Chevrolet Lumina APV

The Chevrolet Lumina APV (APV stood for All Purpose Vehicle) debuted for 1990, and was GM's first stab at a real minivan entry (the closest vehicle they had up until then, the Chevy Astro, was a rear-drive truck-based model). The APV was of course based on the all-new Lumina, and initially featured a 120 hp 3.1L (191 cid) V6 engine, a 3-Speed Automatic, and front wheel drive. GM now had a more direct competitor to Chrysler's Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager minivans, which were also car-based and front wheel drive. The APV (and its corporate clones, the Oldsmobile Silhouette and the Pontiac Trans Sport) had a design that could either be described as distinctive or radical. Some loved it, while others... didn't. Its massive, steeply raked windshield with its "dustbuster" nose treatment gave many drivers the impression that they were driving from the back seat area (it did measure a good 2 feet from the forward edge of the dashboard to the base of the windshield). The taillights mounted way up on the rear roof pillars didn't win many fans either. The Lumina APV featured body panels of fiberglasslike composite bonded to a steel framework. There were Base and CL editions, and both models could seat up to 7 passengers. 1991 models received a non-reflecting carpet base atop the dashboard to help cut down on distracting reflections on the windshield. The lack of power from the base 3.1 engine prompted GM to offer the 165 hp 3.8L (231 cid) V6 as an option in 1992, which came with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The base 3.1 engine continued as before. 1993 models gained a power-sliding door as an option on the LS models (which replaced the CL models). Did you know that some versions of the Dustbuster minivans (These were 7-Passenger)had 14 cupholders?!

The APVs and Trans Sports received a new shorter nose in 1994, which resembled a contemporary Pontiac Bonneville, shrinking overall length by 3 inches (the Oldsmobile, however, would retain its original nose). Also a driver's side airbag was added. The Lumina sedan was all-new in 1995, but the current APV carried on with little change this year. The 1996 APVs got a new base engine, a 3.4L (207 cid) V6, while the 3.8 remained optional. All models were now 7-seaters and air conditioning was now standard. The APV would be replaced in 1997 by an all new steel-bodied minivan called the Venture.

Main Competitors

 * Nissan Micra
 * Hyundai Getz
 * Mitsubishi Colt
 * Toyota Yaris
 * Honda Fit/Jazz
 * Tata Indica
 * Hyundai i20
 * Chevrolet Aveo