1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass review from North America
"Disappointing after my last Cutlass"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced cassette/radio first year.
Breaks completely replaced at 2 years and 4 years.
New battery replaced at 2+ years.
All 4 tires replaced at 3 years.
Theft system replacement at 3 years (had to be towed and light still occasionally comes on).
Ignition keys stopped fitting several times.
It developed a clunking noise when it goes over bumps, changes speed, or turns that the dealer says is no problem -- but has not been able to diagnose.
The air conditioner doesn't always work and I have been told they'll have to replace it (it began to fail intermittently a few days after the warranty expired).
The temperature controls occasionally start just resetting themselves, and the dealer has no idea what to do about it.
Alternator replaced (on long trip) at 4 years.
Power steering pump replaced at 4.5 years.
The antifreeze light is now coming on and staying on (it's full and has been checked twice in the past week) and will be checked (again) tomorrow.
General comments?
Good power in mountains.
Nice package of fog lights, hard mud flaps, trunk net, and very adjustable electronic seats that fit both tall and short people (like a loaded Chevy Malibu).
I've read that many of the problems this car has had are also reported in the Chevy Malibu.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.1 liter Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 4 miles |
| Most recent distance | 67500 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Cutlass |
| Date of Entry | 20th January, 2003 |