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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  The Service Department is on My Speedial - 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By HEF - September 3 - 2:00 am

  When shopping for a minivan, the Oldsmobile had the "right stuff". All of the amenities were there in nicely presented package. All would be utopic if not usurped by continual visits to the dealer for repairs. I treat this vehicle gingerly and still am plagued with numberous and unnessecary repairs, i.e...new engine head, windshield, tranny work, 4 cd players, rear passenger climate controls, rear suspension, intake manifold, brakes, electrical, continual squeaks and rattles. All of the aforementioned problems have been addressed more than once. Oh yes, the driver leather seat is wearing rapidly...Im not a large or heavy person. If there were no problems, this would be an ideal vehicle!

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  Great Van - 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By First Van - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Awesome van to drive. Love the comfort No problem so far,

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  a car for the mechanically inclined only - 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass
  By krick - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Major problems with front brakes. Several iterations with the dealer before getting the best parts available and doing the job myself. Poor fuel economy compared to other V6s in its class. Was not long before arm rest broke. Seatbelt has never retracted correctly, plastic guide on belt tab broke off. is this what made in America means ?

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  Great Little Car - 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By happy teenager - August 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought my car with 67000 miles and weve only had a couple minor problems that would occurr with normal wear and tear like a new accesory belt ect. Its fun to drive and still really practical. Drives like a tank in the snow. 4 inches plus havnt stopped me a bit.

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  suv for the older couple - 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By jenmilcat - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a good all purpose vehicle for the older couple who want something other than a van or car. This vehicle handles well and has four wheel disc brakes for added safety. This vehicle handles well in traffic and parks easily in crouded parking lots.

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  Bravad Review - 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By Lorraine - August 28 - 10:00 am

  All in all, I really enjoy driving my Bravada!

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  Best For The $$$$$ - 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora
  By WindyCityJay - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I Contemplated between the V8 & the V6 test drove both the 8 wasnt significantly more powerful In other words I didnt notice a difference between the 2 But the Fuel economy on the 6 is Outstanding over 420 miles on a tank during regular Highway driving. Enough power to challenge most other cars on the road over 125 m.p.h. for over an hr going to San Diego from Chicago through Utah over 50K miles and still drives like new with no proiblems whatsoever.

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  Great Car - 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By JET1962 - August 27 - 11:20 pm

  Bought the car used with 19,000 miles in Oct 03. It has over 100,000 miles on it now and runs like a top. Haver never had to get anything replaced. I change the oil frequently, myself. On my second set of tires; actually, will be changing them this week to my third set. I changed the trans fluid and plugs at just over 90k. Doesnt burn oil, 24 mpg city (here in Atlanta - traffic nightmare) 28 highway. Good power, fun to drive. Cant say enough about it. Wish they were still making them! Oh, my AC (not as cold as it used to be) is starting to act up though.

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  Cutlass ROCKS!!! - 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass
  By Gucci - August 25 - 10:00 am

  MY car has 45,0000 miles and is getting to its prime. The engine has very nice acceleration, but thats the only good thing about the engine. Could have a nicer interior, but you get what you pay for.

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  WOULD BUY THIS ALL OVER AGAIN! - 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By Sheri - August 25 - 10:00 am

  The Oldsmobile Bravada is dependable, comfortable and wonderful for trips. We have enjoyed the luxury of this exceptional vehicle. I would buy another just like it any time.