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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  Solid Car - 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By asjemery - October 7 - 11:23 am

  Fun to drive, comfortable sedan. I bought the car new, and loaded, for a steal. There were a few minor quality issues - water pump had to be replaced (at normal service visit), and a nut on one of the wipers had to be retightened (10 minutes at another Olds dealer). Both of these were fixed under warranty, and neither left me stuck. I got a lot of car for the money, and put a lot of worry free miles on it. I rated a lot of 8s, and thats because there are such things as Lexus, Infiniti, etc., but compared to the price range the Intrigue competed in (Accords, Camrys, etc), the Intrigue was a great car and a great value

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  Still running - 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By alphazu - October 5 - 8:30 am

  Bought vehicle new on no interest program. Had a few minor problems, all covered. At 79,000 left front hub failed. At 81,000 right front hub failed. Dealer repair on left for $550. I repaired right for $180. Watch brakes. Replaced at 80,000, needed new rotors all around. Was told at each inspection that they were getting close. They did not check the inside pads which were worn much more than outer. Should have replaced between 60-70,000. Sun roof track disintegrated in year 6 but still works. Will try to get 80-100,000 more miles.

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  Lovin my Olds! - 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By Steve & Becky - October 1 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is the top of the line from what I have seen in minivans, total luxury. We bought this vehicle used and we didnt know all the neat extras it had until we got it home, we were just looking for a nice minivan, but got so much more. Has a great 6-track cd player, electronic sliding doors,(with many different locations inside the car from which to open them), really nice to have when you are carrying baby seats and groceries etc. Van is nice and roomy, for real people, not just kids. Overall a great choice for anyone wanting lots of room and luxury.

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  A Good Car at a Reasonable Price - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By David - September 28 - 12:16 am

  I bought my Alero GLS new. The included 5-year/60,000 mile total warranty offer is what convinced me to buy it over a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry. I have been totally pleased. There are small annoyances: too much road noise, the front cup holder, and a few too many (warranted) repairs. But the car is a blast to drive, and I felt I got a lot of car for much less money than I would have paid for either of the other cars. My greatest complaint is the long start / two-try start which the dealer says is normal. It isnt, and its embarrassing. Overall a very good value over the 4 years I have now owned it. If they were still made, Id probably buy another in a year or so.

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  Great Car - 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By The Five-O - September 25 - 4:00 pm

  I drive a lot. Ive had this car for a little over a year and have already put almost 30,000 miles on it. Its taken me on numerous trips, one from Michigan to Florida, without a problem and use it to commute 20 miles back and forth to work and school everyday. I love the car. However, its been having issues with the passive security system and sometimes wont let me start the car. Other than that it has been a great car.

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  More Than the Camry - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Art - September 23 - 12:26 am

  I have had my Alero for five years with no problems. I prefer the handling and safety features over my sister-in-laws newer Camry. The only small problem has been brake rotor warping, which is common on all cars with ABS brakes in our hilly area. It is also a wonderful towed vehicle, behind the motor home. The automatic lights are great.

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  Super Silky Silhouette - 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By Ny oldsie - September 22 - 11:33 pm

  The Oldsmobile Silhouette is a well thought out example of what America makes best! This van has a low cost to maintain. I recommend changing the dex-coolant every 3 years or 75,000 miles whichever comes first and remember to include the anti-leak tablets as per factory specifications! This vehicle will reward you with years of trouble free driving! Who says they dont make em like they used to! PS...I am still on the original Delco battery after six years of ownership!

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  Great Buy - 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By jon haas - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is reliable, fun, and great for the whole family. I recommend this car for all families.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By bmatheis - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new and it has 70,000K on it now, the only things i have had to do on it is regular maintance and i am not babying it!

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  Pretty Good - 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass
  By Lgarm18 - September 20 - 4:50 pm

  In the beginning I had what seemed like issue after issue. Stereo replaced, shifter locked up, failed water pump, etc. After about six years I seem to have stopped having problems with it. 170,000miles and I drive it with confidence and relative comfort. Leather on the seats are cheap and torn up and the A/C has been known to turn off on its own. After 10 years I suppose I have learned to live with the small stuff. All of the miles have been long and steady highway miles.