base coupe departed, leaving only Euro and Z34 coupes. A new design was in the works for 1995.
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.
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.
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet Lumina includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet Lumina .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. Poor grounds also allow wrong gear starts. (1991-94)
Automatic transmission:
TH-125 or 440-T4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1991-93)
Engine noise:
An engine rattle at startup may be due to too much wrist-pin-to-piston clearance. (1993-94)
Engine noise:
A rattling noise at startup is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1991-94)
Oil leak:
The plastic valve covers on 3.1-liter engines were prone to leaks and should be replaced with redesigned aluminum valve covers. (1992-94)
Steering noise:
The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994)
Transaxle leak:
The right front axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak. GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $550 |
| Alternator | $200 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,150 |
| Brakes | $189 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $670 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $485 |
| Exhaust System | $360 |
| Radiator | $310 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $865 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $325 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Lumina details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Lumina | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Lumina Z34 | $1,700-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Lumina | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Lumina Z34 | $1,500-1,800 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Lumina | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Lumina Z34 | $1,400-1,700 | $900-1,100 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Lumina | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Lumina Z34 | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Lumina | $0 | $0 | $0 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet Lumina include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.5 | 107.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 198.3 | 198.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 | 71.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.3 | 53.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3269 | 3333 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.7 | 15.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.5 | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.1 | 38.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.8 | 36.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 110-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine was standard in early Luminas. A 135-horsepower, 3.1-liter V6 went into Euro editions, or could be installed in base models. Standard transmission was a 3-speed automatic, but a 4-speed overdrive automatic was optional with the V6. The 3-speed can be found in many V6 Luminas, however. GM's new twin-cam 3.4-liter V6 went into the high-performance Z34 coupe, which arrived during 1991. That engine was rated at 210 horsepower with standard 5-speed manual shift (200 with automatic). Base engines lost 5 horsepower in 1992, but the potent dual-cam 3.4-liter could be installed in Euros (automatic transmission only). A smaller (2.2-liter) 4-cylinder engine went into '93 models, making 110 horsepower; but a year later, all Luminas had V6 engines.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv I4 | 2.2 / 133 | 110 | 130 | 3-speed automatic: 21/29 | 3-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv I4 | 2.5 / 151 | 105-110 | 135 | 3-speed automatic: 21/28 | 3-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.1 / 191 | 135-140 | 180-185 | 3-speed automatic: 19/27 4-speed automatic: 19/29 |
3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 20.1 |
| dohc V6 | 3.4 / 207 | 200-210 | 215 | 5-speed manual: 17/27 4-speed automatic: 17/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 17.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet Lumina include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 Lumina |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 2 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1994 Chevrolet Lumina directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
Brake lights may not illuminate or, in some cases, will not stay illuminated all the time when brakes are applied, due to faulty stoplight switch.
1990:
Cracks may develop in mounting surface of certain Kelsey-Hayes steel wheels; wheel will separate from vehicle.
1990:
Front seatbelt may not properly restrain passenger in an accident.
1990:
Front-shoulder safety-belt webbing may separate at upper guide loops on either side of front seat.
1990-91 in 15 states:
Corrosion due to road salt could permit one or both front engine cradle bolts to pull through retainer; could result in steering-gear separation.
1990-91:
Due to corrosion at the front subframe, the steering shaft could separate from the steering gear, resulting in a crash.
1991:
Front-door shoulder-belt guide loops may be cracked and not in compliance with federal standard; occupant faces increased risk of injury in a sudden stop or accident.
1992:
Reverse servo apply pin of 4-speed automatic transmission may bind, which could cause loss or slipping of reverse, poor performance, or transmission to remain in "Reverse" while the indicator shows "Neutral" position.
1993:
Some front seatbacks may recline without prior warning.
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