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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  Best Olds ever - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By galaxybeing - December 1 - 4:23 am

  This is the 2nd Alero owned by my wife and me. She has been driving her 99 Alero since 2000. A super car. She has 110,000 miles on it now and it is still a great looker and a terrific little speeder - especially with the K&N air filter, which make sit roar. Both aleros, I drive the 04 have the 3.4 engine, which I highly recommend to anyone considering buying an Alero. Great styling, too, for the price range. Keep Mobil 1 in the crankcase and the engine will always show the driver its appreciation. So far, the 99 Alero needed an alternator and a front strut replaced. As well, the hazard switch broke but will be repaired free under a recall order. The 99 is super fast - much faster than the 04,

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  50th Anniversary Edition - 1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
  By Susan - November 30 - 5:26 pm

  I love this car. The only problem Ive had - and it was big - was when a gasket leak took out the engine about a year ago. It appears to be a known problem - but they gave me little relief. One drawback is that the back seat does not have headrests. The drivers seat leather is splitting. But I love the look of this car and its comfort. Its hard to find a vehicle as nice for its price. Im at 108,000 miles now and hoping for many more.

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  Do not buy one - 1999 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By Laura Rudolphi - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Problems from begining dealership was worthless bought w/ 43,000 miles. Ignition and transmission went out no help from anyone. 4,000 mile out of original warrantee trans went out no help from Olds or dealer cost over $4,000. Brakes and rotors were defective ,shimmer and shake when turning and taking off

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  Sorry to see Olds go! - 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By Jeff - November 26 - 4:20 am

  Our 2000 Extended Premier Edition Silhouette with all the leather and video toys is a very cool and comfortable ride. The car has spent many days in the dealer repair shop for work on brakes and manifold. The front end has been aligned three times but still goes through tires quick. This is the first front wheel drive car Ive owned and Im not a fan. Gas mileage for this big van is awesome and my wife is always running the AC.

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  Everybody has the same Problems... - 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By Jeff - November 19 - 12:06 am

  Get rid of your van prior to 65,000 miles. First the intake gasket broke, then the transmission, and then the head gasket. Thats a big hit to take in one year.

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  My dream - 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora
  By Mr Jack - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Since puchasing this car I find the fuel capacity is not big enough. Have had the trans ( touque converter ) replaced. Dont know what happened but they fixed it right and quick. The car is dreamy in style and in handling. More then enough power.

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  Extremely Safe - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Pegster - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I unfortunately do not have my car anymore, as I totaled it on August 11, 2001 in a rainstorm. When I had it I loved it!! Everyone who rode in her loved the comfortable ride, even from the back seat. It was great for long trips. I had the full package and wouldnt go for less. I disagree with Edmunds review in the fact that mine had side air bags. None of the airbags deployed, but that was only because we did not take any direct hits to the sides or front. I hydroplaned into a cable barrier in AZ (taking out 300 of cable and 7 poles). It smashed the front and passenger side windows when we went under the cable. We were TOTALLY UNTOUCHED inside the vehicle.

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  Good Vehicle Drastically Improved - 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By Chris R - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is much better than the 1996-2001 model. It truly has a luxury feel to it. I love my new Bravada.

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  Aurora - Best Kept Secret - 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora
  By neese39 - November 8 - 5:06 pm

  This cars unique styling was what grabbed my interest initially - looks sharp, performance is amazing. Smoothest transmission Ive ever experienced, power to spare. Interior is well planned and comfortable but not a good car for the extra-tall due to sunroof. Excellent fit and finish, even though its now 6 years old. On a trip to Canada we got our all-time high of 27 MPG, fantastic for a heavy V-8 loaded with 4 people and luggage, averages 20 around town. Modifications: K&N air filter, drilled/slotted rotors. Best car Ive ever owned. Bought used from dealer, saved $20,000 from original MSRP.

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  Terrific Used Car Purchase! Really Impressed! - 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By keltam2 - November 8 - 1:44 pm

  I bought my 2000 Bravada used in the winter of 2008 with 65,000 miles, and was terrified about all the bad reviews Id read. Luckily this has been one of the most reliable cars Ive ever owned - I replaced the ABS on one of the wheels a few weeks ago. Other than that, its just been routine maintenance! My recommendation - try one out for yourself. I think it all depends on the vehicle. Mine has been terrific to drive - in snow and rain, and has cargo space like crazy! Wish it got better gas mileage but I cant think of any other complaints! Its such a fun car to drive and own!