Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

• 

  discouraging. - 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
  By cole21 - September 1 - 5:50 am

  Ive had this car a little over a year now, and Im aching to be rid of it. you feel every bump in the road, and although the seats are very comfortable, its not a pleasant ride. theres rust and holes in the rear, its slow, its awful on gas, and Ive put so much money into it, its not even worth it. my door doesnt open when i unlock it, my battery died twice, Ive had my brakes done twice, new oil, and fluids, my windshield wiper fluid doesnt come out. Its nothing special, and shouldnt have this many problems considering I bought it from an eighty year old woman who used to to drive to church. Waste of my money and time.

• 

  used county car - 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
  By Sean - June 21 - 10:30 pm

  I had bought my 1996 Olds Ciera Wagon from Suffolk County on auction. It had over 100K when I bought it. I have used it as a utility vehicle basically to carry stuff that I do not want getting wet in my pick up. The car has been excellent, while not a great stand out by styling it does the job it is suppose to do. Like the car very much. Have the 3.1 V6 offers good acceleration.

• 

  Comfortable and Quiet - 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
  By Matt - August 13 - 6:36 pm

  I bought this car brand new in 96 with the 4-cyl. engine. It has never stranded us though it has had some major problems. They include eating three head gaskets and bad rusting near the trunk/rear end. There are two baseball sized holes at each rear wheel well into the trunk. and while it has not been a real problem, the fuel pump whirrs loudly, enough for the passengers to always ask "whats that sound?". Otherwise it has a great ride and comfortable seats, which makes up for the lackluster acceleration and performance. This car has developed more and more rattles and squeaks from the dash. I guess its not TOO bad for an American car with high mileage and not garaged for its whole life.

• 

  It has gone the distance - 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
  By driver777 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Ciera new. After logging 118,000 miles heres the maintenance record: Preventative maintenance: Serpentine belt replaced twice, 40K and 90K Replaced battery and alternator: 85K Replaced shocks, struts Corrective Maintenance: Replaced power window motor, drivers side. Head gasket replaced. Replaced radiator, hoses. Replaced water pump. Power steering assembly replaced due to leak. Ongoing problem: Fuel guage is inaccurate. 1/4 reading is an indicator that the tank is empty.

• 

  Like a Timex, It Keeps on Ticking - 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
  By its paif for - November 3 - 6:16 pm

  Yes, this car is boring. But it is reliable, and no matter how I treat it, she just wont give up the ghost. The wife wont let me get something else until this thing dies, so it might be a while. Ive got 167,000 miles on her and it still doesnt burn a drop of oil. It has some rust, but for a work car it is perfect. We even take this thing and leave the van at home to keep the miles off the good vehicle. I dont get the gas mileage that others claim though.

• 

  The free car - 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
  By Dave Elsberry - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This car was a gift, new by my in- laws. Its never been an attractive car, and didnt ride very well. Massive oversteer, and a floating feeling never made the car comfortable for any length of time. Over the life of the car (110K miles as of now). Ive rebuilt the top end of the motor twice due to head gasket failures, which cracked one head, and warped the intake both times. The transmission lost a $20.00 sensor, cost $1500.00 in labor to replace (the engine has to come out). Its now blown its third head gasket. the AC died two times due to the placement of the AC hoses, and all four power window motors failed.

• 

  Great First Car - 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
  By Bamboo - July 16 - 12:20 pm

  This is simply an A to B car and nothing more. The cars quality is sub par compared to other vehicles of the era. It does offer a great first vehicle platform. Its large, cheap, handles the winter well, but gets mediocre gas mileage. There is also plenty of cargo space.

• 

  My really used Ciera Wagon X fleet - 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
  By Sean 418 - July 31 - 1:13 am

  In June of 2007, I purchased a 1996 Olds Ciera Wagon on auction from Suffolk County. I bought it because I like station wagons and my 1989 Celebrity wagon was dead. This car has been excellent. After dropping in a new battery and having the oil and fluids changed, I have not had a single problem. Not bad for a vehicle I spent $410. on. Gets me back and forth no problem. May not be the most stylish thing on the road, but that is what I have my 2000 Intrigue and 1968 Chevy Biscayne for. It is like having a van, that is what I use it as. I also use it for work. Love this car. Would buy another one.

• 

  Attached To My Olds - 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
  By Kiki - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car when it was 5 years old.It had 39,000 miles on it. I liked the car on the first test drive. I am quite attached to my 96 Olds now and take care of it with TLC. I read on another review: QUOTE "Ive had to replace the battery several times and the "service engine soon" light stays on all the time." The same for me but its OK. I will have a hard time to part with this car. It looks like new (had body work done) had a remote starter installed, added Oldsmobile mudflaps and wire wheel covers. Its a sharp looking car. I have spent the most for repairs this year but I knew that was coming and I was willing to make the repair investments. I love my 96 Oldsmobile !

• 

  Value and comfort - 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
  By Buy American - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Original owner with 97,000 miles. No mechanical problems except for transmission which was fixed at 7,000 miles under warranty. Have only changed the belts, front brakes done twice and rear brakes once. Original battery almost eight years old! Gets 31 MPG on highway, about 19 around town. At almost 8 years old the finish is holding up very well except for some discoloration of the plastic side trim. Although it was never fashionable this car has proved to be a great value so far!