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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  1999 Intrigue - 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By robert kramer - November 25 - 5:53 pm

  The Oldsmobile Intrigue is a great driving car. I still like driving it. It looks like a bigger version of the Acura TL. It makes the TL look chincy to me. I am averaging 21-22 mpg. It does not burn oil. Why didnt GM promote this car? I have friends (Toyota owners) that are impressed when they are passengers and cant believe that an American (GM) car drives this well. If the new Impala SS is this good, I might buy one.

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  Nice ride - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By andreah - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 3.4 6cyl,and it is powerful, the car is really smooth, and a big improvement from my 1986 olds calais, I LOVE the two tone interior, that ismy favorite part of the car, the speakers are nice too, also the windshield wipers fascinated me by how the washer fluid comes out of the wiper arm, also impressed with transmission, doesnt require care until 100,000 miles supposedly, well see

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  "Braken In My Alero" - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By joanbrad016 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for a full year now. Strong points include powerful acceleration, great handling, attractive looks, and an overall fun to drive machine. In general, I have found that GM struggles with brakes,and this car is no exception. The rotors first warped at 9K, again ready to be re-surfaced at 18K. This annoyance is offset by a great package, otherwise.

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  Put the brakes on... - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Andrea Nel - November 13 - 3:56 am

  Fun car to drive, stylish, roomy in the front, and love the air flowing to the back seat and removable ash tray that turns into a cup holder. This car was so close to my dream car until the mechanical problems started. Replaced brake rotors twice, water pump, and now am experiencing problems with the fan and the annoying blinker switch noise (anyone who has one knows what Im talking about), problems with starting the car due to a electrical problem all before 75,000. My extended warranty ends at 85,000, and Im sure Ill make use of it. Not the most mechanically dependable car I ever owned. Very nickle and dime on the mechanics...

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  Best SUV Ive owned!! - 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By Kevin Livingston - November 12 - 8:00 am

  I have very much enjoyed the "luxury-style" ride and comfort even on a long ride. This is my second SUV (first a 97 Blazer) and Ive noticed it does not have the rolling effect on turns and curves, very nice! Pleasure to drive, easy steering, good response to the gas pedal, great sound system (cassette and CD). I like the wood appoitments in the console, all options are within easy reach and practically placed. Drink cup holders a little small.

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  Solid Family Hauler - 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By Childs Van - November 10 - 5:50 pm

  We’ve been very happy with this van. For a family of four plus a dog, we have always had enough room for our stuff – even a canoe! Mechanically, the vehicle has been pretty consistent. Only major repair was a transmission rebuild at 60,000 miles that was covered under warranty. Now at 80,000 miles, she burns a little oil, but otherwise runs great and considered reliable. Recent 700 mile trips have proved uneventful. The interior has held up very well, the DVD and audio is still great. We’ll plan to keep our “Happy Van” for another 2-3 years for those high- capacity needs and five-plus passenger shuttles.

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  A well made and trouble free car - 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By Lynn Rogers - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car new in October of 2000. It has been a trouble free car since we bought it. Inside and outside I would not change anything regarding design and function of equipment. I compare it to my sons BMW 500 series station wagon in handling and quiet interior. The sound system is superb. It is sad to know they are discountinuing the Oldsmobile from the GM autos.

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  Capuccino Aurora - 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora
  By kostritzer - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Big sport sedan with a de-bored Northstar 32V V8 that is super smooth and works well with the great automatic. Handling is tight and firm for a big sedan.

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  cars - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By rbp - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I like the car alot, I have rented it a few times and always try and request it again at times i cant get it--i wonder y. I have had the Grand Am and the Malibu,. I like the Alero alot better

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  My experience with the Olds Intrigue - 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By redly1 - November 2 - 10:00 am

  THE GOOD: This car has excellent bang for the buck. Esp. the GX model, which can be had for pennies. Even as the base model, you get a plenty of options. Mine has a moonroof, keyless entry, power seat, and that beautiful 3.5L DOHC. This car was made for the interstate. Passing is not only acceptable, but enjoyable. The instrument panel is attractive and gives a good amount of vitals about the car. Seats are comfortable yet supportive. Handling is great THE BAD Fit and finish could have been better (crooked panels, interior and exterior) Brakes need to be replaced prematurely (damn GM accountants) minor annoying glitches like headlight flicker and intermittent power windows.