1998 Chevrolet Lumina review from North America

Hertz rental car bought at 23000 miles at end of 1999.

Alternator replaced 2004. No warning, but died soon after battery was replaced. Mileage was about 75,000.

Anti-Lock disk brakes repaired under warranty. Never told problem, but headlights would dim when applying brakes. Fix also repaired extreme sensitivity when brakes got warm on hill driving.

That was about 31,000.

The brake caliper was very loose and local mechanic showed me caliper hold down bolt was not completely threaded and bolt just stops. Dealer never found this problem when working on previous anti-lock problem. This was found when replacing front pads at 50,000. Note: squeak in rear brakes at 95,000 blew out dust. Shoes looked practically new.

Air conditioning went out before winter and repaired in Summer. I think it was due to leak in a/c radiator (?) and replaced. Result was drier and compressor were also replaced. Very expensive about $1200.

Car has slight oil leak at top rear of engine. Leaks down front near power steering pump. This has been going on since 37,000. Its coming from location of old distributor (I know car has no distributor) but that's the location. I steam clean engine 2-3 times a year, can't say same about oily concrete driveway.

This summer, turn signal became unreliable. Now that its winter, it works just fine. It needs turn signal switch which is common problem on GM cars.

Car runs OK. Sometimes it takes two tries to start, but it always starts. Coldest it gets is about 35F. Paint started peeling on one side, I covered with clear coat and looks awful, but stabilized peeling.

I have problems with Static Electric shock on this car. It might be due to the velour seat material. Its much worse than any previous car I've owned. I think leather seats would prevent shock.

I also own 2002 Taurus rental. Lumina is so much better, I've stopped complaining about it. Lumina is quieter, less road noise, less peppy and no water leaks on body.

Its pretty good value for the money; $9,995 in 1999. Nice accessory level.