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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  60000 and Counting - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By wkinkaid - March 15 - 5:16 pm

  After renting an Alero, we decided to move away from Ford for a while and bought a 2002 GL1. This car was solid until 40K. I feel things like the steering rack, gaskets, struts, brakes and fuel pumps shouldnt fail until 100K or more. Just glad we bought the extended warranty this time. Too bad for us the value has went down and we are forced to keep it. GM shows that being the biggest doesnt mean being the best.

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  I wish I loved this car - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By latoja - March 15 - 2:53 pm

  I really wanted to love this car. I bought this car new and unfortunately have a lot of problems with it. Replaced the brakes 4 times in 6 years. Because of the rim material, the tires dont seal tightly and they leak air - windshield started cracking under the top seal. The driver side window motor stopped working. Now the directional makes the clicking noise ALL the time when I am not using it. Coolant needs to be replace often. "Service Engine Soon", "Anti-lock break" and "Trac control" lights are always on. Was told it was because of a bad wheel sensor, so I replaced it, but the lights remain on. Engine started knocking at 100k miles. Paint is chipping

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  seems reliable to me - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By geri7 - March 13 - 11:16 pm

  I havent seemed to have any serious problems with my 03 Alero, which is now at 201,700 miles. Just some part that needed to be replaced, which included my fuel pump, but that was my fault, because I hated so much to stop and get gas, and my gas will always be on empty. And a harmonic balancer and something that has to do with the drivebelt. But that was just very recent. So, I have to say, my car has served me very well. But, 3 of my windows dont work anymore. But I can live with that. Those arent the parts that matter anyway. Very satisfied with my car. Oh, love the stereo.

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  Poor Choice - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Erika - March 8 - 4:53 am

  The car had 74,000kms when I got it. When it got to about 98,000kms it started to have numerous problems. First thing that went was the slave cylinder only we were told it was the master cylinder. So $1600 later it had a brand new slave cylinder, master, and clutch. There was no problems till about 103,000kms one of the cylinders stopped firing, When the spark plugs were changed the car reacted badly, I guess only GM parts will make her run. Other then those two recent problems, it drives very well and is good on gas, with premium. Buyer be aware of what your getting, do you research first!

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  Great car - 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By jroberts - March 5 - 3:16 am

  This car has over 120,000 miles. I bought it new and other than routine maintenance the only repair has been a new compressor for air conditioning. The leather seats have held up really well. My favorite thing about this car is the fast acceleration. It is like no other car I have driven and makes merging onto a highway a safer experience.

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  Still going - 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By BB - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is BB who posted on 3/9/10. My Intrigue is at 266K. Kept asking my mechanic when he thought it would go and he said the motor was still strong. Ive had restless nights trying to decide between buying another used 2000 Intrigue or above (noticed below 2000 clist ads had issues) again or a used foreign car. Toyota was the only other my mech rec. My car had 2 repairs costing $200/$400 since last post and then the a/c compressor went out. I did not fix bc IDK when the car will call it quits. Called around and found a 2000 w/115k miles and am getting it this wknd. Knock on wood I have luck w/this one! Im going to drive the old one til spring since the ac is out and switch to the other car.

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  Olds Rocks! - 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
  By lac - March 3 - 12:26 am

  Ive owned this car for 3.5 years and I love it. Though its old, Ive not had any serious problems with it. I love the pickup speed-its just perfect. Itll definitely live long past all of my friends cars of similar ages. I wish Olds had never quit!

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  Great Ride! - 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada
  By Chipmunk - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought used with all the options. I travel often and this vehicle is very forgiving to my back; due somewhat to the lumbar adjustements. This is my 4th SUV and by far the best. All have been American made, however, I think the Bravada has a European flare to it.

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  Better MPG, Warranty and Rebates.... - 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette
  By winglow - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Smooth vehicle Commodity pricing I would buy this again Nice to get a fat rebate and to use my GM Card Points too.

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  BURNS OIL - 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
  By jamied - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I currently have a 1999 Olds Intrigue GL with the 3.5L motor (56,000 miles).I drive a combination of city and highway.Its a really good car for the most part; but, I have one HUGE complaint. It burns oil like you wouldnt believe. For those of you out there who wait for the "Change Oil" light to come on before simply heading to the lube shop, I have a very rude awakening for you. The first time I checked my oil after 4000 miles(before light came on) there was only a trace of oil on the stick. Now,I check my oil every 1000 miles and this car burns a quart of oil every 2500 miles.The dealer checked this and said it was normal? Anyone else have this issue?