2000 Chevrolet Lumina

By Bob Storck

This is likely the last year for the Lumina, since it rather awkwardly fits between the Malibu that has become more upscale and the Impala that is priced well enough to overlap.

The front seat is comfortable and has plenty of head room, a common disappointment on this class of car. The interior is a welcome change to Chevy's often dull and clumsy styling. They are now offering a single key for ignition, trunk and doors. It may take years, but they finally listen! If only they would do something about that ugly and clumsy turn signal/washer stalk. Dual zone temperature controls have been added to reduce husband/wife friction.

The cars now come standard with dual airbags, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, and an anti-theft system. A great safety feature is daytime running lights that make you much more visible, and has proven to be a great deterrent in preventing accidents.

Chevrolet makes as good a transmission as anyone, and better than many cars that cost much more. It is well tuned to the V6 engine and encourages you to select the gears manually during spirited drives in the hills and winding roads. Sixteen inch aluminum wheels can complement the firmer suspensions.