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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  Be careful... - 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora
  By GMCK25004x4 - October 7 - 8:26 am

  Auroras are nice..but be very careful when buying one. Northstar engine is notorious for having leaky head gaskets at the back of the engine. they have a GREAT deal of power..but if you ask me, the heads were not designed to take the power. Interior was great. Options were wonderful. Has 174000 miles on it and all the bearings needed replaced at the same time! thermostat is $51!~ Tires are hard to find and expensive! Parts are very expensive..and they hold no resale value cause Oldsmobile is closed and the Northstar has a bad rep. I drove five of these before I found mine.

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  Sterling Silver Aurora V8 - 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora
  By Path Black - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I was very surprised by the Oldsmobile Aurora. The design and technology are remarkable. The performance will catch you off guard.

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  A very good car - 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By Eugene - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with it the first time I laid my eyes on it. Camrys and Accords bored me, and, besides - too many of these species on the roads. Intrigue looked sportier and cooler. Then I was impressed with its performance and a quiet ride. And for 2 1/2 years already I have been the happy owner of this beauty. And guess what - it never let me down. Higly recommend to those who are young by heart...

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  Great car for less! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Espfire - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I feel the Oldsmobile division has taken a major criticism for a lineup that rivals Buick and Pontiac. Redesigned cars from the year 2000. The models have been safe, reliable and have outstanding body designs. Though a little behind in overall quality from Toyota and Honda, it really outshines Ford and the previously mentioned GM divisions. It will be a shame to see Oldsmobile go. People were catching on to the new look and feel of Olds and now GM simply gave up on a lineup that was making headway in a full market.

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  Excellent Car!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jarrett G. - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I love hauling my family around in this sporty car. The styling is great. I love the fact that I can wok on my car with minimal difficulties.

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  Recommended to ALL buyers!!! GREAT CAR! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Lolo D. - September 19 - 10:00 am

  These cars are easy and fun to drive. I had my Alero for more than a year, its a 1999. It has 71,000 miles on it and runs great. I can change the oil, brakes, and perform maintenance to my car very easily. Also, these cars are easy to "hook up" because there are cheap after-market parts everywhere. I would RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE.

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  Great car! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By kr - September 10 - 10:23 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for almost 8 years. I bought it in 2001 and it only had about 9000 miles on it. It was previously a rental car out of the state of Washington. This car still runs almost like new! I change the oil every 3000 miles and do basic maintenance (very minimal). This car has had a security problem (fixed for about $300.00 with no other problems), and also has had the rotors replaced 2x but I guess that should be expected with 180,000 miles. This has been a GREAT car and I would highly recommend it. I am even considering buying another when this one finally quits.

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  Alero Happy - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Vipersaint - September 8 - 1:26 pm

  Car is a nice size and handles exceptionally well for a sedan. Reasonable acceleration(this from a former Viper owner). Have heard of issues with brakes but no problems yet as of 31,000 miles. Reliable. Leather is cheap and will tear. Nevertheless, can recommend this car to anyone.

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  Great Minivan - 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By PAPA - September 4 - 2:00 am

  A great minivan, excellent build and great gas mileage. Runs on regular fuel without any ping. Very comfortable and loaded up like a Cadillac. In fact traded a Deville for this great vehicle.

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  Smooth ride, great value - 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora
  By MikeP - August 29 - 9:26 am

  I bought this care used with about 18,000 miles. Currently at 108,000. Smooth ride, luxurious for the price, good acceleration, good stereo, hugs the road. No engine trouble besides it started burning about a quart of oil every 1000 miles once I hit 50k. No biggie from my perspective. Very nice car, no complaints whatsoever. Love the pearl white paint. Nice aluminum wheels. Great trunk space. Leather has held up well. Nice look from the front at night with a cool headlight design.