1997 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0 V8 250HP

Summary:

Black Mamba

Faults:

First thing I noticed and later researched; the paint on my Aurora is black and has acquired a rather large faded spot on the roof from exposure to the sun. This appears to be common.

Whenever I use the cruise control, somehow the headlights get turned on.

I have to remove my entire backseat bench if I need to get anywhere near my battery.

The fuel gauge has never worked since I bought it; apparently the sensor went out a long time ago. I use the CPU in the dashboard to kept track of the gallons of gas I've put in to know when I'm about to run empty.

A few days ago, the fan blowers quit working. I began hearing a strange grinding noise like water was being forced through the ventilation every time I took a left turn, and then all of a sudden I heard a loud "pop" and now the A/C and heat will not work.

The leather seats are starting to crack and wear. I have to keep leather protector on them to preserve them.

It will die at random, usually if I have been keeping a fast pace for an extended time and then come to a stop. It will just die.

It power-houses through oil like no other. That NorthStar engine just about kills me. 8 quarts of oil really turns some heads when I take it in to Jiffy-Lube.

General Comments:

I really fell in love with this car. The interior design is fantastic.

It has a very sleek-looking body, and I adore the sunroof.

The engine is great and so silent. Simply a luxury car.

Overall a beautiful piece of work that is worth the effort I've had to put into it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th May, 2013

30th May 2013, 12:15

"8 quarts of oil really turns some heads when I take it in to Jiffy-Lube."

- I thought that you would like to know that there happens to be a very important reason for that huge oil capacity. That is because Auroras are designed to be able to run at or close to their top speeds for as long as there is gasoline in the tank.

To do that for long periods of time, you need a really big amount of oil in the pan.

2nd Jun 2013, 22:35

Oh, I definitely understand. I just had no idea going into it that I had bought a beast. I was literally shocked when they came back in and informed me that I had a North Star engine. After owning a Cadillac for several years, I was a bit wary at first. But, all in all, I have no complaints about the engine or its oil capacity.

1997 Oldsmobile Aurora

Summary:

I like the car, I am just completly confused about this parking light situation

Faults:

The parking lights keep coming on while the car is shut off.

General Comments:

Until now, the car has been running pretty good and handles nicely.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd June, 2010

4th Jun 2010, 12:08

Which light (s) do you mean? The overhead interior light? It's normal for those to come on after turning a car off, assuming they automatically turn themselves off a matter of seconds later...

1997 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0L

Summary:

High quality car. Wish they still made it

Faults:

Replaced both hub assemblies at 70000 miles.

Replaced serpentine belt at 155000 miles.

A/C compressor replaced at 30000 miles.

Gas gauge starting to go haywire at 190000 miles.

O2 sensors replaced X's 60k, 80k, 110k miles.

Factory recall on fuel rail delivery system.

General Comments:

This is one of the best cars that I've owned. I bought it used at 30,000 miles for $18,000k. Considering it was half the original price and still under warranty (GM gave a 60k mile bumper to bumper warranty on this car - most people didn't realize that) the car was a bargain for the quality and price.

The car still looks great inside and out, and it is full of modern safety and comfort features. The 4.0l Northstar motor (a Cadillac motor) has great power and gas mileage - I average 23mpg and will get 29/30 on the hwy - no kidding!

The early models came loaded - the only options were a 10 disc CD changer and power sunroof. Everything else was standard... dual air bags, traction control, leather interior ++.

I thought the car was a bargain when I bought and still do. I have 190k miles on the car now, and it still runs strong - starts with my remote start every time. Too bad Olds is dead.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th March, 2010

11th Mar 2010, 08:37

"Too bad Olds is dead."

- 100% agreed... thank the morons at GM for that!!!