Chevrolet's Lumina was a front-drive mid-size 4-door family sedan. It competed against the likes of its Chrysler Concorde/Dodge Monaco/Intrepid/Eagle Vision siblings, the Ford Taurus, the Toyota Camry, and the Honda Accord.
A modern-day Chevrolet Cruze from 2016-2019 is almost the same size as (but more expensive than) a 1990-1994 Chevrolet Lumina sedan.
Year-to-year changes (sedan)[]
1991[]
In its first generation, there were a total of five trim levels for the Chevrolet Lumina. Three of them were for the 2-door coupe (base, Euro and Z34), and two were for the 4-door sedan (base and Euro).
1995[]
The Lumina was completely redesigned for 1995. The new design was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January 1994, and the first 1995 Lumina rolled off the assembly line on March 7, 1994, when pricing was announced afterwards. Sales began in late May/early June 1994.
Offering a high level of standard equipment, the base sedan was equipped with dual airbags, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, theft-deterrent system, intermittent wipers and 4-speed automatic transmission. The other available model was the LS, which added extras like power windows, upholstery with French seams and AM/FM/cassette stereo. This model replaced the Euro 3.4 sedan designation, and all Euro package features were carried forward or improved in the LS.
The powertrain on the base model was a 160-horsepower 3.1-liter pushrod V6 and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This transmission was shared with the Lumina LS as standard equipment. However, LS buyers could choose a much more powerful 210-horsepower dohc 3.4-liter V6 as an option.
Also available to LS buyers were 16-in. aluminum wheels and a firm ride sport suspension option. Rear disc brakes were not available for 1995. Instead, the rear brakes were now drum-type, although discs were still used up front. GM's innovative ABS-VI system was standard on the LS and optional on the base model.
Year-to-year changes (coupe)[]
1995[]
For 1995, the Lumina coupe was replaced by the new Monte Carlo, which was mechanically similar to the Lumina. Reviving a nameplate that was first introduced in 1970 and last made in 1988, Chevrolet's all-new hits the midsize market looking to attract buyers who have their sights set on a personal luxury coupe. Basically, the Monte Carlo was a 2-door version of Chevrolet's new Lumina 4-door sedan, as there no longer was a Lumina coupe. The new went head to head with Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar with two models, the base LS and upscale Z34, plus a special Z34-based Brickyard 400 Pace Car replica limited-edition model.
Powertrain choices were restricted by model. LS models received a 160-horsepower 3.1-liter V6, and Z34s get the big 210-horsepower dohc 3.4-liter V6. There are no engine options. Both engines come standard with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Standard equipment included dual airbags, air conditioning, 4-wheel independent suspension, power windows and antilock brakes.
The Brickyard 400 Pace Car edition came in only one color: all white (including white 16-in. alloy wheels) with special graphics and a rear-deck spoiler. The package also included a trunk-mounted CD changer and special interior emblems.
Seating for LS models consisted of a cloth-covered split bench. Z34s got cloth-covered bucket seats, with leather seat coverings optional.
An optional uplevel AM/FM stereo system included a speed-compensated volume control that would automatically keep the volume above the road noise to increase the speed. When slowing down or stopping, volume would be lowered to the preset level.
Along with the 1995 Chevrolet Lumina, the new Monte Carlo went on sale beginning in late May/early June 1994.
Retail prices[]
2DR Coupe[]
| Model year | Trim level | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Euro | $16,875 | $525 | December 17, 1993 |
| 1995 | LS | $16,770 | $525 | March 16, 1994 |
| 1995 | Z34 | $18,970 | $525 | March 16, 1994 |
| 1996 | LS | $17,255 | $540 | September 4, 1995 |
| 1996 | Z34 | $19,455 | $540 | September 4, 1995 |
| 1997 | LS | $17,445 | $550 | July 27, 1997 |
| 1997 | Z34 | $19,945 | $550 | July 27, 1997 |
4DR Sedan[]
| Model year | Trim level | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Euro | $16,515 | $525 | December 17, 1993 |
| 1995 | Base | $15,470 | $525 | March 16, 1994 |
| 1995 | LS | $16,970 | $525 | March 16, 1994 |
| 1995 | Base | $15,760 | $535 | December 21, 1994 |
| 1995 | LS | $17,260 | $535 | December 21, 1994 |
| 1996 | Base | $16,355 | $540 | September 4, 1995 |
| 1996 | LS | $18,055 | $540 | September 4, 1995 |
| 1997 | Base | $16,945 | $550 | July 27, 1997 |
| 1997 | LS | $19,145 | $550 | July 27, 1997 |
| 1997 | LTZ | $19,445 | $550 | July 27, 1997 |
Gallery[]
Lumina (4DR Sedan)[]
.jpg "95lumina(2).jpg (88 KB)")
.jpg "95luminals(2).jpg (85 KB)")
Monte Carlo (2DR Coupe)[]
.jpg "95montecarlols(2).jpg (80 KB)")
.jpg "95montecarloz34(2).jpg (81 KB)")
