1991 Chevrolet Lumina Base from North America - Comments

Replaced the alternator twice.

Replaced the water pump once.

Had to replace the front brakes on two occasions, rear brakes are original with only about 60 percent wear.

Rear facing head cracked around 70000 miles, rapidly leaking out coolant.

Transmission seal is starting to leak, and when it's low, the torque converter control solenoid locks the torque converter, cutting off the car when coming to a stop.

This car has been reliable; with heavy use for the last 10 years inspite of the few problems I've had with it. Always felt comfortable jumping in and taking it on a long trip.

I feel the 3.1 liter engine doesn't produce enough power for a car of that size, although it is adequate for general needs.

Just bought a 91 Lumina from a friend of mine that is a whole saler. Picked it up dirt cheap. I also have a problem with the torque converter locking up causing the car to stall. Disconnected the solenoid to see if it stops stalling. Question is do I just have to install a new solenoid to fix this problem? Or can I just leave it disconnected? Will this cause more problem up the road? Any Help will sure help. Robert Wixon.

I have a 91 lumina too... my torque converter went out... then the solenoid (sorry about spelling) for the torque converter... they disconnected it... (i had both replaced)...um...the only thing it will do if you leave it alone is not engage the torque converter... what this does is give you more top end power and less gas mileage... you might also want to check the motor mount... if you need any info...I've replaced about everything you can think on it...alt, starter, oil, spark plugs, spark plug wires, torque converter, torque converter solenoid, fuel pump, fuel filter, door handles... hey it's a 12 year old car with 145k on it... what can ya expect... parts don't last forever... but they sure are cheaper than car payments... my email is mork-mckerr@excite.com.

Hi, I recently bought a 1992 Lumina and it did have a few problems. Notably the tie rod ends and transmission filter. I replaced all 4 tires, spark plug wires, plugs, O2 sensor, front valve cover gasket, and had the transmission fluid filtered. This particular vehicle does have a noticeable kick to the motor mounts and after 2 hours of steady diving the car will stall at red lights and stop signs. Also the power seems to have improved after I replaced the transmission filter, gasket and fluid. It is a V6. Next on my list of to-do's is to replace the torque converter solenoid as I was advised by a local GE dealership. Also the motor mount that seems to turn the engine sideways when placed in forward or reverse. Thanks for the info. Louis.

My 1991 Lumina 4-door Sedan with 3.1 Liter engine was bought new and although reliable in most respects, it burns a hole in my wallet whenever the brakes have to be replaced. The rotors always have to be replaced because they cannot be machined. They are too thin to begin with and eventually become warped from the heat generated by braking. Three years after buying the car in July of 1991, I started to read about problems with the rear disc brake assembly rusting and eventually seizing. This was caused by the fact that when applying the parking brake it would not always fully release. The sliders would not return to their normal position. I have kept a detail log of all the repairs done and it runs to over 125 times I've had this car in for servicing. I currently have 205,000 Kms (127,000 miles) on the car. Repairs and regular maintenance have run to about $17,000 Canadian ($12,000 US). Aside from the annoying and costly brake repairs, it's hard to give up on this car. The body is in good shape, not many rust spots, and the engine and transmission have not been a problem (touch wood) to now. It still provides good gas mileage on the highway when running a steady 100 KmPH (62 MPH) ; in past highway trips I've gotten around 35 miles per UK gallon (29 miles per US gallon). I'm going to try to run this car into the ground before getting a new one.

I have a 91 chevy lumina euro sedan. it is very reliable with the exception of a few maintance needs. the rear seal is starting to go bad and the body is starting to show its age. The car is good for highway trips and is very comfortable to drive. There is a need for more horsepower. The torque is the only thing that gives it some jump.