New Car Review

1995 CHEVROLET LUMINA LS SEDAN

by: BILL RUSS

The 1995 Lumina is Chevrolet's newest entry in the highly competitive mid-size, four-door family sedan market. Originally introduced in 1989 the Lumina quickly became a volume leader. In Chevy's model lineup it is right in the middle between the full-size Caprice and the compact Cavalier.

The latest Lumina graphically illustrates the new statement, Genuine Chevrolet This statement was summed up by Jim Perkins, Chevrolet's Division Manager, in this concise pronouncement "Chevrolet is committed to building high-value, well-equipped cars and trucks. . ." The 1995 Lumina features a completely new design and is built using more efficient manufacturing practices. Not only are two-thirds of its components totally new, but it requires almost 900 fewer parts, and there is a considerably higher level of standard equipment.

The new Lumina is only available as a four-door sedan. The two door coupe will now wear the Monte Carlo badge. Lumina sedans are available in two trim levels, standard and LS. The LS model offers a standard 160 horsepower 3.1 liter V6, or an optional 3.7 liter V6 that develops 210 horsepower. Some of the major now-standard equipment includes a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, air conditioning, an anti-theft system and power door-locks.

Rides and drives through the mountains of northern Georgia, plus a family outing driving up California's scenic Route 1 from San Francisco to colorful Mendocino left these impressions:

APPEARANCE: The 1995 Lumina LS displays completely new sheet metal. Its new design is lower, wider and more aerodynamic than its predecessor. The front is accented by a long low hood with the familiar Chevy bow-tie bisecting the small horizontal grille and wide rounded headlamps above a large integrated bumper. A relatively short rear deck has a low lift-over hatch and prominent wrap-around taillights. The gently rounded large cabin area has four wide-opening doors, lots of glass and wide side mirrors. Optional 16-inch alloy wheels and Goodyear Eagle GA touring tires add a touch of class.

COMFORT: Our LS model can seat six adults fairly comfortably. Up front is a 40/60 split bench seat with a fold-down arm rest and a steering-column-mounted shift lever. In back the bench seat also has an arm rest, plus ample head and leg room. The optional six-way powered drivers seat is mighty helpful for short drivers, while the optional keyless remote entry, plus power windows and side mirrors, as well as a remote trunk opener and cargo net are comforts we've come to expect. The standard air conditioner kept the cabin very comfortable in 90 degree plus weather. Good sound and long range pickup came from the standard four-speaker AM/FM/cassette system. Other amenities included a spacious flat low-liftover trunk, rear window defogger and easy to see and reach controls.

SAFETY: In addition to dual air bags and anti-lock brakes, the Lumina LS is also fitted with height adjustable front shoulder straps and three-point outboard seat belts. The unisteel body includes side guard door beams plus additional side impact structure, five mile-per-hour bumpers and front and rear crush zones. A complete stainless steel exhaust system reduces corrosion and the chance for leaks.

ROADABILITY: The new Lumina provides the ride and handling qualities that are favored by most mid-size sedan divers. It is fitted with the Soft-Ride FE1, four-wheel independent suspension layout that includes front and rear stabilizer bars, as well as power rack-and-pinion steering. On the highway the Lumina rides very softly and quietly, but it does exhibit some body lean on turns. City driving over bumps and potholes shows off its new stronger structure and suspension improvements to advantage. All-around vision is excellent, and added insulation plus flush glass minimize road noise.

PERFORMANCE: The base engine for the Lumina LS is the 3100 SFI V6. It replaces the older V6 and offers more power and performance, increased fuel economy, quieter operation and reduced emissions. Improvements include Sequential Port Fuel Injection, distributorless ignition and a structural oil pan. This upgraded powerplant now develops 160 horsepower and 185 foot pounds of torque. Smooth shifting up and down the range is provided by Hydra-matic's time-proven 4T60-E four-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination provides a wide band of power that is more than adequate for most merging, passing as well as emergency maneuvering situations.

CONCLUSION: The 1995 Lumina LS features new body styling, a redesigned interior, an improvedengine and automatic transmission plus many additional standard features at a very competitive price.

SPECIFICATIONS:
1995 CHEVROLET LUMINA LS SEDAN

	   
	   Base Price              $ 16,970
	   Price As Tested         $ 18,410
	   Engine Type             V-6, ohv - pushrod, sfi
	   Engine Size             3.1 liter/191 cid   
	   Horsepower              160 @ 5200
	   Torque (ft/lbs)         185 @ 4000
	   Wheelbase/Length        108"/201"
	   Transmission            4-speed electric auto w/od
	   Curb Weight             3380
	   Pounds per Horsepower   21
	   Fuel Capacity           17
	   Fuel Requirement        Unleaded regular (87 oct)
	   Tire                    Goodyear Eagle GA P225/60R16 M+S
	   Brake                   anti-lock standard      disc/drum
	   Drive Train             front engine/front drive
	   
	   
			 PERFORMANCE    
	   
	   EPA Economy - miles per gallon,        
	     city/highway/observed      19/29/24.3     
	   0 to 60 mph                  9.6 sec
	   1/4 mi (E.T.)                17.2 sec  
	   Coefficient of drag (cd)     .32