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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  A few problems, but overall good car - 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By Susan - August 24 - 11:53 pm

  We had this car for nearly 4 years and just traded it in yesterday. Had a few problems along the way... A/C went out 20,00 miles after the expiration of the 60,000 mile warranty ($850 repair), intermittent problems with the power door not working, and for a while, the horn would sound when it was raining without being bumped or anything! They never figured out why but after some inkering with the electrical system by the deal service department, the problem seemed to have resolved. The front cupholder was rather flimsily designed and came out a few times (causing quite a mess!)

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  Used Silhouette - 2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By stacyo330 - August 24 - 5:00 pm

  I bought this minivan with 59,600 miles on it. It looks like it just came off the showroom floor. I was impressed with the thoughtful ergonomics and comfortable seating and vantage point. My wife and I test drove a Chrysler Town & Country and both felt we had a better command of the road visually in the Silhouette. It also didnt rock side to side as much as the T&C. I have the premier gold edition, its like my Dads Cadillac Deville in a minivan. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. The storage is awesome, power side doors, auxillary air inflator are you kidding me! GM should have tossed out Pontiac first, and kept making this gem.

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  195000 and time to give it up - 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass
  By luke - August 20 - 3:06 pm

  Car lasted 10 years. Made it to 194874 miles before finally giving out on me. Required a new transmission at 130,000. Rebuilt final gave out. Have spent maybe $750 on service since the new trans. Great little car.

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  Best Car I Have Owned - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By td121402 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  The Alero is a great car. Without a doubt I am off the chart when it comes to miles driven/year. I bought my Alero with 23000 miles and within 12.5 months have 60000 miles on the odometer. If anyone can give an evaluation of a cars durability I can. When I bought the car the rotors were slightly warped. The dealer fixed the problem before I picked the car up. I only mention this because others on this site have mentioned rotor problems with this car. The problem has not returned in 36000 miles. No other problems

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  Great Car - 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass
  By sheila - August 15 - 4:43 pm

  This is a great car for driving. Mine is now at 276,000 miles and going strong. The only issue is had was a water pump at 30,000 miles. Other than that, my baby purrs. On the highway the car gets about 29.5 mpg and in the city about 24 mpg.

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  2003 BRAVADA - 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By clsdee - August 11 - 2:00 am

  ENJOY THE STYLING,RIDE, STANDARD OPTIONS,POWERFUL ENGINE AND GAS MILEAGE. IT IS ASHAME GM IS DISCONTINUING SUCH A GREAT SUV

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  Ready to buy a 2004 - 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By Bones - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Easy to drive. My wife drives it as much as I do. Great for traveling with four back seats removed (I am retired). Wish we had the dual air/heat system. We live in the northeast and cold air comes in around the front doors where the latches are. My wife actually covers her arms with a blanket on cold days.

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  99 Bravada - 1999 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By LJohnson - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I look forward to going anywhere in my Olds. It has decent pickup on the freeway. Ride is smooth for a SUV. Fuel economy is okay (it helps to look at my overhead computer, ie, instant gas mileage) if I keep my foot light. Styling is one of a kind. I have every option available. Perfect!

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  Very Pleased - 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By blhskh - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The Intrique goes very smoothly down the road. Very quiet, Very reliable.I really like the sporty look the car has. I have had alot of compliments on it.

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  Owner - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By dubldn42 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned