Under the name "Chevrolet-Lumina" in the 90s, the American minivan produced by the automobile company General Motors was widely known. Production lasted from 1990 to 1996, after which it was replaced by a more modern model, which became the Chevrolet Venture. But over the past six years, Lumina APV has managed to become very popular.
Briefly about the model
Prior to the release of the Chevrolet-Lumin, General Motors twice attempted to create a minivan that could compete with such popular cars as the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan. Those models were known as the Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari. They were almost identical to each other. And both attempts ended in failure, but the concern decided not to give up.
As a result, Lumina APV was released. Auto for all possibilities - this is how this three-letter abbreviation is translated into Russian. And a car with an unusual design and innovative features has gained popularity. It was a real success for General Motors.
Design
A characteristic external feature of the Chevrolet-Lumin minivan is the coincident angles of inclination and the windshield. This is not only an interesting design element, but also a practical nuance. Indeed, due to this design, the oncoming air flow is distributed most optimally when the machine is moving. Narrow headlights, a neat oval bumper and a radiator grille closed with a horizontal bar with a company logo can also be considered highlights. By the way, if you look at this car, you will notice that it is devoid of right angles. Its image is dominated by soft, smooth forms, due to which the body looks even streamlined.
Otherwise, everything is just like typical minivans. A short front, wide doorways and a solid body made of solid metal. A sliding door leading to the passenger compartment is located on one side only. By the way, side lights oriented in a vertical position can be considered another feature . And the hinged tailgate.
What about the sizes? In length, this car reaches 4933 mm. Its width is 1877 mm, and the height is 1656 mm.
Interior decoration
Inside the Chevrolet-Lumin looks simple but cozy. The interior was decorated with soft velor fabric, and the designers decided to cover the floor with carpet. The developers also took care of sound insulation, inserting elements that absorb noise in the doors.
This car is designed for 7 people. The minivan has 7 comfortable adjustable seats. Moreover, the middle seat of the second row is equipped with a transformation function. With a flick of the wrist, it can be turned into a wide table. On it for this there are even recesses for glasses. If they are not needed, then they can be closed with plugs. By the way, between the front seats there is a plastic stand designed for glasses.
It is also worth noting that the steering column of this minivan is adjustable both in tilt and reach. The dashboard is covered by a wide rectangular visor, and on the console you can see the climate control elements, a head unit and ventilation deflectors. It is also important to mention that the driver's seat is also equipped with many settings, so that a person of any complexion will be able to comfortably settle in.
Technical features
They also need to be mentioned when talking about a minivan such as a Chevrolet Lumina. Minivan specifications are not bad. Under the hood of this model was installed a 3.1-liter 2-valve engine, producing 120 “horses”. This unit was enough for the car to accelerate to a maximum of 160 km / h. And he exchanged the “hundred”, by the way, 13 seconds after the start of the movement.
The motor of this front-wheel drive van worked in tandem with a 3-speed automatic. He also had excellent disc and drum brakes.
By the way, this minivan had a 76-liter fuel tank, which at full refueling was enough for 650 kilometers in mixed mode. A very modest "appetite" had a "Chevrolet-Lumin" (minivan). Fuel consumption was only 11.7 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle.
Controllability
So, based on the foregoing, you can understand what the “Chevrolet-Lumin" (minivan) characteristic. Now it’s worth turning to the comments that people who own this model leave about this minivan.
Many call the Chevrolet Lumina APV a ship. And not only because of its appearance and dimensions. It’s a “ship” because it literally swims along the road. Managing this is a pleasure. Especially at high speed, when the car is pressed to the ground due to its aerodynamics.
But along with the pros, there are also disadvantages. There is one negative point in terms of handling, and it lies in the suspension. People who own the Lumina APV say this is a minivan weakness. Because of the suspension, the entire mass of the car falls on the front. In this situation, as the owners assure, the most important thing is to get used to perceiving the steering and ball tips as a consumable. Which, by the way, is not very expensive.
Exploitation
People who own a Chevrolet-Lumin car can still tell a lot of interesting things. Minivan reviews are very different. But mostly positive. People note with attention the excellent visibility and soft work of the "machine." The gears shift very smoothly. Those who have something to compare, claim that it is even better than on newer cars of the mid-2000s. The engine is also given special attention. Even in the most severe frosts, the engine starts the first time.
And of course, everyone is delighted with the internal free space. In this regard, the Chevrolet-Lumina (minivan) receives extremely positive feedback from the owners. There is a lot of back seat. You can just lie down and sleep in comfort. Especially if the front seats are pushed forward as much as possible.
But people scold the maneuverability of this car. Ground clearance is 17.5 centimeters, but when fully loaded, it decreases. On a bad canvas, this car is better to drive carefully, and off-road should be avoided at all.
Cost
This is the last thing I would like to talk about. Chevrolet Lumina APV is a solid, reliable and comfortable minivan. Many people, choosing a budget and roomy car, come to the conclusion that they need this particular model. And now you can find this car for sale completely.
For a well-kept car in good condition you will have to pay only 150,000 rubles. Of course, there are cheaper versions, up to 100,000 rubles, but with such machines, as a rule, there are problems in the form of corrosion, a broken suspension, etc.
So if a person needs an economical minivan, the Lumina APV will be a great option. Numerous positive reviews are the best confirmation of this.