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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  Alero - Often Overlooked - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By foxyfennec - October 7 - 5:03 pm

  While the Olds Alero is not a super-awesome performance vehicle, it has made me very happy. It gets decent gas mileage, is pleasant to drive and own, and its styling gets a few looks. Its a good used car to have - Ive had no problems with this car yet.

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  The Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By Steve R. - October 4 - 10:46 pm

  My wife and I leased a 1999 GL and when GM announced the phase out of the Intrigue in 2002 with the end of Olds, we had to buy one while we still could. We got the GLS fully loaded for about $25,000. After 8 years and closing in on 200,000 miles, (not a typo), it is the best car I have ever owned, hands down. Impressive pick up for a car of that size. The 3.5L V6 with regular maintenance is as durable as they come, and still purrs like a kitten. The optional "Precision Control System" gives the car great handling, especially around curves at higher speeds, and the ride comfort is very good for a sportier car. Still getting 24/28 mpg. A great car. Too bad GM couldnt sell more of them.

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  Bravada - 1999 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By Whitetail - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I havent had a chance to try it out on the ice and snow but so far performance is good. Engine seems strong and the power is there when you need it.

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  The Oldsmotrigue - 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By Mike - September 28 - 9:30 am

  Well, its official now, my car is 10 years Olds!! It has 128000miles on the odometer and the way it feels, it could take another 100000. I have the 3.8 version. I had a buick T-Type before with the same motor and I sold it with 145000miles on it. Since I have it Ive had the regular maintenance and parts replace from wear and tear, nothing more. Since im young (early 30s) my generation is too familiar with keeping a vehicule or buying American for that matter, I always under pressure to change it for an Europeen model! But since this one is paid for and is running in good order I will keep it and perhaps get a BRAND NEW SPORTS CAR!! (pronouce like Bob Barker would) THE 2010 CHEVY CAMARO!

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  WOW!!! READ THIS - 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By kim b - September 27 - 10:00 am

  In my case the dealer that warranties my bravada is also the dealer I bought it from.You people that are having problems with servicing/warranty issues,did you buy it from the dealer that you asked to warranty it? if not,why not.my suggestion,bring it back to where you bought it,if that is too far to go,then why did you drive that far in the first place to buy it?why not check out dealers reputation for service BEFORE you buy.I didnt travel 100+ miles to buy it for a few hundred dollars less then try to dump the warranty problems on the dealer down the street just because hes closer.if this is your case then you got what you paid for.

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  Good Car - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Mr. Markus - September 27 - 10:00 am

  This has been a very good car overall. Especially like the traction control and ABS. On the highway this car gets over 30 miles to the gallon, with the air conditioner on. Small problems, strut broke, driver window power motor, but all were fixed with the warranty.

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  Great Luxury MiniVan - 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By Oldsman - September 25 - 10:40 am

  Bought this van from a private owner. It is a nice luxury minivan with lots of neat features. I love the dual power sliding doors and the rear parking sensor. It drives real smooth and its been great on trips. I have the van regularly serviced and change the oil every 5000 miles and belts and hoses every 2 years. This van has been very reliable for me. I guess Ill have to look at the Buick or Chevy version when I go to replace it.

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  Good Car for the price - 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By Javier - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Nice car for the money but the styling is a little outdated

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  Constant Companion - 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora
  By jjse - September 14 - 9:50 am

  This car is eautiful and very reliable. The only repairs that I have had to make so far are a battery and wiper blade replacement last week. I will probably buy new tires in November. The engine loves to rev but is relatively low on torque. Its ride is a little harsh, but its handling is above average. New tires will probably improve the ride. My only complaint is a rattling sunroof when the shade is partially open. I would probably buy another one if a 5- or 6-speed auto was offered.

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  Very Nice - 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
  By acnoogs - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Simply, it runs like a dream. For a car not built for performance, it performs. And what a comfort it is to drive in this one. A little boxy, but otherwise a stylish car.