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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  Big and Economical! - 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
  By GMCK25004x4 - October 3 - 10:50 am

  I dont know what was wrong with other 88s, but mine got 33 mpg on the highway and 27-29 in freaking town! I loved this car! it had 147000 miles on it when I sold it. hated to get rid of it but wife hit a deer. I replaced the hood, header panel, and fender, but it needed paint, only. Only mtce done to the car was water pump. Tranny or rear end seemed to skip and cause the car to skid every now and then...strange..but it was a very reliable car and I am looking for another one because of the mpg and size! Buy one! It is WELL worth it!

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  an olds suv? - 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By bassman202 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  this is a comfortable and enjoyable ride, even just crusing the town. the front end and the led rear lights give the bravada a vicious look that not many suvs have. the size is perfect for the performance i need from my truck, smaller than a tahoe but big enough to get cars to get out of your way.

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  Owner - 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By Beattie - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have driven three Bravadas, 1996,2001,and now 2003. I find them to be great vehicles and this 2003 drives and runs as smooth as my Cadilac.

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  Transmission - 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By T S - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Beware of transmission problems. Im not a rough driver, and Ive just bought my 3rd transmission and only have 66,000 miles on it. Ive had it looked at by a few different transmission repair shops and all of them said that GM didnt do a very good job on this transmission. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

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  Smooth Ride - 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By steel - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Like most GM cars, it is either a great car or a POS. I have read the other reviews, and have one common problem, headlights dim for no reason. I havent taken the vehicle in for the headlights as it really isnt a big deal to me. Overall, it is the best car that I have owned. Lots of power and a very smooth ride. FYI, I installed an aftermarket stereo system, the stereo that came with the car was cheap. I have the aluminum V6 engine, and it has run perfectly. No repairs to date, only oil and filter changes.

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  Sterling Silver Aurora V8 - 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora
  By Path Black - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I was very surprised by the Oldsmobile Aurora. The design and technology are remarkable. The performance will catch you off guard.

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  A very good car - 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By Eugene - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with it the first time I laid my eyes on it. Camrys and Accords bored me, and, besides - too many of these species on the roads. Intrigue looked sportier and cooler. Then I was impressed with its performance and a quiet ride. And for 2 1/2 years already I have been the happy owner of this beauty. And guess what - it never let me down. Higly recommend to those who are young by heart...

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  Great car for less! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Espfire - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I feel the Oldsmobile division has taken a major criticism for a lineup that rivals Buick and Pontiac. Redesigned cars from the year 2000. The models have been safe, reliable and have outstanding body designs. Though a little behind in overall quality from Toyota and Honda, it really outshines Ford and the previously mentioned GM divisions. It will be a shame to see Oldsmobile go. People were catching on to the new look and feel of Olds and now GM simply gave up on a lineup that was making headway in a full market.

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  nice car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By car guy - September 22 - 10:00 am

  steering is totally numb. No feedback. The ride quality is good but needs better geometry when cornering. The car is great for traveling. Killer A/C

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  Excellent vehicle - 1999 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By Joshua - September 19 - 11:20 am

  I purchased my 99 Bravada a little over four years ago. In that four years I have only had to replace the brakes and a wheel bearing. Regular maintenace, inside and out has kept this vehicle looking great! The ride is wonderful and all of the bells and whistles make it a favorite for trips.