Used 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Consumer Reviews
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Incredible Car
Jeff, 10/21/2010
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Most reliable vehicle I have ever had. Bought it at 90,000 miles in Jan 2003 and have 317,000 miles on it now. Have replaced transmission, water pump and air conditioner in last seven years. Purchase price was $4000 and repairs have come to $3800. A fantastic investment for 227,000 miles of transportation.
Keeps going and going
Travis Wynn, 03/10/2006
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is the most reliable car I've ever had. Have 100k on it and it still has factory battery, never needed any major repair, well has never needed any repair except for the intake gasket. Good on fuel for its class. GM should consider make more cheap reliable cars like the Lumina.
1996 Chevrolet Lumina for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- Base SedanMSRP: $3,911148 mi away
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It's reliable
Stephanie, 06/01/2008
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Although I bought a gently used 2004 Camry today, I am sad to say goodbye to my Lumina. It has been an excellent car to me. It's no longer aesthetically pleasing, there's lots of rust, dings, and dents. But it has never failed to start and get me where I was going even in two feet of Ohio snow. During this extensive ownership period, beyond regular maintenance I've only had to replace a water pump, an alternator, and an EGR valve. None of which resulted in a breakdown, just poor performance until it was fixed. Oh, the power steering pump is noisy, but still works fine. I'd recommend this car to anyone as a used vehicle. Still seeing lots of them around. Still strong after 135,000 miles.
Good Car
Rickster, 05/04/2009
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is decent. I bought this car at around 92k, and now i am at 98k. The car has a nice, roomy interior with an okay exterior. The brakes are mushy and take time to get used too. The car is weak going up hills, but who cares when your getting awesome gas mileage. Despite the mushy brakes and weak power, this car is VERY reliable.
Absolute Lemon
Al S, 09/22/2008
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
This has got to be the worst car experience ever. We bought this car which was a cream puff. Low original miles on what was verified a local use car or "grocery getter" The car had about 35000 miles and looked and sounded smooth as silk. The first week of our owning the car showed what a disaster this car was. In that time we spent $900 for wheel bearing, directional switch, ignition lock cylinder failure. Two years later, intake manifold gasket failure ($400). That led to the cam shaft bearing failure which meant new engine ($3000). Now after all said and done, a P1870 transmission component slip (possible new trans?) Just one bad design after another! Goodbye American cars!
Fantastic Buy For $1000
jamescl, 10/31/2012
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
An amazing purchase, got the car not too long ago and ever since has been driving down the road perfectly. Very smooth riding, gear changing and steady braking and acceleration. Everything on the car works except for AC/cool air but since it's soon to be winter, shouldn't be too much of a problem at all for some time. The interior I have seen much better on cars but for what it is, it's not bad at all. Exterior design I just love. The overall build quality seems to be pretty solid beside a few things I can name like seatbelt buckles can be pretty difficult at times but still usable, just fiddle with them for a few seconds and they're good to go. Overall a very good car, recommend!
Most Reliable Car We've Ever Owned
Chaya, 06/05/2010
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We have had this car for a few years now. We purchased it used, of course. It has broke down a few times, but has NEVER stopped running. Nothing stops this car! It is definitely worth paying the money to keep it up and have for its lifetime. The gas mileage doesn't beat our Dodge Neon, but we would never sell our Chevy Lumina. When it gets cold our other cars stall and sometimes won't even start. The Lumina starts every time we crank it as long as it has gas. Seems like Chevy has been doing a good job. Their cars seem to last more years than most other names even when you have gotten caught up with other things letting them sit for a while. I once had a Chevy Beretta. Also a Great car!
Lumina Solid Performer at a Nice Price
LuvMyLumina, 04/05/2008
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased this 1996 Lumina used in 1998. Best car purchase ever! The Lumina is a smooth riding, nicely equipped vehicle that didn't break the bank. I only wish Chevy still manufactured it as I would love to purchase another one. This vehicle has been reliable and durable even with being parked outside in the coldest of Midwest winters and the elements that come along with them. The only drawback is the small area of rust on the driver side rear quarter panel. This vehicle still looks good and performs well even though it hasn't been garaged for several years. Chevy definitely got it right and would do well to bring this model back into it's lineup.
Good family car
Chevy owner, 01/25/2004
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall I like my car, always starts and runs well for the most part. is very roomy, and handles pretty good. I would of liked a little more power out of the engine which when its cold outside the engine just began to make a tapping noise? The engine also this year began using about 1 quart of oil in-between 3500 mile oil changes. Car only has 75000 mile on it bought it a year old with 10000 in 1997. Interior of car is wearing out faster then rest of the car. Cup holder in arm rest broke about a year ago. Driver seat mounting bracket just broke this month.
Nickle and Dimed to Death
John, 01/09/2006
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned a 1996 Lumina LS for the last 8yrs. I have replaced the following since purchasing. Water pump, alternator, fuel pump, driver- side power window motor, and ignition assembly. In addition the 3.1 V6 engine has a problem where the Intake manifold gasket fails every 30,000 miles. I have replaced this twice ($1100 each time). This item should be subject to a recall by GM but is not. I highly recommend you avoid this vehicle. You will spend a fortune on repairs.
Nice Ride but Look Out!
Central PA, 04/02/2005
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the car with 51,000 miles on it. It is an inexpensive mid-size car great for trips; however, I am leary on taking it anywhere too far! Had it for 3 months and replaced oil crancase sensor (didn't even drive it for 1500 miles). At 62,000 miles, the transmission went out without warning costing me $2800. Engine very noisy: a lot of lifter tap. Would hesitate on purchasing again!
very reliable
S BAKER, 04/13/2009
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in feb 1996. Still own the car and still driving. It now has 211,100 miles. The only problems have been minor until last year. We had to get a rebuilt transmission installed. Love this car and will keep until it no longer can be fixed. Purchased a Pontiac Bonneville in 2002 because of on the interstate driving, but I still drive the lumina from time to time to work. As a matter of fact I drove it to work today. This is a 75 mile trip. Very reliable car and was a great price.
Nice Car!
Sebaot, 04/30/2007
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought a 1996 Lumina base sedan and brought it to Mexico City, where I live. The power is good for American standards of driving, but here in Mexico we drive a way faster, so it feels sometimes underpowered, especially at steep climbs. I think is due to the altitude. Suspension works fine and is very comfy, specially on bumpy roads. The seats are good, but driver's seat lacks a lot of lumbar support, so is likely to catch some back pain. The car overall is very reliable. Did the loong trip down here wonderfully, and makes me look different! A long, low, and wide American car at a sea of short, tall, and narrow European hatchbacks and sedans.
**THE AMERICAN POWER**
LUMILORIAN, 06/11/2009
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is great, love the 16 inch tires and rims, it's roomy, v6 bullet proof engine, 6 passenger seating, power Windows, and power locks, its very useful you can put a lot of things on it, I traveled far away and never put me off the road, regular maintenance, cheap to have, very quiet car, its not heavy so you can make it faster with additional modifications.
Oldie but a goodie!!!
Danny, 09/29/2015
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had this car since 2010, I bought it with 38,000 miles on it - almost brand newish. As of now it has 92,400 miles and she's running great still, minor problems like the alternator, but in a 20 year old car, some things will go. But my baby runs great and never fails me. Oh and since I received the car in 2010, it's been running on the same battery for over 5 years!!!! That's right, over 5.
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let go driveing
jj, 12/07/2009
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very good car paid only 2500 had it for 2 years no work done to the hard put about 45,000 miles on the cars since I had it. Only thing I have ever done is change oil. Need a car with out a big repair this is the one for you.
Probably saved my life
Samuel Jordan, 08/17/2005
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Hit a car head on @ 70 mph; bashed the right light and the rim was bent. I put a spare on, and drove her another 600 miles back home. The engine still works awesome, but the frame is a bit bent up. The engine on this girl is wonderfully reliable, but problems I had included brakes, A/C, stupid cupholders, and an alternator (it's a Chevy). If you buy from the right person, this car is truly a great machine, hands down. Good mileage, drove cross country several times with her; great handling, good speed. If you buy from some stupid teen or shady dealer, you'll have problems like any other car, I suppose. I have a bit over 100k on it, and it is still going strong, in spite of the accident I had.
Terrible car
Peace0072, 01/19/2010
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Only had this car for 8 months and bought it with only 118,000 on it. It now only has 134,000. I replaced radiator, head gaskets, water pump, thermostat and it is completely dead and no one knows whats going on in with it. I am very disappointed and would not recommend anyone buying one.
Excellent value
gopdomer, 06/18/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I couldn't be happier with this car. I paid $15,400 and it's been a beautiful car with absolute reliability.
It really isn't too good to be true
RJCHudson, 02/27/2006
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have done several long trips in our Lumina and it has performed well in all conditions, even out performed some SUV's on the slippery stuff. It has loads of room and good features for the price. After our first accident (being run off the road at 30 mph) we had to replace the intake gasket (probably going anyway )the preformance picked up like you wouldnt believe. I just got rear ended by a Wrangler (me 0 mph them 40 mph) and we have less damage than them, currently waiting to find out what the insurance company wants us to do but we are hoping to be able to keep it
good all around car
maytagman, 03/07/2004
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
ok for a person thats not six feet tall
Nice Whip
major figgaz, 03/16/2009
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought mine couple of months ago it is dark green it has good looking rims. I just gotta tune it up and get the intake manifold gasket fixed. The interior was left really dirty but I cleaned it up as much as i can but there is still stains in some places. I really like the car its prob the only car in Chevy that's reliable.
Smart Buy
KBCE, 04/01/2004
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased @ $134,000.... I'm 30 miles from 150K. I put in New alternator, got rid of air box, got an alignment, (4 wheel), add ed tach & vacume gauges. Plan on dumping SunRoof, wheels & keyless. This car is worth that investment in all manner of speaking. I'm 1/2 a Century old & have piloted a few machines. This unit gets 35 MPH with me alone in it with gear, @ NOT over 70 mph! 50 to 55 on flat is closer 2 40MPH. Only a fool would pass-up a car this Safe & Cost effictive. I paid $2500. My next unit will B another one of these but not newer then 2001. (Read all U can on these & U'll C where the lines of quality start & stop).
GREAT CAR-COMFORTABLE
DEBORAHTHOMAS, 08/07/2004
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I THINK I MADE THE RIGHT THING WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR.
Love this car!
MakeMineGM, 05/05/2005
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car to drive in the winter. It had 106K on it. Look around - these cars are everywhere! It gets good mileage (about 25 mpg on my last trip traveling an average of 75 mph). It's not a sports car but the suspension is firm enough for a full size sedan. Problems: The A/C is not working, I have a bad sensor for the ABS and the front seat is worn out (heavy previous owner?) - nothing major. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives this car the highest rating in the offset crash test. How could I go wrong for $1550?
Solid and Inexpensive
pyramid scheme, 09/10/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 1999 with 60K on it. It has been a great car with minimal repairs. I have had the alternator replaced at 80K, the catalytic convertor replaced at 105K, and the water pump just today at 125K. Total repairs were around $550-$600, which is not too bad considering the 65K I've put on the car over 3 years and you can buy these cars for well under 1/2 the new price just 2-3 years old. Pretty smooth ride, lacks acceleration at times, but is very reliable.
Nice Car
ShawnInWA, 11/16/2005
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in Sept. 05', nice clean car good on reliability. Had to replace rotors, brakes, water pump, accelorator sensor soo far...Over all car drives nice and handles great. Bad idea on cup holder position! But it works....Car currently has 155,400 miles.
Disbelief
Toony, 02/26/2003
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I went looking for a used car in the $5000 range, expecting to get some kind of small box. When the salesman showed me the Lumina, I figured it was out of my price range (wrong - after research and playing hardball, I got it for $4100). I put another $500 in maintenance repair at my mechanic's shop, and now I have a car that one co- worked thought was new off the lot. This car is great. It's big, can fit both kids comforably in the back, is quiet and quick. I love it.
Lumina
lenny, 05/16/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If it wasn't for the lousey design of the drivers seat this would be a wonderful automobile to drive. I presently have 140,000 miles on this vehicle and had the drivers seat repacked 3 times. I weigh less than 175 lbs. Until I reached approx 120000 this was a very dependable vehicle. The last 20,000 I've had intake gasgets, alternator and last week a transmission.
Value Consumers Dream
Harrell, 11/07/2008
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It amazes me when I see these below $3,000 and below 80,000 miles. I have had my Lumina for 7 years, used it all through college and after graduation. I put in oil every 3000 and gas when it goes down, and have not spent a dollar above that. Its in great shape, nothing overly-appealing about the car, but its reliable. Would highly reccomend these models, though I have heard anything above a 2000 has had some issues with quality. Perfect for a parent to buy for student.
Great Reliable Car
Sanjit, 02/12/2003
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2001 with 90K on it. It has been a great car with no repairs. It is a very reliable and comfortable car. I had no problems while driving 400 miles at a strech. Gas mileage is not bad considering a V6 engine. Overall great value for money.
Great car/great value
Lars, 09/11/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reliable car - bought it used with 28,000 miles and it now has 95,000. Other than normal maintenance, we've only had to replace the A/C compressor this summer (we live in a hot climate). Great car for the $$$
96 Lumina Review
AaronB, 03/11/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The design of the car is nice, and it has clean lines. There is plenty of room on the inside.(I'm 6'2") Controls are pretty well placed. One problem would be the cup holder in the arm rest. This broke off after about four years of use. The car runs well. It averages about 20mpg city, and about 25 on the highway. I've had a couple of problems though. I've had to replace the alternator and battery cables on the car. Outside of that, the car is reliable and comfy to drive.
A good side and a bad side
ljouvdee, 02/28/2004
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car was bought brand new. It is very spacious and I absolutely love the sound system. The best thing about it is that it can really take a hit without doing hardly any damage at all. Unfortunately there are many things wrong with it. I have had to get the brakes repaired many times and had to get my engine re-built before it even hit 80,000 miles. Recently I had to get a new alternator at 90,000 miles. Too many repairs, but maybe I just have bad luck.
Best Car I Ever Owned
wthomas, 07/03/2003
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Lumina, which I purchased new, has been a great purchase. The car has been very reliable and the 6 cylinder engine and transmission work very well together. Excellent power performance for weight of car. The radio is top notch and I enjoy the speed/noise sensitive automatic volume control. The AC unit is excellent. Cold is COLD. Overall my best car ever, and not a bad price.
Seats are Junk
GM Junk, 07/19/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 60/40 non-automated bench seating is several inches higher on the driver side than the passenger. This is when they are both at their lowest points. Also the lumbar support is not designed properly and results in a massive lump that causes tremendous back pain. You have much more head room in other mid- size vehicles. I had to replace the ignition module and sensor at 56,000 miles
good car
KdawG, 10/17/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is a good car, i bought it now to long ago and now my mom is getting a lumina now also.
Oldie but goodie
MacBob, 01/06/2016
updated 07/07/2016
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought car in 2015 with only 68k original miles. Automatic, power steering/doors, and a/c. Solid 6cyl 3.1engine although is noisy at startup until warms up. Found out is normal for this motor. Comfortable car and good on gas. Smooth on highway. One problem area is the 3.1 engine lower intake manifold gasgets, they tend to wear out quickly. Had mine changed and used stronger gaskets..problem gone. Original stereo not bad, decent sound. Nice cloth interior, not fancy, but looks good. Overall, good transportation car that is dependable. Update July 2016: recently sold car to buy a SUV.
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Reliability Plus!
maxpar98, 05/10/2003
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have now owned this car for 120,000 miles and only replaced a $70.00 transmission sensor other than routine maintenance items. Car now has 152,000 miles and has no problems. Amazingly these cars are cheap to buy.
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS
BenLS, 09/09/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had to replace every thing under the hood because the last owner didnt take good care of it. But i fixed it and i get great performance, and 26 mi/gal!!
Good, Reliable Car
Joshua Krause, 04/02/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We (my family) have owned this car since brand new. It has 35,000 miles on it and it runs perfect and has never had a problem. We had the front brake pads replaced at 32,000, but this is all we had done except for routine maintence. It is fun to drive and is one of the best built cars I've driven.
RELIABLE, SAFE, GOOD VALUE
george yaki, 02/09/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was designed well. It has nicer looks than the Taurus and handles better. There is good acceleration from a stop. I have 85,000 miles on it. I have had to replace the brakes, oil, and water pump. It alweays starts without a hitch.
Good Car
Carman, 09/17/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Very reliable and cost- efficient.
Great bang for the buck
dax1dax1, 11/22/2008
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had one for ten years. Fast, good gas, reliable overall. 188,867 miles - and going. Items replaced - Water pump, Throttle sensor, rear wheel hub & anti-lock brake sensor, front linkage (rough roads.) 2 or three window motors (smoker though - window always going up and down.) Handles well, better than it feels. LS model - pretty sporty for a sedan. I drive aggresively, but the tires wear well.
should I should I not
winnie, 07/22/2009
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I use to love my car because it had alot of comfort that I had not had before. I am not able to do alot of the maintenance that older cars require and I thought about getting a new one.
Great car for the price
Suzann, 09/04/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Lumina at an auto auction, and have been very pleased with it. I did have to replace the alternator on it, but for the price I paid (less than $6k for a 4 year old car with under 40k miles), I don't think that was so bad.
Death (untimely) of a 1996 Lumina
Lorne Greene, 07/14/2003
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Routine maintenance was fine - nothing major just brakes, oil changes, nor =mal service. Car was highway driven and not punished. At 85,000 it needed a new head gasket and at 110,000 blew two connecting rods at 60 MPH. No warning on either - just failure. Liked the car but will never buy another one. My 1990 Toyota Camry just went past 225,000 miles and all it ever requires is rountine maintenance, oil changes an occasional set of brakes and one clutch (155,000 miles).
Reliable
brucep, 10/26/2009
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Original Owner. Roadworthy, reliable, midsize sedan. Low mileage for its age (133,700). Good tires and cold A/C. Graphite exterior and interior. Matching color original Alloy wheels.
good family car
denise5374, 09/09/2003
1996 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new. It now has 87000 miles on it and it has been a good car. Other than routine maintnance not much ellse has had to be done. Recently, the spark plugs wires and one fuel injector needed to be replaced. I agree with the poor design of the armrest cup holder, mine broke off after 5 years. The onlly other complaint is the CD player stereo system my CD broke after 3 years and it would have cost $200 to repair.
I loved my Lumina
bndr37, 02/07/2009
1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely loved my Lumina. It was my first car, and it just recently died at a whopping total of 308,000 miles on it. I didn't have to put any work into it while I owned it except the usual oil change and whatnot. The only reason I didn't keep it was because I blew a head gasket and it would have cost me more to fix it than the car was worth, since I only paid $600 for it.