1997 Chevrolet Lumina Base from North America - Comments

Alternator (Replaced from a salvage yard for only $35.00, new was over $130 and get this, the used one still works).

Coolant thermostat stuck open.

Service engine soon light and low coolant light stays on.

EGR valve replaced at 165,000.

171,000 catalytic converter is whining.

Transmission starting to show age (slipping a little).

Water pump at 140,000. Easy swap.

Driver seat cushion wears out quickly. (replaced last year, and already needs replacing again).

I bought this car used from a family 4 years ago. Since then, the car has really been reliable. It has plenty of power, can break traction (Spin the tires a little), and corners like a small car.

There is plenty of room for long trips and can seat 5 comfortably, 6 tightly.

Gas mileage is great for a car this size (19 city, 29 highway).

My only major complaint with this car is that when something goes wrong, it is usually difficult to change out. Example, the location of the battery is under the water bottle, which is under a removable frame support. Why there? HUH?

Another difficult part (really impossible) is the coolant thermostat. It is located behind the front exhaust manifold collector. I gave up trying to replace it, I did not want to remove the exhaust system.

You have to unbolt the engine mounts in order to roll the engine forward to replace the rear spark plugs. Not too big of a deal, but still aggravating.

The trunk rails hang so low when the lid is closed, that it crushes anything in its way... forget stashing a body in there... just kidding.

However, I really love this car, and will drive it into the ground. Very dependable, fairly easy to replace the brakes, change the oil, and just regular maintenance. I have thoroughly enjoyed this car. So much that when this one finally goes, I will buy its replacement, the Impala.

I am the one who wrote the above opinion on the car. Here is an update. It is now March 17, 2006. We bought the car with about 131,000 miles on it. It now has 181,000 miles. It is still running, doesn't burn a drop of oil, and is reliable.

Three things have gone wrong, however.

1) The catalytic converter is still whining. Is started late summer, but through the winter (as long as it was cold outside) it was quite. Now it is getting warm again, and it is whining with vengence.

2) The mass air flow sensor is starting to go out. The car idles rough at times, but a mechanic diagnosed the problem... I haven't changed it as yet, because it hasn't totally died yet... a new one is $100.00.--yikes!

3) Tonight, the parking lights, dash lights went out. I recently added a tow hitch to the car to pull a small trailer occasionally. I think the extra wiring was too much, so I spend a day of it tomorrow and try to track down the fuse, or relay that is out.

Still the best car I have ever owned.

My Lumina has treated me pretty well also. Just a note:

"Example, the location of the battery is under the water bottle, which is under a removable frame support. Why there? HUH?"

I believe they put it there so as to make it much more difficult to steal.