Ignore the front end of the '94 Levy Lumina Minivan and the rest adds up to just another clean, good-looking vehicle. But we simply couldn't 1 ore that front end. The severely raked windshield and radically sloped hood combined with a massive front bumper to give the vehicle a modern and distinctive profile.Completing the front-end treatment were contoured headlamp/cornering lamp assemblies and a gracefully curved air scoop under the leading edge of the bumper. It was an unusual look compared with most other minivans. Even the Star Trek-styled aluminum wheels reflected Chevy's effort to set this minivan apart from its competitors. Dent- and scratch-resistant composite materials form the Lumina Minivan's exceptionally clean side view. There was no side protective molding or trim on our test vehicle. Chevy designers were obviously convinced that with the high-strength outer panels, bodyside molding would be unnecessary. We hope they were right. Another unusual styling technique was the way the large, wraparound taillight assemblies were situated high on the rear roof pillars. They, too, contributed to this vehicle's unique look. However, the Lumina looked more like its competitors from the rear, where its flat liftgate and vinyl-covered step bumper were in typical minivan style. Color match between our two-toned Adriatic Blue and Gray Metallic test vehicle's composite, vinyl and metal components was flawless. Overall, fit-and-finish was excellent.
Entry through any of the Lumina Minivan's oversized doors was scrunch-free. Once inside one advantage one advantage of the van's unique front-end styling was made apparent to us: The vast windshield put us high up over the road to provide an impressive sensation. We liked the Lumina's overall roominess and seating comfort. It was a true seven-passenger touring van: There was ample headroom for everybody and plenty of legroom-except for the two seats way in back, which were largely intended for kids anyway. With the exception of the perfectly contoured front buckets, all seats were removable for increased cargo capacity. Loading was made easy by a power sliding side door and a power liftgate that worked effortlessly. With the exception of a turn-signal stalk that was overloaded with wiper and cruise control buttons, we liked the positioning and operation of the Lumina's instruments and power assists. The tilt steering wheel housed a standard air bag, but there was no counterpart on the passenger side. Headlight dimmers and other controls were mounted alongside the instrument cluster and within easy reach of our driver. Controls for the power windows and door locks were on the left armrest, where they were easy to locate and use. In front and rear, a bevy of map and courtesy lights that dimmed gradually when turned off added to the inviting feel of this minivan. Mesh cargo nets on the seatbacks and truly functional cupholders on the rear armrests and dash were just a few of the thoughtful touches that Chevy engineers incorporated. Placement of the great-sounding stereo system-high in the middle of the dash to make it easy to see and use-was also well-planned. |
