Introduction

We've always thought the Chevy Lumina would be the perfect illustration for the generic "car" entry in an encyclopedia. The Lumina has all of the basics and none of the frills. It is sturdy, reliable, roomy, and inexpensive. It scores at the top of the charts in crashworthiness and at the bottom in theft rates. With traits like those, you won't be surprised to learn that the Lumina gets little respect from car buffs. Neither will you be surprised to learn that the Lumina was among the top-10 cars in sales last year. A solid car at a solid price will always have a market. For 1998, the Lumina continues in its honest ways, although it has picked up a few frills. OnStar, GM's nifty navigation, security and personal service system, can be added as an option. And the performance-oriented LTZ model, which debuted last year, has a better, more reliable powertrain package this year.

Walkaround

At 201 inches, the Lumina is 13 inches longer than a Toyota Camry and 4 inches longer than a Ford Taurus, putting it at the large end of the midsize category. The front and rear overhangs are unfashionably long but the shape does deliver such benefits as an extra-large 15.5-cubic-foot trunk. The Lumina comes in three trim levels: base, LS and LTZ. The base and LS models are indistinguishable in appearance except for the LS's larger wheels. The LTZ, on the other hand, sports a rear decklid spoiler, more stylish front and rear fascia, fancier wheels and body-colored side mirrors. Under the sleepy sheetmetal, though, lies one of the Lumina's best features: good crash protection. In collision tests conducted by both the government and the insurance industry, the Lumina scored very well in protecting its occupants. In real-world numbers the Lumina does well too, with injury rates well below average among all sedans. These rates reflect to some degree the generally conservative drivers Lumina attracts, but they also reflect the vehicle's crashworthiness. The Lumina has one of the lowest theft rates, as well. All Luminas have as standard equipment the effective PASS-Key II anti-theft system that disables the engine if someone tries to start the car without the correct key. All radios above the base system include a TheftLock security feature. If you live or work in a neighborhood with theft problems, the modest and well-protected Lumina makes a lot of sense. The Lumina, as do most GM vehicles nowadays, has daytime running lights, which are lighted whenever the ignition is on. For '98, these lights burn at a lower intensity to help the bulbs last longer. An automatic sensor turns them up to full strength when night comes.

Interior Features

The Lumina's interior is noteworthy for its plain simplicity and its roominess. The standard seating capacity is six passengers; the LTZ has bucket seats up front and, therefore, can carry five passengers. The back seat fits three real adults. A $125 optional integrated child seat is a convenient and space-efficient way to carry a youngster. The minimal controls are clear and easy to use. Round, analog gauges are housed in the instrument panel, while large, rotary knobs control the heating system. Everything is within easy reach, but it would be better if the more frequently used radio controls were located above the heating controls. Extensive sound-deadening has produced a pleasantly quiet interior. The $17,795 base Lumina has a solid menu of standard features: dual air bags, air conditioning, automatic transmission, power door locks, rear child locks, height-adjustable seat belts up front and child comfort adjustment loops on the rear belts. It has a short, thoughtful list of amenities including a gas cap tether, intermittent wipers, and a lined storage cubby to the left of the steering wheel handy for toll tickets. An oil wear indicator alerts the driver when it's time to change the oil. More than just an oil odometer, it calculates wear based on driving habits by tracking engine temperatures and engine speeds. Lots of short, cold hops around town? The light will come on sooner. Scores of easy-riding highway miles? You can stretch out the time between oil changes. Stepping up to the LS trim level we tested adds $2000 to the base price and many good features: antilock brakes (ABS), power windows and mirrors, cruise control, a better radio with a cassette player, 16-inch wheels, trip odometer, cargo net and a higher quality of cloth on the seats. OnStar, previously found only on Cadillacs, is an intriguing new option this year for the Lumina. With this system, you are linked via cellular phone to a 24-service center that can identify your location and perform many services. Among other things, the OnStar advisors can give you directions, tell you where the nearest gas station or ATM is, make hotel reservations, unlock your car doors remotely, and even diagnose some car troubles. If you are in an accident and the airbags deploy, the center will receive a signal and can call for an ambulance even if you are unconscious. OnStar isn't cheap. It costs about $1,000 to purchase and install, plus a monthly service charge of $22.50. But the idea of always being able to reach a human being for help can be comforting.