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1997
Chevrolet Lumina

Starts at:
$16,945
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New 1997 Chevrolet Lumina
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn
    Starts at
    $16,945
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LS
    Starts at
    $19,145
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LTZ
    Starts at
    $19,445
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1997 Chevrolet Lumina review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Chevrolet long ago embraced the element of the sporting life with its Camaro and Corvette models.

For 1997, Chevy adds a new level of sportiness with its new Lumina sedan.

Called the Lumina LTZ Sedan, this all-new model offers sports car-type motoring for owners who have the need for four doors and a bench-type back seat.

“It’s sort of like a hot-rod sedan,” said Al Young, president of Dan Young Chevrolet-Geo. “It’s like the SS Impala was, except it’s a different car.”

There are the standard Lumina and Lumina LS models for 1997 that are designed to provide driver and passengers with Chevrolet’s ongoing reliable and affordable transportation. But it is the LTZ that causes the sedan to soar to new heights of performance.

On hand is an optional 215-horsepower V-6, a new four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission; high-speed, 16-inch tires for enhanced traction; and exclusive exterior and interior styling themes.

The LTZ is its own Lumina, designed as a driver’s car but still offering the comfort and convenience of a five-passenger four- door.

The heart of the Lumina LTZ’s performance orientation is its optional 3.4-liter, double overhead-cam V-6 engine.

By upgrading from the standard 3.1-liter V-6 and adding four overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, a quantum leap is made in available power.

The flip side of this performance picture is that those horses take some oats to make them go, with a drop of about three miles per gallon. Mileage for the 3.4-liter is 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. For the 3.1-liter engine, it is 20 mpg /29 mpg.

That, however, is really not too much of a difference considering the power differential between the two motors.

Teamed with the four-cam engine is GM’s 4T65-E four-speed automatic.

As a step above the standard 4T60-E Lumina automatic, technical features of the 4T65-E include electronic controls that adjust shift quality and adapt to changing conditions; controls that protect against over-revving the engine in low-range gears and a dual- phase sprocket for the chain system.

In addition, the automatic’s Dexron III transmission fluid never needs replacement under normal service.

As a front-wheel drive, both wheels and tires are of great importance in order to control the power. So the Lumina uses P225/60R-16 Eagle RS-A touring tires mounted on 16-inch sport aluminium wheels.

Stopping power is by disc brakes on all four wheels rather than the disc front, drum rear system on the standard Lumina.

To make the LTZ stand apart from its siblings, there are specific front and rear fascia treatments plus stylish bodyside mouldings. Other exclusive styling cues are a rear deck spoiler and LTZ badging.

In the cabin, the sports theme is enhanced by unique LTZ graphics emblazoned on the dash and embroidered on the center of the rear bench seat.

As a five-seater, the cockpit layout is pretty much state-of- the-art, with individual bucket seats separated by a center console. An interesting feature of the instrumentation is low-oil level and wear indicators.

Prices to date are not known, as the model hasn’t hit the showrooms just yet.

“I don’t know when Chevrolet is going to release the car,” Young said. “Maybe next month, maybe in November.”

1997 Chevrolet Lumina review: Our expert's take
By

Chevrolet long ago embraced the element of the sporting life with its Camaro and Corvette models.

For 1997, Chevy adds a new level of sportiness with its new Lumina sedan.

Called the Lumina LTZ Sedan, this all-new model offers sports car-type motoring for owners who have the need for four doors and a bench-type back seat.

“It’s sort of like a hot-rod sedan,” said Al Young, president of Dan Young Chevrolet-Geo. “It’s like the SS Impala was, except it’s a different car.”

There are the standard Lumina and Lumina LS models for 1997 that are designed to provide driver and passengers with Chevrolet’s ongoing reliable and affordable transportation. But it is the LTZ that causes the sedan to soar to new heights of performance.

On hand is an optional 215-horsepower V-6, a new four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission; high-speed, 16-inch tires for enhanced traction; and exclusive exterior and interior styling themes.

The LTZ is its own Lumina, designed as a driver’s car but still offering the comfort and convenience of a five-passenger four- door.

The heart of the Lumina LTZ’s performance orientation is its optional 3.4-liter, double overhead-cam V-6 engine.

By upgrading from the standard 3.1-liter V-6 and adding four overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, a quantum leap is made in available power.

The flip side of this performance picture is that those horses take some oats to make them go, with a drop of about three miles per gallon. Mileage for the 3.4-liter is 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. For the 3.1-liter engine, it is 20 mpg /29 mpg.

That, however, is really not too much of a difference considering the power differential between the two motors.

Teamed with the four-cam engine is GM’s 4T65-E four-speed automatic.

As a step above the standard 4T60-E Lumina automatic, technical features of the 4T65-E include electronic controls that adjust shift quality and adapt to changing conditions; controls that protect against over-revving the engine in low-range gears and a dual- phase sprocket for the chain system.

In addition, the automatic’s Dexron III transmission fluid never needs replacement under normal service.

As a front-wheel drive, both wheels and tires are of great importance in order to control the power. So the Lumina uses P225/60R-16 Eagle RS-A touring tires mounted on 16-inch sport aluminium wheels.

Stopping power is by disc brakes on all four wheels rather than the disc front, drum rear system on the standard Lumina.

To make the LTZ stand apart from its siblings, there are specific front and rear fascia treatments plus stylish bodyside mouldings. Other exclusive styling cues are a rear deck spoiler and LTZ badging.

In the cabin, the sports theme is enhanced by unique LTZ graphics emblazoned on the dash and embroidered on the center of the rear bench seat.

As a five-seater, the cockpit layout is pretty much state-of- the-art, with individual bucket seats separated by a center console. An interesting feature of the instrumentation is low-oil level and wear indicators.

Prices to date are not known, as the model hasn’t hit the showrooms just yet.

“I don’t know when Chevrolet is going to release the car,” Young said. “Maybe next month, maybe in November.”

Safety review

Based on the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Side driver
4/5
Side rear passenger
3/5

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 20 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 3.8
Performance 4.3
Value 4.4
Exterior 3.8
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • Most reliable car i've owned

    This car is a family car. It is safe, reliable and drives great! We never have had a problem with it, just regular maintenance. Great on gas too!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Nice old car

    Very comfortable, if ever wants to put a baby to sleep, this car is the one!! Smooter ride than my brand new vehicles of any model!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • $400 car 202,000 still running great.

    I bought this car and am the 2nd owner. Replaced the notorius upper & lower intake manifold gaskets. Now running great, getting about 20 mpg/city and 26 Hwy. Big, dependable and comfortable. Parts are laughably cheap online. I shooting for 300,000. I am an ASE-Certified technician and will never sell this car !
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most reliable car I've ever owned

    This car ran extremely well and I never experienced any problems with it. The car drives extremely smooth and gets exceptional gas mileage. It is a great family car with plenty of space inside.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • BEST CAR EVER

    My family bought this car in 1997 brand new off the lot. It was our family vehicle until 2010 when it was passed onto me. I kept the car for a couple of years. My dad convinced me to buy a new vehicle cause this one was getting old. I sadly took his advise and bought a dodge caliber. BIG mistake!!!! The lumina is still on the road today, it had a small bit of rust on the front wheel wheel that was fixed. The lumina was the best car and i regret selling it to this day. If you have this car..... keep it!!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Chev Lumina

    I bought this car new. There were some issues. Power steering unit had to be replaced, window motor went bad, visor bracket fell out out of headliner. After that stuff it was mostly wear and tear.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great car, very reliable.

    This car was very spacious and comfortable. Drove 50 miles daily to work for years and never had any issues with performance.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • GM repaired my visor, it was never fixed!

    GM saved $0.17 per car by using a plastic head gasket. That one melted, I have a real head gasket now! I've repaired many things on this car and still drive it today.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great car

    Got mine with 224k on it had for about 8 months only had to replace spark pugs on it and i slid into a curb havent done any repairs to it now its got about 250k on it still running like a champ even after all the off roading driving through puddles and going through water that went up to the windows ive put through things a little s10or ranger could only dream of going through never got stuck once and still running great
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Faithful old steed

    I got a 97 Lumina with the 3.1 V6 with 165K miles on it, now up to 281K miles! Biggest thing to watch out for is the lower intake manifold gasket leaking. It's a well know fault. Besides that, nothing big (gas tank, widow controls, water pump, time chain cover gasket). Finally rusting to death after 15 years, but it's running great right to the end! I'll shed a tear when I get rid of it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Junk, piece of junk

    bought 2 months ago with warrenty, been in shop 5 times with warrenty no help...complete junk 4sale.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • One of the best cars I had

    I had this car for three years!It did not boom out on me.I just wanted something different because I drove it everyday.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina?

The 1997 Chevrolet Lumina is available in 3 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • LS (1 style)
  • LTZ (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina?

The 1997 Chevrolet Lumina offers up to 20 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina reliable?

The 1997 Chevrolet Lumina has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1997 Chevrolet Lumina owners.

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. 95.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 20 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 3.8
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 3.8
  • Reliability: 4.5
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