1997 Chevrolet Lumina Review: Road Test

the Lumina provides competent ride and handling. Ride quality leans to

the soft side, but not egregiously so. The standard power steering gives

the driver a reasonably accurate steering feel. The standard suspension

soaks up bumps without adding too much floatiness.

This generation Lumina, which appeared in the 1995 model year, was originally

engineered to replace the Caprice, so the engineers went out of their way

to give it the substantial, somewhat isolated feel of a traditional full-size

domestic sedan. The handling will seem slightly remote to someone used

to more nimble imports, but it is predictable and gets the job done without

any complaints or melodrama.

The standard engine is the same as last year's, a 160-horsepower 3.1-liter

V6 that delivers enough power for comfortable passing and maneuvering.

It is mated with GM's smooth 4T60-E four-speed automatic transmission.

Those looking for more performance can opt for the new LTZ. The complete