Overview & Reviews

At the dawn of the automobile, Oldsmobile was there. Owned by General Motors, Oldsmobile was the most senior domestic marque and one of the oldest automobile brands in the world, with a run that spanned some 107 years.

Ransom E. Olds was born in Ohio, but moved to Lansing, Michigan, to work in his father's machine shop. His experiences there helped whet his appetite for all things automotive, and he soon garnered enough expertise to develop a gasoline-powered vehicle. Joining forces with other partners, Olds cofounded the Olds Motor Vehicle Company in 1897. By the early 1900s, the company had introduced the nation to upscale models like the Curved Dash and had risen to become the best-selling car company in the United States.

Ransom Olds eventually left the company and it was sold to General Motors in 1908, where it became known as the Oldsmobile Division. More than ever, Oldsmobile became the brand of choice for car buyers seeking vehicles steeped in luxury and sophistication. Early models like the 1915 Model 42 Touring Roadster offered sleek lines and style aplenty. The 1918 Model 37 was its first model to offer a closed top, ensuring that the brand's well-heeled buyers had protection from the elements.

Oldsmobile had another hit in the 1920s with the Model 46, a V8-powered touring car that seated seven. The manufacturer did its part to make sure that the decade's elegance wasn't lost on its automobiles. It introduced fancy chrome-plated trim that served to raise the glamour quotient of its already eye-catching vehicles.

The '30s was a decade of innovation for the brand. The company wooed customers with its "Knee-Action" independent front suspension, an affordably priced option that served to improve ride quality. The company also offered one of the earliest automatic transmissions, freeing drivers from the rigors of the clutch with its four-speed "Hydra-matic" system.

Postwar, Oldsmobile gave consumers the Rocket 88. The car offered new levels of performance, giving the North American market its first taste of the short-stroke, overhead-valve V8. The car was adored by enthusiasts, and was chosen to serve as the pace car for the 1949 Indy 500.

The 1950s saw Olds continuing to distinguish itself as a purveyor of fine performance machines. With a name inspired by the Lockheed Starfire fighter plane, its 1953 Starfire show car offered a fiberglass body, a stylishly low beltline and most importantly, a 200-horsepower engine. The car was one of the first to display a wraparound windshield, and in the years following, many other manufacturers adopted this styling cue.

Oldsmobile's innovations continued into the 1960s. The manufacturer was the first since the 1930s Cord to taste success with a front-wheel-drive vehicle, in the form of its sporty Toronado. The '70s saw Olds breaking new ground in the area of safety. In 1974, it introduced a Toronado equipped with a driver-side airbag; Olds was the first domestic automaker to offer this feature. Around this time, the company's Cutlass had also become one of America's favorite cars.

Less successful was the company's effort to get on board with diesel technology. In 1978, Oldsmobile introduced a 5.7-liter V8 diesel engine as a response to that decade's fuel crisis; the engine was meant to appeal to buyers desperate to save money at the pump. Rising diesel prices and the unreliability of the engines caused the program to suffer, and Oldsmobile was eventually forced to terminate its efforts on this front.

In the '80s, Oldsmobile left its competitors in the dust when its Aerotech — piloted by noted racecar driver A.J. Foyt — set a closed-course world speed record of 257 mph. The company continued to have a huge hit with its Cutlass; the model spent much of the decade atop the sales charts.

The '90s saw Oldsmobile's introduction of Guidestar, the first onboard navigation system combining mapping and satellite positioning. The company made history yet again when its race-modified Aurora V8 won the Indy 500, making Olds the first manufacturer to pace and win the race in the same year.

By the dawn of the new millennium, Oldsmobile's sales were in a rut. The brand's identity had suffered over the years due to parts-sharing and rebadging within the GM camp. GM ultimately decided to pull the plug, and the last Oldsmobile rolled off the assembly line in model-year 2004.

User Reviews:

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  Keeps going and going - 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By NonStop - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for about 3 years now. When it was bought it only had around 56000 miles on it. The car now has over 207000 miles on it.My experience with this car has been a very pleasant one to say the least. This car has not had any major mechanical problems involving either the engine or other wise. IÂ’ve driven many miles in this car it has never let me down no matter the situation.The vehicle has its faults, but they are minor at best and should not detract from this vehicle especially if your the type that likes to have a car that can handle the miles in better than decent comfort and with impeccable reliability.

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  Great car - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Mackenzie - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and performs well. I have had the car a year and a half with no major issues. Few minor issues (w/ cd player) That were all under warranty and fixed correctly by the Dealer ship the First time.

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  1998 Oldsmobile Bravada - 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By mds - November 9 - 3:10 am

  I have loved the ablility that my 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada has. The AWD system is awesome, in all weather, and since I live out in the country 40 miles from work, they always know I will be there. I also have pulled my husbands 1-ton pickup out several times when stuck, usually including a horse trailer or full water tank behind him! This vehicle has had its problems though. The multi-function switch is awful, (blinker, cruise, lights, wipers) if one thing breaks the whole thing has to be replaced and it is very expensive. The serpentine belt, fuel pump and water pump have been other problems. This trucks gas milage is also not very good, which is especially irritating with gas prices this high! Also, I dont like the fact that you cant put a car seat in the center back. It must be on the side.

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  A Great Mini Van - 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By Sandra Huffman - November 5 - 5:40 pm

  The Silhouette Mini Van has served us well. It has been great on vacations and every day driving. It is very comfortable and roomy. Enough room for all my family, plus grandkids. We just love it. We bought the van new. We get good gas mileage and it handles well. I definitely would recommend it , if you can find one, as they are no longer being built.

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  Not too big, Not too small, just right - 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By drjssgolf - November 4 - 10:00 am

  My new Bravada was purchased after driving a dozen other SUV models. The ride, room, quality and price after rebates, made the Bravada a clear choice for my needs. The ride is as good as the BMW and the acceleration is as good as the MDX. The demise of Oldsmobile possibly was a negative factor but I felt that the OLDS name will always be a positive one.

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  Olds - 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora
  By ameschen - October 31 - 3:08 pm

  I bought my aurora in 2007 used with 138k miles on it, Im around 202k now. I could not be happier with my first car. Ive had little issues like changing a handful of sensors, and a fuel pump but spending a few hundred every once in a while is better than a car payment. It is pretty good on gas for being a V8 too, I live in the city and my average is 23 mpg. On the express way I get around 35 believe it or not! My Olds still has plenty of life left in it. I plan on keeping it until I run it into the ground and who knows I might look for another after.

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  Great Car - Fun 2 drive - 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By Iowa Olds - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. Bought it with 50,000, put on 75,000 more miles and still going with only minor repairs to steering box. 3800 continues to be GMs best motor ever. Super power and handling. Sure-footed on snow and ice. One of the best cars I have ever had.

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  Great Car - Fun 2 drive! - 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By Iowa Car - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car - the 3800 engine is dependable, and powerful. Handles like a sports car, only with a good ride. I bought this car with 50,000 and put another 75,000 miles on with only minor repairs. Super sturdy on snow and ice. OVERALL one of the best cars ever

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  The Best - 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora
  By andy - October 27 - 3:06 am

  I have had my Aurora for seven years, almost twice as long as any other vehicle! It has absolutely been the best car I have ever owned, except for the depreciation. I love this car. The one problem that I had with it (fixed while under warranty) was the alternator went. Since then all it has needed is tires, oil changes, and gas! What else can one ask for in a car?

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  Bravada 1997 - 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By BeachBum409 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Bravada new in 1997. I service it myself with oil & filter changes every 2000 miles. Ive had no problems other than normal maintance since Ive owned the vehicle. Im at the 50,000 mile mark now with the vehicle. Ive just performed the transmission flush, recharged air conditioner, changed rear end fluid, new Monroe (Reflex) shocks, new tires all around. Looked at the tranny tube for rust as told to do. Everything was fine.