2000 Chevrolet Lumina Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Although the 2000 Impala was supposed to replace it, Lumina lives on as a less expensive midsize Chevrolet sedan aimed mainly at the fleet market. Last redesigned for 1995, the Lumina now comes in one model versus three, equipped between last year's base and LS offerings. That means a 3.1-liter V6--newly retuned for 15 extra horsepower--plus standard automatic transmission, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and AM/FM/cassette stereo with automatic loudness adjustment. Options include front bucket seats in place of the standard 60/40 bench, and an Appearance Package comprising upgraded cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD audio, 16-inch aluminum wheels with higher-performance touring tires, and antilock brakes. GM's OnStar communications system remains available.

Competition

Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both come in coupe and sedan form, offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced. Recommended models include the smooth Buick Century, the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, the sporty Nissan Maxima, surprising Olds Intrigue, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. If you are looking for something a touch bigger without spending a whole lot more we suggest the Budget Buy Chevy Impala. It's the largest car in this class, has a powerful V6, and doesn't cost any more than the others.

News

This holdover from the 1990s should be history by fall. The 2000 Lumina was aimed mainly at commercial fleet customers such as rental-car companies, not the retail market. Malibu and Impala will now assume that duty.

2000 Chevrolet Lumina Road Test

Pros	Cons

Quietness	Steering feel

Ride

Instruments/controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base	Class Average
5	4.7

The 3.1-liter V6 delivers adequate acceleration and smooth passing power.

Fuel Economy

Base	Class Average
5	5.4

We averaged 20.1 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving.

Ride Quality

Base	Class Average
6	5

Suspension tuning is spot-on for Lumina's role as a family sedan, providing better ride comfort than many in this class.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	Class Average
4	5

Handling is competent if unexciting. The light steering is short on road feel and on-center precision.

Quietness

Base	Class Average
6	5

The engine is smooth and fairly quiet, and overall, this midsize Chevy has less mechanical, wind, and road noise than many competitors.

Controls

Base	Class Average
6	6

Clear radio and climate controls are mounted high in the dash where they're easy to reach and adjust.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	Class Average
5	5.2

Lumina is among the few cars offering three-abreast front seating, though the middle rider is squeezed.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	Class Average
4	4.1

As in front, generous room for two adults, with a third possible.

Cargo Room

Base	Class Average
4	4.5

Roomy trunk has a flat floor that goes well forward.

Value within Class

Base	Class Average
6	5.3

Lumina is eclipsed by the larger Impala, but remains a pleasant, competent family sedan. Its closest competition is Chevy's own Malibu, a newer, roomier, and better sedan, but Lumina is proficient enough and costs less.

Total Score

Base	Class Average
51	50.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		38
Average Score		50
High Score		65

2000 Chevrolet Lumina Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/31/2000

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$18,890	$17,284	$600

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.1-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth reclining front split bench seat with center armrest and 4-way manual driver seat, cupholder, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, visor mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, rear defogger.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 205/70R15 tires, wheel covers.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Group 1
Base	$320	$285
Remote keyless entry, power decklid release, floormats.

Appearance Pkg.
Base	$718	$639
AM/FM/CD player, custom cloth seat trim, 225/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.

Safety
Antilock brakes
Base	$575	$512


Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System
Base	$695	$
Includes Global Positioning System, roadside assistance, emergency services. Requires annual service charge. Price may vary.

AM/FM/CD player
Base	$93	$83


6-way power driver seat
Base	$305	$271


Custom cloth upholstery
Base	$150	$134


Front floormats
Base	$20	$18


Rear floormats
Base	$20	$18


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine block heater
Base	$20	$18

2000 Chevrolet Lumina Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Lumina 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	107.5

Overall Length, in.	200.9

Overall Width, in.	72.5

Overall Height, in.	54.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	3330

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.6

Seating Capacity	6

Front Head Room, in.	38.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	37.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.1 /191

Horsepower @ rpm.	175 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	190 @ 4000

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	20/29

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chevrolet Lumina 4-door sedan

Collision	4

Collision (HLDI)	71

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Injury	4

Injury (HLDI)	74

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	3

Theft	5

Theft (HLDI)	25

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2000 Chevrolet Lumina Photos

Also in the 2000 Chevrolet Lumina Review:

Chevrolet Lumina

Chevrolet Lumina Road Test

Chevrolet Lumina Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Lumina Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Lumina Photos

Chevrolet Lumina Full Review

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