Chevrolet Lumina

The Chevrolet Lumina is an automobile that was marketed by the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 1989 to 2013. Introduced to consolidate the Chevrolet mid-size nameplates under a single product range, five different generations of the Lumina were produced. The first two generations were sold nearly exclusively in North America, with successive versions sold in other markets worldwide.

This article is about the U.S. market sedan and coupé sold between 1989-2001. For the minivan, see Chevrolet Lumina APV. For other uses, see Chevrolet Lumina (disambiguation).

Chevrolet Lumina
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1989–2001 (North America) 1999-2012 (Middle East)
Model years	1990–2001 (North America) 1999-2012 (Middle East) 2005-2006 Philippines
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size (North America and Philippines) Full-size (Middle East)
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive FR layout (Export Model)
Platform	W-body (1988–2001) (North America) V-body (2000–2006) (Middle East) Zeta platform (2007–2012) (Middle East) W-body 2nd Gen (2005-2006) (Philippines)
Related	Chevrolet Monte Carlo Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Pontiac Grand Prix
Chronology
Predecessor	Chevrolet Celebrity (sedan) Chevrolet Monte Carlo (coupe) Chevrolet Caprice (Mexico) Chevrolet Impala (Argentina)
Successor	Chevrolet Impala (sedan) Chevrolet Monte Carlo (coupe)

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 1994, 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 (1990–1994)

First Generation
1991-1994 Chevrolet Lumina Sedan
Overview
Production	January 1989–August 25, 1994[4]
Model years	1990–1994
Assembly	Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Designer	Irvin Rybicki (1985)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door notchback coupe 4-door notchback sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	W-body
Related	Buick Regal Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Pontiac Grand Prix
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L LN2 I4 2.5 L Iron Duke I4 3.1 L LH0 V6 3.4 L LQ1 V6
Transmission	5-speed Getrag 284 manual 3-speed 3T40 automatic 4-speed 4T60 automatic 4-speed 4T60-E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	107.5 in (2,730 mm)
Length	1990 coupe: 198.4 in (5,039 mm) 1990 sedan: 197.6 in (5,019 mm) 1991–94 coupe & 1993–94 sedan: 198.3 in (5,037 mm) 1991–92 sedan & Z34 sedan: 199.3 in (5,062 mm)
Width	Coupe & Z34 sedan: 71.7 in (1,821 mm) sedan: 71.0 in (1,803 mm)
Height	Coupe & Z34 sedan: 53.3 in (1,354 mm) sedan: 53.6 in (1,361 mm)
Curb weight	3,496 lb (1,586 kg)

1990 Chevrolet Lumina sedan

1993 Chevrolet Lumina

1991-1994 Chevrolet Lumina Euro 3.4 sedan

The North American Chevrolet Lumina was based on the mid-size GM W-body, which was shared with the Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (later Intrigue), Buick Regal, and Buick Century (after 1996).[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] The Chevrolet Lumina's first generation ended production in August 1994, making this the shortest-lived generation of the first-generation GM W-body cars.[8]

Chevrolet Lumina in NASCAR in 1994

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.[9] As a result, NASCAR received many letters complaining about the unfair advantage of Chevrolet racing an "aluminum" car.

Chevrolet signed a deal with Disney-MGM Studios to make the 1990 Lumina the company's Official Car.[10] Early Lumina ads included Disney animated characters from Fantasia under license from Disney; In return, the Lumina was made the official car of Disney World. In one sequence, advertising the car’s spacious interior, cartoon hippopotami were used to demonstrate the Lumina's wider rear door swings which Chevrolet claimed made for easier access to the rear seat area. While popular, the ads were soon cancelled when focus groups revealed that they remembered the Disney characters better than they remembered the car itself.

Engines

• 1990–1992: 2.5 L (151 in³) Iron Duke I4
• 1993: 2.2 L (134 in³) 122 I4
• 1990–1994: 3.1 L (191 in³) LHO V6
• 1991–1994: 3.4 L DOHC (207 in³) LQ1 V6

Lumina Z34

1991–1994 Chevrolet 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 210 hp LQ1 V6 engine shared with the Lumina Euro 3.4 (sedan), the five-speed Getrag 284 manual transmission, dual exhaust, and four-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. Performance figures included a 0-60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 7.2 seconds, a 1/4 mile (~400 m) time of 15.0 seconds, a (limited) top speed of 130 mph (209.21 km/h), a 60-0 mph (97–0 km/h) distance of in 153 ft (47 m), and a lateral acceleration of 0.79 g (7.7 m/s²). A Bose stereo system and automatic transmission, which lowered the horsepower rating to 200 and 0-60 time by .5 seconds, were optional. The only paint colors available for the Z34 were white, red, black, gray, silver, and light blue. In 1995, the Lumina Z34 was replaced with the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34.

Production

Year	Total Sedans	Total Coupes	Sedan LQ1	Coupe 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[11]	901,245	154,550

Second generation (1995–2001)

Second generation
Overview
Production	March 7, 1994 – April 26, 2001[4][12][13]
Assembly	Ramos Arizpe, Mexico Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Designer	Chuck Jordan (1990, 1991)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door notchback sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	W-body 1.5 Gen
Related	Chevrolet Monte Carlo Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Pontiac Grand Prix
Powertrain
Engine	3.1 L L82 V6 3.1 L LG8 V6 3.4 L LQ1 V6 3.8 L L36 V6
Transmission	4-speed 4T60-E automatic 4-speed 4T65-E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	107.5 in (2,730 mm)[14]
Length	200.9 in (5,103 mm)
Width	72.5 in (1,842 mm)
Height	1995–98: 55.2 in (1,402 mm) 1999–2001: 54.8 in (1,392 mm)
Chronology
Successor	Chevrolet Caprice (in Mexico) Chevrolet Lumina (in Mexico) Chevrolet Lumina (in Mexico) Chevrolet Impala (elsewhere)

1995 Chevrolet Lumina LS rear

Chevrolet Lumina LTZ rear

General Motors began 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 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. 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.[15][16][17][18]

Initial trim levels consisted of base and LS; the latter replacing the "Euro" trim. Options included an electric sunroof, leather bucket seats, power windows, power driver seat, and an AM/FM stereo with CD player. This Lumina was also sold 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.[19]

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 160 hp (119 kW) and 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m) or an optional 3.4 L V6 rated at 215 hp (160 kW) and 220 lb⋅ft (298 N⋅m) of torque, a rear spoiler, restyled front and rear body clips (resembling the Monte Carlo Z34), a tachometer, and a floor-mounted shifter.

In 1997 for MY 1998, the 3.4 L V6 was replaced by the 3800 Series II which produced 200 hp (149 kW) and 225 lb⋅ft (305 N⋅m) 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 107 mph (172 km/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 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

• 1995–1999 3.1 L (191 in³) L82 V6
• 1995–1997 3.4 L DOHC (207 in³) LQ1 V6
• 1998–1999 3.8 L (231 in³) L36 V6
• 2000–2001 3.1 L (191 in³) LG8 V6

Production

Year	Total Units	LQ1	L36
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

Safety

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

1995-2001 Lumina IIHS scores[20]

Moderate overlap frontal offset	Good
Small overlap frontal offset	Not Tested
Side impact	Not Tested
Roof strength	Not Tested

NHTSA

1990-1994 Lumina NHTSA scores[21][22][23][24][25]

1989	Frontal Driver	Frontal Passenger	Side Driver	Side Passenger	4x2 Rollover	4x4 Rollover
1990		Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated
1991		Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated
1992		Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated
1993		Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated
1994		Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated

1995-2001 Lumina NHTSA scores[26][27][28][29][30][31][32]

Year	Frontal Driver	Frontal Passenger	Side Driver	Side Passenger	4x2 Rollover	4x4 Rollover
1995			Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated
1996			Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated
1997					Not Rated	Not Rated
1998					Not Rated	Not Rated
1999					Not Rated	Not Rated
2000					Not Rated	Not Rated
2001						Not Rated

Third & fourth generation (1998–2013)

Third & fourth generation
2000–2001 Chevrolet Lumina SS sedan (third generation)
Overview
Production	1998–2013
Assembly	Elizabeth, South Australia (GM Holden Elizabeth Plant)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Platform	GM V platform (1998–2006) GM Zeta platform (2006–2013)
Related	Holden Commodore Chevrolet Omega Pontiac G8
Chronology
Successor	Chevrolet Malibu

Main article: Holden Commodore § Australian export models

Chevrolet Lumina LS

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.

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.

Buick-based Chevrolet Lumina (2005-2006)

PH-spec Lumina
Chevrolet Lumina (PH)
Overview
Also called	Buick Regal
Production	2005-2006
Model years	2005-2006
Assembly	China: Shanghai, Shanghai GM
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	W-body 2nd Gen
Chronology
Predecessor	Opel Omega (in terms of vehicle size class), Opel Vectra
Successor	Chevrolet Malibu

In the Philippines, the Chinese-built Buick Regal was also 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 at the time was untenable. This left just Nissan, Toyota 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 Opel Tigra and Opel Astra. In 2000, Chevrolet returned with the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Savana, and GM dealerships were branded as GM AutoWorld. But Opel struggled in the Filipino market and by 2000 the market was still dominated by Japanese automakers who accounted for 80% of the total market (Koreans were the next biggest players with 15%). The Vectra struggled against rivals like the Nissan Cefiro, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. GM withdrew the brand in 2003, leaving the corporation without a car in the mid-size segment. And in 2005, GM Philippines introduced Chevrolet Lumina, due to the growing mid-size sedan market.[33]

The Lumina only had a 2.5 liter V6 as the only engine offered in the market, making at 152 hp and 154 lbs. ft. of torque. Mated to the Lumina's engine is a four-speed automatic, producing a 173-km/h top speed and a 0-100km/h time of 12.8 seconds. The emissions are kept to a minimum in this car, thanks to a EURO II-level three-way catalytic converter. And the primary safety system features a four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), an onboard vehicle diagnosis system, a tire pressure monitor and a integrated turn signal/headlight housings in transparent crystal. In case of accidents, five seatbelts (two for the front passengers, three for the rear) and front dual airbags restrain passengers from slamming towards the dashboard. To reinforce cabin protection, the Lumina's body features an integrated steel body structure (with impact protection) and GM's proprietary Safety Steel Four-Door Beams. To prevent theft, the Lumina features an engine immobilizer and a central locking system. Its main features consists of keyless entry, its eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, its remote trunk opener and power-assisted dashboard gauge cluster-level side mirror adjuster. The steering wheel features a leather-wrapped steering wheel (with a tilt-adjustable steering column) and hydraulic power steering. It also had leather appointments and faux wood trim found all around the Lumina's interior, along with a rear seat storage armrest (plus dual cupholders), electronic climate control and a compact disc (CD)/radio-ready head unit with six speakers and a glass-printed antenna.[34]

The car costed at around 1.290M Php 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. And the design was also criticized for being a "bit too bland".[35]

As the car was also short-lived. China ceased production of the Regal in 2008 and so the Chevrolet Lumina was discontinued from the Filipino market in 2006, leaving GM again without a mid-size sedan. Sales were poor, making the Lumina a very rare car in the Philippines.

In 2014, Chevrolet Philippines introduced the eighth generation Chevrolet Malibu as the successor to the Lumina. Although being indirect, it succeeded it in terms of vehicle size (being both a mid-sized sedans). And with the current ninth generation Malibu, it is still being sold in the market and competing against other mid-sized rivals like the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord and even a handful of more expensive European models.

References

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3. Nunez, Alex. "Chevrolet Special Vehicles debuts in Middle East with the CR8". Autoblog. Retrieved 2016-01-29.
4. "Lumina reaches end of the line". Automotive News. April 30, 2001.
5. "Curbside Classic: 1990-94 Chevrolet Lumina – Not Quite Saving The Best 'Til Last". Curbside Classic. Retrieved 2016-01-29.
6. Krebs, Michelle (1996-06-23). "Behind the Wheel: Ford Taurus G vs. Chevrolet Lumina;Some Cheap Shots In the Price Fight". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-01-29.
7. Snitkoff, Edward. "Curbside Classic: 1986 Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable – At This Moment, You Mean Everything". Curbside Classics. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
8. "New Chevrolet Lumina". www.thenewautos.net. Archived from the original on 2016-02-02. Retrieved 2016-01-29.
9. "Lumina To Make Its Nascar Finale". tribunedigital-dailypress. Retrieved 2016-01-29.
10. Okulski, Travis. "The 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Is The Official Car Of Disney-MGM Studios". jalopnik.com.
11. The Encyclopedia of American Cars, 2006 Edition
12. "Historical Newspapers". Newspapers.com.
13. "1995 Chevrolet Lumina Vehicle Information Tit" (PDF). gmheritagecenter.com. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
14. "1998 Chevrolet Lumina". The Old Car Manual Project Brochure Collection.
15. Lienert, Paul. "Big Three Hope Makeovers Will Win Converts". Chicago Tribune.
16. Levin, Doron P. "Fast-Paced World Of Family Sedans Passing GM By". The New York Times.
17. autosofinterest.com/2014/01/05/design-notes-1995-chevrolet-lumina-sedan/2/
18. Dean, Paul (13 January 1994). "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". Los Angeles Times.
19. "Chevrolet Rolls Out Its Comeback Cars: Monte Carlo, Lumina Lead Mid-Sized Assault". Automotive News. February 21, 1994.
20. "IIHS-HLDI: Chevrolet Lumina". Iihs.org. Retrieved 2013-04-04.
21. "1990 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
22. "1991 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
23. "1992 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
24. "1993 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
25. "1994 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
26. "1995 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
27. "1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
28. "1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
29. "1998 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
30. "1999 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
31. "2000 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
32. "2001 Chevrolet Lumina 4-DR. | Safercar - NHTSA". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
33. https://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotive-histories/obscure-rebadges-from-around-the-world-part-6/. Missing or empty |title= (help)
34. https://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/gm-illuminates-midsize-sedan-market-with-lumini.html. Missing or empty |title= (help)
35. https://www.philstar.com/business/motoring/2005/07/06/285189/driving-chevrolet-lumina. Missing or empty |title= (help)

External links