Chevrolet Lumina Explained

Chevrolet Lumina
Manufacturer:Chevrolet
Production:1989–2001
Model Years:1990–2001
Class:Mid-size car
Platform:W-body
Layout:Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Predecessor:Chevrolet Celebrity (sedan)
Chevrolet Monte Carlo (coupe)
Chevrolet Impala (Argentina)
Successor:Chevrolet Impala (sedan)
Chevrolet Monte Carlo (coupe)

The Chevrolet Lumina is a mid-size car that was produced and marketed by the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 1989 until 2001.

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Background

The first generation of the Lumina replaced the Chevrolet Celebrity and Chevrolet Monte Carlo under a single nameplate; the mechanically unrelated Chevrolet Lumina APV minivan served as the successor for the Celebrity station wagon.[1] The model line was based on the front-wheel-drive GM10 platform (later designated the GM W platform), shared with Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac. For 1995, the second-generation Lumina was introduced, serving as a substantial exterior revision of the previous generation (the two-door coupe was renamed the Monte Carlo[2]). For the 2000 model year, the Lumina was replaced by the Chevrolet Impala; the model line would retain the W platform through the 2016 model year.

Throughout its production, both generations of the Lumina were produced by General Motors Canada at Oshawa Car Assembly (Oshawa, Ontario). For markets outside of North America, the Chevrolet Lumina was derived from other large GM sedans. From 1998 to 2013, the Lumina was marketed in the Middle East and South Africa as a Chevrolet-badged version of the Holden Commodore produced in Australia.[3] From 2005 to 2006, GM Philippines sold the Lumina as a Chevrolet-badged version of the Buick Regal (sharing much of its body with its American counterpart).

First generation (1990)

First generation
Production:January 1989–August 25, 1994[4]
Model Years:1990–1994
Body Style:2-door notchback coupe
4-door notchback sedan
Engine:2.2 L LN2 I4
2.5 L Iron Duke I4
3.1 L LH0 V6
3.4 L LQ1 V6
Weight:34960NaN0
Transmission:5-speed Getrag 284 manual
3-speed 3T40 automatic
4-speed 4T60 automatic
4-speed 4T60-E automatic
Length:1990 coupe: 198.40NaN0
1990 sedan: 197.60NaN0
1991–94 coupe & 1993–94 sedan: 198.30NaN0
1991–92 sedan & Z34 sedan: 199.30NaN0
Width:Coupe & Z34 sedan: 71.70NaN0
sedan: 710NaN0
Height:Coupe & Z34 sedan: 53.30NaN0
sedan: 53.60NaN0
Related:Buick Regal
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Pontiac Grand Prix
Assembly:Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Wheelbase:107.50NaN0
Platform:W-body
Layout:FF layout
Designer:Irv Rybicki (1985)

The North American Chevrolet Lumina was based on the mid-size GM10 platform, which was shared with the Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and Buick Regal.[5] Although the Lumina became a popular seller, GM was widely criticized in the motoring press for being late to the game in introducing a direct aero-designed competitor to the Ford Taurus.[6] The "Lumina" name was considered by Ford in the pre-production stage of the Taurus.[7] Both body styles were available in base and sporty Euro trim, which was a successor to the Celebrity Eurosport.

Airbags were not yet available at the time of introduction so seat belts were installed in the front doors as "passive restraints". These belts were connected to the upper and lower portions of the front doors, and could remain latched while allowing front passengers the ability to enter and exit the vehicle without removing them.[8] This technically satisfied US Government regulations concerning passive occupant safety requirements. GM was heavily criticized for the lack of airbags in Lumina, by 1993 the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry all came equipped with at least one front airbag.[9]

The coupe and sedan were installed with MacPherson front struts, while the rear suspension used Chapman struts and a transverse-mounted fiberglass leaf spring, borrowing an approach used from the Chevrolet Corvette (C4) rear suspension.

The Chevrolet Lumina's first generation ended production in August 1994, making this the shortest-produced generation of the first-generation GM10 cars.[10]

NASCAR

In 1989, the Lumina became the nameplate under which Chevrolets were raced in NASCAR, more than a year before the model was available to the public.[11] As a result, NASCAR received many letters complaining about the unfair advantage of Chevrolet racing an "aluminum" car.

Lumina Z34

Starting in 1990, Chevrolet offered a high-performance version of the Lumina, the Lumina Z34. It came standard with the FE3 sport suspension package, the 2100NaN0 LQ1 V6 engine shared with the Lumina Euro 3.4 (sedan), the 5-speed Getrag 284 manual transmission, dual exhaust, and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes.

The Z34 also featured cosmetic changes to go along with the performance enhancements such as unique front and rear fascias, side skirts, a rear spoiler, a louvered hood, a unique steering wheel, and sport bucket seats, and an optional Bose stereo system.

Performance figures included a 0-60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 7.1 seconds, a 1/4 mile (~400 m) time of 15.5 seconds, a (limited) top speed of 113 mph, and a lateral acceleration of 0.79 g (7.7 m/s²).[12] The optional Hydramatic 4T60-E automatic transmission lowered the horsepower rating to 2000NaN0 and 0-60 times by .5 seconds.[13] The only paint colors available for the Z34 were white, red, black, gray, silver, and maui blue (added in 1993). In 1995, the Lumina Z34 was replaced with the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34.

Engines

Production

YearSedansCoupesSedan LQ1Coupe LQ1 (Z34)
1990 278,311 45,783 N/A N/A
1991 157,782 34,495 N/A 8,936
1992 188,557 33,490 5,623 13,016
1993 200,842 29,916 3,489 12,323
1994 75,753 10,866 1,234 4,478
Total production[14] 901,245 154,550

Second generation (1995)

Second generation
Assembly:Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Production:March 7, 1994 – April 26, 2001[15] [16]
Related:Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Pontiac Grand Prix
Layout:FF layout
Body Style:4-door notchback sedan
Platform:W-body 1.5 Gen
Transmission:4-speed 4T60-E automatic
4-speed 4T65-E automatic
Length:200.90NaN0
Width:72.50NaN0
Height:1995–98: 55.20NaN0
1999–2001: 54.80NaN0
Wheelbase:107.50NaN0[17]
Designer:Chuck Jordan (1990, 1991)
Successor:Chevrolet Lumina (VT) (Middle East)

General Motors began the development of an updated Lumina in 1989, under chief engineer Norm Sholler, planned for a late 1992 launch. By 1991, a final body design was approved. Development eventually took longer than planned, delaying the launch by 18 months. The redesigned Lumina was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 1994 as a 1995 model. The 1995 Lumina received a rounded body, increasing its size, as well as an updated interior.[18] Unlike its other W platform counterparts, the Lumina retained the first-generation chassis. Replacing the Lumina two-door coupe was the resurrected Monte Carlo. The LH0 V6 was dropped in favor of the L82 V6, known as the 3100 SFI; the latter engine produced 20 more horsepower from the same displacement due to a revised intake manifold and cylinder heads.[19] [20] [21]

Initial trim levels consisted of base and LS; the latter replacing the "Euro" trim. Options included an electric sunroof, leather bucket seats, power windows, a power driver seat, and an AM/FM stereo with a CD player. This Lumina was available with police (code 9C3) and taxi packages, because the Chevrolet Caprice was discontinued after the 1996 model year. Production began on Monte Carlo coupes in February 1994 and March 7, 1994 for Lumina sedans at GM's Oshawa manufacturing plant, for a June 6, 1994 market launch for the 1995 model.[22]

The LTZ trim was introduced in 1996 for the 1997 model year because the Impala SS and Caprice were discontinued. Standard features included 16" brushed aluminum wheels, blackwall radial sport tires, sport tuned suspension, a 3.1 L V6 rated at 160hp and 185lb·ft or an optional 3.4 L V6 rated at 215hp and 220lb·ft of torque, a rear spoiler, restyled front and rear body clips (resembling the Monte Carlo Z34), a tachometer, and a floor-mounted shifter.

For 1998, the 3.4 L V6 was replaced by the 3800 Series II which produced 200hp and 225lb·ft of torque. Despite its increased torque, the 3.8 L LTZ demonstrated slightly worse performance due to its lowered horsepower, with 0-60 mph (0–97 km/h) times of 7.5 seconds (as opposed to 7.2 seconds for the LQ1) and 1/4 mile (~400 m) times of 15.7 seconds (as opposed to 15.5 seconds for the LQ1). The car has a computer-limited top speed of 107mi/h and the rev limiter kicks in at 5,800 rpm for the 3.8 L (rev limiter is at 7,000 rpm for the 3.4 L LQ1).

Also in 1997, the 1998 model year Luminas received second generation airbags. The front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Impala was introduced as a replacement for the Lumina in 2000, although GM produced 2001 model year Luminas to be exclusively sold for rental fleets. Retail sales of the Lumina ended in Canada in 1999, with the United States following a year later. Fleet production ended on April 26, 2001. In some Asian countries, the Lumina continued as a rebadged Buick Century/Regal.

Trim levels

Throughout its life cycle, the second generation Lumina was available in three trim levels:

Base (1995–2001): The most popular Lumina had a standard front row bench seat with seating for six passengers, power locks, tilt steering wheel, dual airbags, and air conditioning. Base models were equipped with fifteen-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.

LS (1995–1999): The mid-level trim models included aluminum wheels, optional dual-zone temperature controls, power windows (optional on Base), tachometer, higher-end stereo with GM's Delcolock, anti-lock brakes, remote keyless entry system, upgraded seats, and an optional 3.4 L DOHC engine (1995-1996).

LTZ (1997–1999): The top-of-the-line Lumina included alloy wheels, a choice of the 3.1 L V6 engine, 3.4 L DOHC engine (1997), and the 3.8 L V6 engine (1998-1999), power driver seat, dual-zone climate control and leather with the option for deluxe cloth. A center console was standard on LTZ (optional on LS). Exterior differentiation included the front end, trunk lid, and taillights from the Fifth Generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Engines

Production

YearTotalLQ1L36
1995 264,688 15,998 N/A
1996 224,553 2,054 N/A
1997 234,626 7 N/A
1998 208,627 N/A 16,679
1999 139,098 N/A 13,869
2000 37,493 N/A N/A
2001 42,803 N/A N/A
Total production 1,151,888

Marketing

Chevrolet signed a deal with The Walt Disney Company to make the 1990 Lumina the official car of the Disney-MGM Studios park, which opened in 1989.[23] As part of this promotion, characters from Disney films were featured in early advertisements for the Lumina.

Safety

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

1995-2001 Lumina IIHS scores[24]
Moderate overlap frontal offsetGood
Small overlap frontal offsetNot Tested
Side impactNot Tested
Roof strengthNot Tested

NHTSA

1995-2001 Lumina NHTSA scores[25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31]
YearFrontal DriverFrontal PassengerSide DriverSide Passenger4x2 Rollover4x4 Rollover
1995Not RatedNot RatedNot RatedNot Rated
1996Not RatedNot RatedNot RatedNot Rated
1997Not RatedNot Rated
1998Not RatedNot Rated
1999Not RatedNot Rated
2000Not RatedNot Rated
2001Not Rated

Holden-based models

Holden-based models
Assembly:Elizabeth, South Australia (Holden Elizabeth Plant)
Production:1998–2013
Related:Holden Commodore
Chevrolet Omega
Pontiac G8
Layout:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Body Style:4-door sedan
Platform:GM V platform (1998–2006)
GM Zeta platform (2006–2013)

See main article: Holden Commodore. The Australian GM subsidiary, Holden, manufactured a third and fourth generation Lumina based on the rear-wheel-drive Commodore (VX, VZ, and VE series) sedan and Ute coupé utility.

This model was exclusively manufactured for export primarily to the Middle East and South Africa. Luxury specifications of these sedans were also exported in Brazil as the Chevrolet Omega. In some Middle Eastern markets, the 3rd gen Commodore-based Lumina acted as the successor to the 2nd gen W-Body Lumina.

High-performance models were powered by Chevrolet V8 engines, including the high specification Pontiac G8 based on the VE Series, exported to the United States.

Philippines model

Philippine-market Lumina
Aka:Buick Regal (China and North America)
Production:2005–2006
Model Years:2005–2006
Assembly:China: Shanghai, Shanghai GM
Predecessor:Opel Omega
Body Style:4-door sedan
Layout:FF layout
Platform:W-body 2nd Gen
Engine:2.5 L LB8 V6

The Chinese-built Buick Regal was sold in the Philippines from 2005 to 2006 as the Chevrolet Lumina. GM had withdrawn from the Philippines in 1985 along with Ford, finding the political and economic situation there untenable. This left only Nissan and Mitsubishi operating in the Filipino market. In 1997, GM returned with the Opel brand, and introduced the Opel Vectra, Opel Omega, and, shortly thereafter, the Tigra and Astra. In 2000, Chevrolet returned with the Chevrolet Suburban and Chevrolet Savana, with GM dealerships being rebranded as GM AutoWorld. However, Opel struggled in the Filipino market, with Japanese automakers accounting for 80% of the total market by the year 2000. After the discontinuation of the Omega, the Vectra became Opel's largest sedan offering in the market. The Vectra struggled against rivals like the Nissan Cefiro, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. GM withdrew the brand in 2003, leaving them without a car in the mid-size segment. In 2005, GM introduced the Chevrolet Lumina as a competitor to the growing mid-size sedan market.[32]

The only engine offered was a 2.5 liter V6, producing 152 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the Lumina's engine was a four-speed automatic. It had a top speed of 173 km/h and a 0-100km/h time of 12.8 seconds. The exhaust system was equipped with a Euro 2 standard catalytic converter.

Safety features included a four-wheel disc brake system with ABS, an onboard vehicle diagnosis system, a tire pressure monitor, integrated turn signal/headlight housing, five seatbelts and dual front airbags. The Lumina's body featured an integrated steel body structure with side impact protection. To prevent theft, the Lumina featured an engine immobilizer and a central locking system.

Standard features included keyless entry, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, remote trunk opener, power side mirrors, and a tilt adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel with hydraulic power steering. The interior also featured leather seats, faux wood trim, a rear armrest, electronic climate control system, and a six speaker CD system.[33] It was only available in three colors: white, silver, and black.

The Lumina is one out of two rebadged Chinese-market Buicks sold in the Philippines, the other being the Buick GL8-based Chevrolet Venture. Both are sourced from Shanghai GM. The car cost around P1.290M at the time and was quite a bit larger than the Vectra, measuring 20 inches longer and around 5 inches wider. This made it the largest car in its class, larger and wider than its main competitors, the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. The car was praised for being comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped, yet its design was criticized for being a "bit too bland".[34]

The Lumina was short-lived. It was discontinued in 2006, with production of the Chinese market Regal halting in 2008. Sales were poor, making the Lumina a rare car in the Philippines. In 2013, Chevrolet Philippines introduced the Chevrolet Malibu as the successor to the Lumina. It would eventually be discontinued in 2021.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Chevrolet Lumina . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160203175401/http://www.automotive.com/chevrolet/lumina/t3-13-3/ . 2016-02-03 . 2016-01-29 . Automotive.com.
  2. Web site: Chevrolet Monte Carlo model history . 2016-01-29 . NADAguides . 2016-04-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160407162950/http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/Chevrolet/Monte-Carlo/Model-History . dead .
  3. Web site: Nunez . Alex . Chevrolet Special Vehicles debuts in Middle East with the CR8 . 2016-01-29 . Autoblog.
  4. Web site: Lumina reaches end of the line . April 30, 2001 . Automotive News.
  5. Web site: Curbside Classic: 1990-94 Chevrolet Lumina – Not Quite Saving The Best 'Til Last. Curbside Classic . 2016-01-29.
  6. News: Behind the Wheel: Ford Taurus G vs. Chevrolet Lumina; Some Cheap Shots In the Price Fight. The New York Times . 1996-06-23. 2016-01-29 . 0362-4331. Michelle . Krebs.
  7. Web site: Snitkoff . Edward . Curbside Classic: 1986 Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable – At This Moment, You Mean Everything . Curbside Classics . 19 October 2015.
  8. Web site: 2017-01-31 . Seatbelts In The 1990s Were Completely Absurd . 2022-07-12 . Jalopnik . en-us.
  9. Web site: 1993-03-01 . Why didn't we recommend the Chevy Lumina to Brenda? Safety concerns, that's why. . 2022-07-12 . Car Talk . en.
  10. Web site: New Chevrolet Lumina . thenewautos.net . 2016-01-29 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160202212622/http://www.thenewautos.net/new-chevrolet-lumina/. 2016-02-02.
  11. Web site: Lumina To Make Its Nascar Finale . 2016-01-29 . tribunedigital-dailypress . 2016-02-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160204012236/http://articles.dailypress.com/1994-11-09/sports/9411090010_1_monte-carlo-rear-downforce-rear-wheel . dead .
  12. Web site: Antoine . Arthur St . 2021-04-14 . Tested: 1991 American Performance Sedan Comparison . 2022-07-12 . Car and Driver . en-US.
  13. Web site: Bows . Autumn . 2021-01-12 . A Detailed Look Back At The Chevrolet Lumina Z34 . 2022-07-12 . HotCars . en-US.
  14. The Encyclopedia of American Cars, 2006 Edition
  15. Web site: Historical Newspapers . Newspapers.com.
  16. Web site: 1995 Chevrolet Lumina Vehicle Information Kit . gmheritagecenter.com . 10 April 1995 . 4 December 2019.
  17. Web site: 1998 Chevrolet Lumina . The Old Car Manual Project Brochure Collection.
  18. Web site: Design Notes: 1995 Chevrolet Lumina Sedan . https://web.archive.org/web/20150113065954/http://autosofinterest.com/2014/01/05/design-notes-1995-chevrolet-lumina-sedan/2/ . 2 . Mike . Rosa . 2014-01-05 . Autos of Interest . 2015-01-13 .
  19. Web site: Big Three Hope Makeovers Will Win Converts . Paul . Lienert . Chicago Tribune.
  20. Web site: Fast-Paced World Of Family Sedans Passing GM By . Doron P. . Levin . The New York Times.
  21. Web site: In 2000: Future Stock: Sorry, cars won't fly or walk on water. And they'll still slurp up gas. But look for more luxury, lighter frames and better value . Paul . Dean . 13 January 1994 . Los Angeles Times.
  22. Web site: Chevrolet Rolls Out Its Comeback Cars: Monte Carlo, Lumina Lead Mid-Sized Assault . February 21, 1994 . Automotive News.
  23. Web site: The 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Is The Official Car Of Disney-MGM Studios . Travis . Okulski . 30 January 2013 . jalopnik.com.
  24. Web site: IIHS-HLDI: Chevrolet Lumina . Iihs.org . 2013-04-04.
  25. Web site: 1995 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA . Safercar.gov . 2013-04-05.
  26. Web site: 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA . Safercar.gov . 2013-04-05.
  27. Web site: 1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA . Safercar.gov . 2013-04-05.
  28. Web site: 1998 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA . Safercar.gov . 2013-04-05.
  29. Web site: 1999 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA . Safercar.gov . 2013-04-05.
  30. Web site: 2000 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA . Safercar.gov . 2013-04-05.
  31. Web site: 2001 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA . Safercar.gov . 2013-04-05.
  32. Web site: Stopford . William . Obscure Rebadges From Around The World: Part 6 . Curbside Classic . May 26, 2021 . November 21, 2018.
  33. Web site: GM illuminates midsize sedan market with new Chevy Lumina - Auto News . AutoIndustriya.com . May 26, 2021 . February 22, 2005.
  34. Web site: de los Reyes . Manny N. . Driving the Chevrolet Lumina . Philstar.com . May 26, 2021 . July 6, 2005.