1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme review from North America

This car was born wrong.

It could have been a really nice two-door Cutlass Supreme, but it ended up being a four-door.

This was my grandparents car for years. They always bought used low mileage four-door Cutlass Supremes. The trouble this car had while they were driving it was as follows:

Transmission malfunctioned on a trip across country and they had an Aamco aftermarket transmission installed.

The Olds liked to stall (and still does) for no reason. Even after many tune-ups and rebuilds this Cutlass always had that problem.

While my dad and I have been driving it we have had the following problems:

Brakes have failed.

Windshield washer failed.

Parking brake failed.

Starter failed.

All shocks have failed and the front end is swaying really low.

Exhaust system failed.

Transmission has finally failed.

However the best part about this car is we just don't care!

This Oldsmobile has been the best beater car EVER! I have taken the car all over Pennsylvania and New Jersey in all kinds of bad weather and until the other day the car acted like a car that only the owner could trust.

My dad is a Subaru master auto technician and is able to find the best prices for the few cheap repairs that kept this car on the road. The absolute lowest price for parts on this car was its saving grace. Brake pads were under $20. A cheap started was $17. The entire exhaust system was under $30. Two front tires that were made in Korea cost less than $40 and the snow tires that came with the car aren't just for winter!

The Cutlass is riddled with dents and rust. It has dead gray paint and missing hubcaps. The last time it was serviced other than an oil change (no filter) was in 1997. Its ugly and leaks oil and has a stench of raw fuel surrounds it. However, this car has been so good to me and my dad. It has a large trunk that can be used hard. The interior is shot, but the seat is still comfortable. It drives straight down the highway at high cruising speeds, the interior stays very quiet while driving. Except for the few times it would stall while merging onto the highway or sitting in traffic, it has been just wonderful.

Just this week the transmission has decided to fail seriously. Given the fact that for the past three years the transmission that is in the car has acted like no other trans I have had the pleasure of driving before. Holding shifts, slipping, shifting from first to third, and fixing itself and working flawless for weeks at a time. It is amazing.

I'll miss this car when it's gone!