Used 1997 Chevrolet Lumina Consumer Reviews
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Mine is actually a 3.8 V6
tracym1974, 01/03/2012
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my Lumina in 2004 and just sold it. I never had a problem with this car. All I had to do to it was regular maintenance, oil change, brakes, plugs, other fluids. Well, I did have to replace the compressor after 6 yrs and a new battery. It drove smooth as silk. I always felt very safe in this car. Initially, I thought the car was nothing to look at but after driving it all these years..the looks didn't matter. I had two wrecks in this car and it bounced back everytime. I wish I didn't sell it. Bought it with 76,000miles on it and sold it with 206,000. It never left me stranded not once. I am looking for another one.
Love this car
lrodriguez2, 09/12/2012
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I still drive my 1997 Lumina and it has 260,000 miles on it. It has been the best car I have ever driven. I have never had any major issues with the car. Car maintenance is key. It is a comfortable ride, still has great pickup and handles nicely on curves. It's roomy without being an overbearingly large car. Wish they still made them.
1997 Chevrolet Lumina for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- Base SedanMSRP: $2,2971,194 mi away
- LS SedanMSRP: $4,0001,426 mi away
My Chevy
My Chevy, 06/25/2008
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I never expected to drive this car to over 194,000 miles, but it's amazing what you can do when you change the oil every 3,000 miles. I've had the fuel pump replaced, 2 fuel injectors replaced, and the alternator replaced. Not bad for this many miles. Never had a problem with starting it up, even in the dead of winter. But the best thing is probably that I can still get up to 33 mpg on the road. And that's with a 6-cylinder 3.1 liter engine!
Awesome car!
JBaz, 03/23/2009
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my '97 Lumina, two years ago at 160,000 miles! It still runs today, and I'm at almost 203,000 miles. The only problems I have had was the alternator needing to be replaced. Other than that, my car still has pick-up for having the mileage it does. It's definitely a great car, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Loved my Lumina
Hen, 08/30/2017
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my Lumina when it was 20 years old, and am trading it in at 21. In its condition it's hard to justify keeping it, though I'm still attached! Over the past year I've had to replace the rear struts, sway bar, rear engine mounts, a brake line, and spark plugs that were overdue for changing. It also had to be towed to the garage to get a rear wheel unstuck that rusted solid over two days out in the rain. The A/C doesn't work and the coolant sensor is broken, so the dash flashes LOW COOLANT at you half the time. It's not necessarily the car's fault, as it was kept in poor condition as a rental in Massachusetts, and it's just plain old. If you're thinking of repairing one, the Lumina is not a car that can be easily tinkered with, thanks to GM. The battery is hidden under a support bar AND the windshield washer fluid tank, the engine has to be rotated forward to get some tasks done, and the oil filter is nigh unreachable. But if you find a Lumina in good condition, I'd recommend it anyway. The ride is quiet and comfortable, there's a ton of room for passengers and luggage, and even at its age, the car has some get-up-and-go. The exterior design is dated but endearing, and you'll be able to pick your car out in the parking lot from all of the new sleek silver models. RIP.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Solid Basics
Rob Canning, 08/15/2002
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this simple, but solid car used @ 23k miles for only $13k. Very reliable and does everything adequately to well. GREAT VALUE.
Leaky lumina
Preston Alexander, 09/21/2015
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
4 of 8 people found this review helpful
When I received the car a few months ago, it had great millage, it has great get up and go and it is great on gas. It used to be a security car at UNT. since I got it, I had to replace the starter and seal a leak in the transmission line. Now it is leaking power steering fluid and its going run from $200-$500 to fix. That's a whole lot of money when your a broke college kid.
LS Review
paramedic13100, 03/07/2004
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car has taken me through hell and back without once burn. Great build quality, and good performance. I put it through an average of 35,000 miles a year and it just smiled and kept on running. Best car I've had so far. 140,000+ miles and still running strong!
Not to bad for an old car
Phoenix, 02/12/2007
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LTZ 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought it with just over 97,000 miles on it. Put on about 10,000 since. But after about two weeks of owning it the engine would heat up very fast but after continuing to drive it for about a minute straight it'd go down until at an idle stop. Had a cracked cylinder head, worn hoses and cracked water pump. Then about a week after the A/C had a slow leak for a few days until it was dead. No money to fix and was moving to Phoenix! Still never found out what was wrong with it but dont want to spend the money to fix it. 2 months into owning it, engine runs very rough until driving at freeway speeds or engine is warm. Won't last me long but overall a good car, would be great if no mechanical problems
my restoration project
racingnut, 06/25/2011
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
ive owned my 97 lumina just over a year now it has 194,000 miles on it and still runs great.i drove it 3,000 miles first week round trip from temple texas through tucson arizona to colorado springs then back to temple texas.cost fuel less then 360$.not one issue along the way.i have never owned a car more consumer friendly then chevrolet when it comes to replacing parts.i was able to disassemble my 92 celebrity 4cylinder replace the head gaskets and reassemble in about 4 hours thats pretty good.i give chevrolet a five star reveiw.
Great Car
George, 02/14/2010
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 70k miles and it now has 125k. I am just now getting rid of it because the fuel lines have rusted and it won't pass emissions. It still runs great. It starts immediately on the coldest days. Fuel economy typically 25 mpg. Only problem I ever had with it was to replace an alternator. Had a check engine light on for several years, but until now I could turn it off long enough to get it through emissions. One minor thing I like about this car is it's very comfortable to drive, the arm rest by the driver is at a perfect position. I'm strongly tempted to fix it and keep it even though it'd cost more than the car's worth.
Nice car for the money
Manifesto11, 03/31/2004
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a very nice car overall. Very spacious and comfortable. At 110,000 miles, the engine feels strong and sounds healthy, but has some delay when you push on the gas (it goes away if you use premium fuel). I had to replace the head gasket at 75,000 miles and have gone through several problems with the cooling system. Electrical system still works well. Glove box, both sun visors, and center counsole all don't work right because of cheap plastic parts. With this being said, the reliability is much better than any other american car that I've owned. Not quite as fancy as an Accord or Camry, but this car's at a fraction of the price.
4 dpor Chevrolet Lumina 1997
sally obrien, 06/18/2009
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent for comfort for trips. Easy to get into and out. Good radio for listening to. Easy to drive, handles well in good weather and bad weather. Accommodates 5 people very comfortably. Electric control for drivers seat, nice to set the seat to your height and comfort. Adjustable steering wheel to your driving comfort.
overall, a good car
cathy t, 10/13/2002
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This has been a good car for me, with just one problem: I have put TWO new alternators in this car! (A fault of Chevys, I believe, as a previously owned Chevy--different model--had the same problem.) Other than that, keeping up with the maintenance has been the only expenses. I believe it is a good safe car and it is comfortable to drive
My Lumina Experience
It sucks yall, 02/06/2003
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love it! It has the power to pass and the space to seat 6 all in a tidy little almost art deco package that looks much much better than the previous models.
good reliable and fun car to drive
snir, 05/04/2002
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car a year ago, drove it for 10000miles with no problems at all. very reliable, quite, good performance and comfortable.
good car
nich617, 04/24/2004
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had this car since we bought it in '97. The reliability of this car is great. I have only had a few problems with it and they were expected as the car gets more use. It is comfortable and there is a lot of room for a sedan.
Cheap made vehicle or a Chevy
Chris, 04/28/2008
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
This was the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Spend extra and by foreign. In my opinion GM is more worried about quantity then quality. I have had to replace a headgasket,two ball joints,Wiper engine, Service engine stays on because of the fuel. The only thing good about the 97 Lumina is that GM switched the paint used on the older Lumina's that did not stick.
ABS Failure at 70,000Kms
GDF, 06/13/2002
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At approximately 70,000 Kms the ABS, light came on permanently, failure cause? described as requiring a total replacement of the ABS, phone call to " GM Warranty Headquarters" in Canada resulted in being informaed that the vehicle was over the 60,000km warranty period.. The GM Dealer representative , suggested I drive without ABS, returning to the Braking system I have used for the past 50 years... Results, excellent ABS is over advertised as being a safety feature? Good driving habits can provide equal results, in my opinion.
3.1 gives great milage
Tom, 10/03/2009
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drove this as a co car since new. Bought it back from Co. at 140,000 miles Always had it serviced by Curt Warner Chev of Van.,WA. I now change the oil/filters. Took trip to Wisconsin this summer and got great mileage. Avg total trip was 30mpg. Never had problems other than normal battery replacements, radiator flush, fuel pump replaced. (in tank preventative.) Change oil every 3000 miles for sure. Keep good tires, brakes, and alignment. Great car.
Love this car
jueckstj, 05/12/2011
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My lumina is my first and only car so far. After ten years of driving it, I have never been stranded with a car that wouldn't start. I have replaced a lot on the car in the last ten years, but nothing out of the ordinary for a car that is 14 years old. The only complaint I have is that the body has rusted pretty much beyond repair. Although I think the engine could last another 75k, I don't think that the body will (I blame this on western michigan winters). My advice for people in very snowy areas: wash the salt off your car because if I would have, I would still be driving this car in 2015.
Excellent 97 Lumina
ldg, 10/31/2003
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 32,000 miles on it. It now has 114,000 miles and has been a great car. Only the alternator has been replaced. Normal brake work on Luminas - no surprise. I am very satisfied with this car - very few problems and now has 114,000 miles!
Great reliable car for the money
Jason, 12/29/2007
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from first owner at 105,000 miles. Owner had previously replaced alternator and performed regular maintenance. I currently have 160,000 miles on it. This car had never let me down. Gets great mileage for a car this size. Intake manifold gaskets developed the typical leak on the 3.1 engine and I replaced them myself (I am ASE Master auto tech). AC is cold and transmission shifts smoothly.
Great Quality, Solid Built GM Product
bbobb, 01/04/2004
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good car. Needs turning circle improvement and better seats with support. Great quality, solid built GM product.
Fuel Efficient
KaiserM715, 01/04/2006
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was purchased used with about 24k miles and currently has about 96k. This has been a very fuel efficient car , better than many smaller cars. Has been pretty reliable (have replaced alternator at about 36k, replaced water pump at 75k and had intake manifold gasket replaced under warranty at about 73k).The only other items replaced have been normal wear items (brakes, hoses, belts, etc).
Very inexpensive to own!
gwalker, 03/16/2004
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I can't began to say how reliable this car is. I just got my car back from the mechanic for a regular maintanence check-up and everything checks great. I purchased the car with 26,000 miles in '98 and, today, I'm at 155,000 and still counting. The only thing replaced was the alternator and, of course, brakes. I've been in 3 accidents. Rear ended twice w/ nothing but "stress marks" in the bumper paint. Hit on the side, knocked the rim lose off the axle. No damage to my car, the rim was tighten back on. Very durable! I can't say the same about the other cars that had to be towed! This car takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
Better than I expected
WalterJ, 11/30/2002
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was a corporate fleet car I bought from a dealer. It had 57000 miles and now has 97000. It's amazing to me that the resale price is so low. This is the first car I think I'll take the distance. Best highway car I ever had. Very reliable.
Good Value For Money Car
mercara, 03/04/2009
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used in 2000 with about 35K miles. It now has 138K miles and still drives like it will go to 200K at least. As others have pointed out it gives great mileage. Had the alternator replaced but no manifold issues yet. Honestly for the price I paid in 2000, I have got full use out of this car. If it died on me today, I wouldn't feel bad since I got my money's worth out of this car. If you find a low mileage car that has been maintained well, it is a good value.
Nice vehicle but unreliable
AJ1, 12/31/2002
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Lumina LS has a smooth ride, handles well, and looks good. It takes alot of pressure to brake, especially if you need to do so quickly. Great gas mileage for a V6 mid-sized sedan. The real issue with this Chevy is reliability. The vehicle only comes with a 3 yr/36000 mile warranty. A couple months after mine expired the trouble started: the fuel pump died once, a gasket went bad, a wheel bearing need replacing, and more. I've had three repairs of $1000+ and one of almost $500 - all in the last three years, between 36000 and 70000 miles. This has discouraged me from EVER buying a GM vehicle again.
Luminas are the best
Luminafan, 04/29/2010
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my chevy lumina from a man in 2010 for $600 with 91124 miles on it and the only thing i have had to replace is the head gasket. I only paid $380 to get that repaired. they should have put cd players in them instead of tape players but i was gonna but a new one anyway.
Great Car from point A to point B
Der5kss, 04/04/2004
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you're looking for a quality car to get you there and back, look no further. The standard Lumina with a 3.1 L engine and decent fuel economy (28 mpg highway) is a reliable, conservative car. It is not sporty and it is not an exciting car to drive, but my 1997 Lumina has never failed me. It gets from one place to another with no problems, the power is decent (but a more powerful 3.4L and 3.8L engine can be found on other cars of this model), and it is comfortable enough for a family of 4 or 5. If you buy a Chevrolet Lumina as a family or business car you will be satisfied with the low-maitenance relationship and you will not regret this investment.
very disapointed
very disapointed, 02/23/2008
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very expsensive car to own. I have had this car just a short time. 121,000 miles when I bought it, and in less than 6mos I have made some very costly repairs (close to $2000) with some repairs labor free because I did some myself. intake gasket, egr valve, catalytic coverter, trans flush new brakes. the check engine light comes on everytime I fix one thing something else sets light on. I really think this is a good example of a modern day disposable car. If I could aford to, I would just throw it away to the junkyard where it belongs. poor engineering altogether. Just a legal lemon, and a piece of junk.
Dependable Family Car
Thomas, 11/01/2009
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 126k mi. Dealer had replaced fuel sending unit and ABS sensors as terms of sale. It now has around 150k and it is still as smooth as some of the newer cars. It gets good mileage, my last trip to NJ consumed less than a quarter tank (2hr trip). Handles well in rain and snow. I have ran this car on synthetic oil and platinum plugs since my first tune up.
Lumina is OK
Rob, 07/07/2008
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Lumina for 4 years and it's been a 6 out of 10 car. In the last 2 years I've had to replace the battery, alternator, starter and water pump. I've heard a lot of bad things about Luminas, mine has been alright. It cruises great down the highway and the gas mileage is decent for such a big car. My family and I feel very safe when we're in it. There was 82800 miles on it when I bought it and now it has 147000 miles. The transmision has some issues lately, I was thinking of replacing old betsy. For what I paid for this car, it has served me well. If you need a car and you come across a Lumina with low miles and a decent price, consider buying it. If not, buy an Impala like I'm going to.
Strong reliable workhorse
bralwel, 04/01/2004
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 190,000 miles on my 97 Lumina. It has served me well and very reliable during that whole time. I have only replaced a water pump and one alternator. I finally have to rebuild teh motor at 190,000 miles which I am now doing. I expect another 150,000 miles from this sturdy car
Lousy Lumina
KenGeisinger, 04/14/2010
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with very low mileage back in 1999. I also have a 1998 Ford Taurus which is very comparable in specs with about 60,000 more miles. I have had very little trouble with the Taurus but a lot of trouble with this car. I had to replace a intake manifold gasket and a fuel pump. The former I did myself and the latter cost me over $500 about a year ago.
Lumina
Ronald Davis, 05/03/2002
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Minor problems, except that they recently discovered a gasket leak on the engine that is time consuming to repair, about $800 for the estimate. Other than that this vehicle has run great with few minor problems.
Cannot Beat This
Hank, 03/30/2009
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the price I paid for this car, you cannot beat it. I've put well over 230,000 miles on this car since 2000, and it still has plenty of power, excellent on gas. Well better than most new cars today!!!! You just need to know how to take care of your car. For it to last as long as you want it to.
LUMINA
hogmr, 07/28/2002
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car has been the best car we have ever owned.was talked out of buying the buick regal and i am sure glad.i am sorry chevy does not make this model anymore.have had no problems with car.relative that owns a lexus drove my lumina and said the ride was just as comfortable.
Decent car but no Toyota or Honda
james, 12/24/2004
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's been 2 years and a half since we bought this car from my uncle. It had 56 k miles and now has 84k. I noticed it started to lose coolant in the overflow bottle almost from day one. It soon needed the intake manifold gasket replaced which was about a $600.00 repair. A year later it needed the alternator ($300.00} and a water pump {$200.00]. I've heard this isn't abnormal for a car with this kind of mileage. It rides quieter than our '97 Camry and gets better gas mileage as well (about 25 mpg). Seats are fair at best. Big trunk. Not screwed together as well as Hondas and Toyotas we've had. We got the car for a cheap price so the repairs didn't bankrupt us.
a good car once you replace everything!
cmwegeren, 04/05/2004
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the lumina has great pick-up, considering that I live by a busy highway and need excelleration! (good for a v-6). However this only comes after extensive repairs to the new motor, new rotors, new water pump, and 3 new alternator(2)[ I give 1 to the system I later installed at the end after i was finacially able to afford to buy accesories ]
The Lumina
Buzsaw, 07/01/2002
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our Lumina has been the most reliable and efficient vehicle we have ever owned. The 3.1 engine is economical and runs effortlessly (keep the oil changed and it will run forever). This vehicle is perfect transportation.
WONDERFUL CAR
kkymmer, 03/23/2003
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
BOUGHT THIS CAR AFTER MY SUBARU DIED. THE SUBY WAS A COMPACT, I LIKE THE ROOMINESS OF THE LUMINA, THE GET UP AND GO THAT IS HAS. RIDING IN IT IS LIKE RIDING ON A CLOUD!!! AMAZING CAR ALTOGETHER.
Best car for the Money Period!
Clark, 05/22/2009
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Truly a car that will last if you know how to perform routine maintenance. I love this car! At 210,000 I redid the Intake Manifold gasket, water pump, and haven't had any leaks since. The only other problems I have had have been electrical from the wire rotting out. These are simple fixes, just hard to trace where sometimes. I run Valvoline Max Life Full Synthetic oil. In town mileage is okay, highway is better than most cars get today. Add an HHO system and you will get over 35+mpg highway.
Love My Car
Grian, 11/06/2008
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 97 Lumina for 3 years. It is the most reliable car ever and I have put 30,000 miles on it and all that it has required has been an alternator replaced and EGR ports cleaned and a MIL bulb changed. I would not hesitate to buy another one. These repairs where not costly and easy to repair (and I'm a woman).
Lumina
rick rodriguez, 09/25/2002
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i like the car alot.
LUMINA
BARON87, 04/14/2002
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Been a good car...
chevy lumina
mmeder337, 08/24/2012
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the chevy lumina is the best car ever i had mine for 12 years never had any problems with it i wish they still made it i just got the impala i hope it is as good to me as the lumina was
Love my car but....
mpt, 10/04/2002
1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my company car for 2 years before I bought it so it a few miles on it at purchase time. The ride is GREAT and it has been the absolute family choise on all family vacations because of the interior comfortableness and trunk room. However, word of caution, re:fuel components. The fuel pump has gone out at a cost of $900 and I have had to service the fuel injecters several times. The last being a replacement(another high cost). Shop said this is not unusual for this car ( especially in Oregon because of the high condesation that gets in the gas) and parts are expensive (probably because they are no longer being made).
Best Car I Ever Owned
Gracejo, 07/24/2009
1997 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the most reliable car I've ever owned. Seldom needs more than an oil change, batteries and tires. I'ts my only car and I am only driver since 1996. I wish they still made them. I will, most likely, purchase a Chevy Impala if the Lumina ever becomes impractical to retain.