1996 Chevrolet Lumina Where plain vanilla is a virtue. By Bob Markovich

Review Pages ---------------------------------------- 1. Overview 2. Walkaround and Interior 3. Driving Impressions 4. Summary, Prices, Specs     Compare Vehicles     Email to a Friend     Print version Select A Make Select A Model

If mid-size sedans sold on looks alone, conservatively styled favorites like Honda's Accord, Toyota's Camry and Ford's last-generation Taurus probably wouldn't have made it into so many driveways. All three compete with the Chevrolet Lumina in the largest, highest-volume hunk of the U.S. car market. It's a place where success is measured less on animal attraction than it is on the inner virtues of space and comfort at an attractive price. And in that sense, Chevy's Lumina rates as one of the most successful midsize sedans of all.

Consider these specs: At just $16,895 (including a standard $540 destination charge) to start, the front-drive Lumina comes with over 100 cu. ft. of passenger space, a beefy V6 and a 4-speed automatic. That's about $100 less than a smaller 4-cylinder Accord with an automatic, and some $300 south of a basic Camry with a 5-speed you shift yourself. It's also more than $1000 less than Ford's new entry-level Taurus G. Yet the Lumina offers similar overall space and standard equipment, along with an extra 15 hp over the standard Taurus V6.