• Year: 1997
• Make: Chevrolet
• Model: Lumina
• Trim:
• Body style: 4 Dr Sedan
• Mileage: 92633
• Engine: V-6 3.1
• Trans: Automatic
• Exterior Color: Granite Met
• Interior Color: Medium Grey
• Stock: P504
• VIN: 2G1WL52M3V1188502

Like most General Motors vehicles, the Lumina has daytime running lights (DRL), which illuminates the headlights at a low intensity whenever the ignition is turned on. New for '97 is a feature that corrects a common problem with DRL: forgetting to turn the lights up to full strength when darkness falls. An automatic sensor now turns up the headlights when it gets dark and turns them down when it's light.

A genuine family value.

In keeping with its ''stick-to-the-basics'' design philosphy, the Lumina provides competent ride and handling. Ride quality leans to the soft side, but not egregiously so. The standard power steering gives the driver a reasonably accurate steering feel. The standard suspension soaks up bumps without adding too much floatiness.

This generation Lumina, which appeared in the 1995 model year, was originally engineered to replace the Caprice, so the engineers went out of their way to give it the substantial, somewhat isolated feel of a traditional full-size domestic sedan. The handling will seem slightly remote to someone used to more nimble imports, but it is predictable and gets the job done without any complaints or melodrama.

The standard engine is the same as last year's, a 160-horsepower 3.1-liter V6 that delivers enough power for comfortable passing and maneuvering. It is mated with GM's smooth 4T60-E four-speed automatic transmission.

Those looking for more performance can opt for the new LTZ. The complete LTZ package includes a 215-hp 3.4-liter V6, paired with the new 4T65-E four-speed transmission, designed to accommodate the extra power.

Complementing the larger engine is a suspension package for a firmer, more controlled ride. The LTZ also features premium P225/60R-16 touring tires for more traction, as well as the better stopping power of ABS with four-wheel disc brakes, instead of the basic disc/drum combination.

The LTZ is priced in two steps. The base price of $19,995 includes the appearance and convenience items. Add in the 3.4-liter engine, heavier transmission, sport suspension and tires, and the price rises to $22,241.

Both engines feature money-saving maintenance aspects such as 100,000-mile spark plugs and 5-year/100,000-mile coolant.

Once inside our basic Lumina tester, we were struck by the roominess and plain simplicity of interior. If the Amish liked cars, they would like this one. There is plenty of room all around; the standard seating capacity is six passengers, and the back seat can even fit three real adults. An integrated child seat is available ($195).

The minimal controls are clear and easy to use. The instrument panel consists of large round analog gauges, and the heating controls employ large rotary knobs. It would be better if the more-frequently-used radio controls were above the heating controls, but everything is within easy reach. Extensive sound-deadening has produced a pleasantly quiet interior.

New for 1997 is a clever indicator that tells you when it's time to change the oil. It calculates wear based on your 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 highway miles? You can stretch out the time between oil changes.

The Lumina has a sound menu of basics as standard features: dual air bags, air conditioning, automatic transmission, power 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.

Stepping up to the LS trim level adds about $2200 to the base price and a good selection of features: antilock brakes, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, a better radio with a cassette player, 16-inch wheels instead of 15, trip odometer, cargo net in the trunk and a higher quality of cloth on the seats. The LTZ has all of the above-- except cruise control--for about $2500 more than the base Lumina.

Several options are only available on the LS and LTZ, including a power sunroof (new this year), front bucket seats, dual-zone temperature controls, and steering wheel controls for the radio (also new this year).

The fact that 80% prefer the base Lumina says a lot about how value-conscious its buyers are. Many prefer to add only the specific features they desire. Key options and their prices include antilock brakes ($575), uplevel radio/cassette player ($232), rear window defogger ($170), upgraded seat cloth ($100), and an equipment group that includes power windows and mirrors, cruise control, remote trunk release, floor mats, and cargo net ($758).

There is no denying that on the pizzazz-o-meter, the standard Lumina scores about one step above a resting heart rate. The LTZ performance package boosts the excitment level, but it still won't be mistaken for a Bavarian sport sedan.

Nonetheless, there is a lot to be said for a solid, intelligently equipped, reliable, modestly priced car. The Lumina fits that bill very nicely.

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