1999 Chevy Lumina Review
1999 Chevy Lumina Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Low price. Six-passenger seating availability. Strong performance from LTZ model.
Cons
- Rapidly aging platform. Wheezy base engine. Malibu overshadows Lumina in nearly all aspects.
What’s new
Chevrolet adds standard equipment to the LTZ and introduces Auburn Nightmist Medium Metallic to the base and LS models.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$200/mo for Lumina Base
Lumina Base
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
While in college, one of our staffers attended the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The 1990 Chevrolet Lumina was displayed at the show in coupe and sedan form, and this young man thought the vehicle was some kind of funky, ill-conceived concept car, like those oddly shaped safetymobiles created during the 1970s. Few showgoers even seemed to notice the silly silver Luminas as he inspected the angular styling, all the while wondering if GM had missed the boat on Ford's success with the Taurus. When the Lumina hit the streets for the 1990 model year, he couldn't help but laugh every time one passed him on the street. Amazingly, the Lumina went on to become a bestseller, due in part to strong fleet sales.
These days, a different Lumina prowls Chevy showrooms. A vast improvement over the first-generation model, the current Lumina offers an ergonomically correct, straightforward dashboard. The exterior shape is modern and, dare we say, attractive. Even more amazing, the Lumina performs well in LTZ trim, although poor brake pedal feel and vague, disconnected steering really doesn't transmit any inkling of performance capability.
Still, the numbers are there, and the Lumina LTZ is just as nimble as upscale rivals from Chrysler and Ford. Braking and cornering abilities are not extraordinary for the class, but the LTZ nonetheless keeps itself planted to terra firma with little fanfare. Formerly optional equipment like a 3800 V6, performance-oriented tires and 16-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels are now standard on LTZ. Base and LS models are decidedly duller all around, with a barely adequate 3.1-liter V6, mushy suspension and plastic wheelcovers.
Chevy engineers claim the current-generation Lumina is the result of intensive consumer clinics, and that the car was designed in accordance with the research findings. Styling was not a strong issue among sedan buyers, a point well proven by the popularity of the previous-generation Lumina. Fortunately, Chevy saw fit to give the Lumina a tidy, attractive look that is marred only by a somewhat characterless and protruding proboscis.
Inside, seats could use more support and firmer padding. Controls, however, are easy to see and use, and fabrics are treated with Scotchgard to repel the occasional Dairy Queen spill. Lumina can be equipped with GM's On-Star Mobile Communications system, which uses a cellular phone and global positioning satellite (GPS) to pinpoint the car's location for emergency purposes. The system can also be used to get directions when the driver is lost, or book reservations at a restaurant or on a flight.
With a competent car and a pricing structure that undercuts Ford and Chrysler, Chevy's Lumina offers a blend of function, value and performance (LTZ) most Americans will find appealing.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Chevrolet Lumina.
5 star(42%)
4 star(44%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(0%)
52 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Love my 1999 LUMINA LTZ
kenl56, 04/28/2012
1999 Chevrolet Lumina LTZ 4dr Sedan
I ordered my 1999 Lumina LTZ from GM built to my personal specs.
Fully loaded.
I had only four problems:
1. Alternator went out after 3 years
2. Switch for the automatic windows went out after 6 years
3. I was told my gas line needed replacement after 11 years (Maybe yes or maybe no)
4. When I floor the car the AC fan slows down ( No big deal since it rebounds after a few seconds) …
Other than that I have had no other problems.
Every time I consider replacing my Lumina I back off asking myself, "WHY".
I never had the engine tuned, I change the Oil every 10000 miles whether it needs it or not.
The tires get expected life. The Body is in excellent shape minus a couple of parking lot dings
4.25 out of 5 stars
love my lumina!
chevygirl, 06/19/2009
1999 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
My lumina has almost 122 thousand miles on it and is a 99 model. I have never had any problems about it except I have had to replace my spark plugs. Besides that I have my oil changed every 3-4 thousand miles and its still rolling. I only fill up with gas about once every week and a half. Its not a 'cool' car but it gets me from a to b, and is very reliable!
4.88 out of 5 stars
Lumina LTZ lover
marylee, 08/13/2009
1999 Chevrolet Lumina LTZ 4dr Sedan
I bought this car in 2000 for 8500.00 w/40k miles. Its had one tune up and replaced the fuel pump/gas tank the first 2 weeks I had it. Since then its been in two car accidents (one was my fault) and had the front end body work done twice. Over 9 years it has had minimal problems. A/c, stuck window. Nothing Major. This year however, I have spent 1800.00 in repairs. 900 of that at the … Chevy dealer. Big mistake. All in all. Its been problem free. Now we may be facing a transmission problem. Motor runs perfectly still. We are nearing 214,000 miles and planning to hit 300 by dec! Body is still Nice. Rides great. Mpg 27 mpg when the engines needs it.. We will rebuild it
5 out of 5 stars
A Great Overall Car
mindbreaker21601, 02/12/2009
1999 Chevrolet Lumina LS 4dr Sedan
I just bought this car and it only had around 73,000 miles on it. I love the premium sound package that it has and the great bass from the factory speakers. My only regret is that they no longer make this car.
1999 Lumina Highlights
LTZ
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $195/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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