
(1993-95)ĭescription: The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1992-95)ĭescription: The 3.8-liter engine is prone to excessive oil consumption often accompanied by spark knock due to failure of the valve-stem seals. (1992-94)ĭescription: A rattling noise at startup is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1995-96)ĭescription: Bearing knock on many 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines is due to too much clearance on the number one main bearing requiring it to be replaced with a 0.001-inch undersize bearing.
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(1993-96)ĭescription: Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. (1992-94)ĭescription: The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. Poor grounds also allow wrong gear starts. (1990-94)ĭescription: 4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. The optional power sliding door is convenient.ĭescription: TH-125 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. With all seats installed, there’s little room for cargo, but each rear seatback folds down to create a 4×6-foot load space. Versatile interiors seat up to seven, using modular seats that weigh just 34 pounds each and remove in seconds. Storage bins are everywhere, and there’s no engine hump to hinder passage to the rear. Undersized climate controls are the only serious flaw on the dashboard. The 3.4-liter V6 installed in final Minivans feels stronger than the 3.1, but less lively than the 3.8-liter. An optional 165-horsepower “3800” V6 with 4-speed automatic, offered since ’92, moves more quickly and gives the Lumina performance to match or exceed its rivals from Ford and Chrysler. Once at highway speed, on the other hand, the minivan settles in for fine cruising. So, give yourself plenty of time and room to merge into traffic or overtake other vehicles. The 3.1-liter V6 simply runs out of breath in a hurry. Lack of power is a major drawback in early models, especially at passing speeds when fully loaded. Smooth and quiet on the road, the minivan leans modestly in turns and offers good rain/snow traction, but steering feels much too light. This minivan drives much like a passenger car, cornering with commendable control and absorbing most bumps without harshness or wallowing. Even after the snout was shortened for 1994, forward visibility could be a problem.ĭon’t be dissuaded by appearances, as the APV has several notable virtues. Most people quickly get used to that, but it’s still difficult to see the front end while maneuvering. The long sloping snout with steep windshield cuts into interior space and looks oddly daunting from the driver’s seat–almost like you’re steering from the back seat. Lumina Minivans disappeared after ’96, replaced by an all-new steel-bodied Venture. Other than extended-life transmission fluid, little change was evident.Ī new 3.4-liter V6 became standard, as all models got seven passenger seating and standard air conditioning. Traction control became an option later in the year. Integrated child safety seats became available in 7-passenger models. Restyling shortened the nose, and the “APV” suffix was replaced by “Minivan.” Overall length shrunk three inches, and a driver-side airbag was added. Upmarket APVs switched from a CL to LS designation, gaining new acoustical insulation to reduce engine, road, and wind noise. If the sliding door senses an obstruction, it automatically reverses to the open position. New springs and strut/shock valving promised to improve the ride.Ī power sliding door became available late in the model year. Only a 3-speed automatic could be used with the 3.1-liter engine. With that powertrain, towing capacity rose to 3000 pounds.

A stainless-steel exhaust system was installed.Ī 165-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 joined the option list for all APV models, connected to a new 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. Nonreflective carpeting was added to the top of the huge dashboard shelf and claimed to improve visibility. The Editors of Consumer Guide are regular contributors to the following programs:.Car Shopping From Home: Carvana vs Vroom vs CarMax.


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