New to the standard equipment list for 1996 is air conditioning, seven-passenger seating, and an uplevel acoustical package. A small glovebox is compensated for by lots of auxiliary storage spots, including a dashboard recess. Storage space actually is minimal unless seats are folded down or, better yet, removed. In keeping with Chevy's family focus, integral child seats are available. A driver's airbag and antilock braking are standard. For a vehicle of this size and weight, too, the Lumina maneuvers with some dispatch. The van absorbs bumps capably, almost gliding past a lot of them. Occupants enjoy pleasant seating and a comfortable ride-a bit floaty and boatlike at times, but more like a ship that's moored securely. Even though the extra windshield pillars don't impede much of the view, large triangular panes on the side can be trouble in bad weather, lacking wipers or defrosters. Most drivers can't see the front end for parking, and even after you're accustomed to it, the vast, steep windshield seems odd every time you step inside. Upshifts are quick and barely discernible with the electronically controlled four-speed automatic.ĭriving the Lumina Minivan takes some getting used to. The Lumina is much quicker than one would expect. Acceleration is outstanding with the new standard 180-horsepower, 3.4-liter V6 engine, not only from a standing start but when merging and passing. Like the similar-but more costly-Oldsmobile Silhouette and Pontiac Trans Sport, the strangely-shaped Lumina never quite caught hold in the marketplace.įiberglass-like plastic body panels, bonded to a steel space frame, mean no rust worries. Not quite so dramatic or futuristic-looking as it used to be, Chevy's front-drive minivan never really rivaled the sales-leading Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, and the latest rendition of those two champs are proving unbeatable.
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