1986 Oldsmobile Calais 2.5 Tech 4

Summary:

Good quality at a cheap price

Faults:

Manifold absolute pressure sensor had to be replaced, along with the muffler.

General Comments:

I have owned several of these cars and they were all good cars. Stay away from the Quad 4. The 2.4 Tech 4 is the way to go. They are clanky, but good runners. The only problems I've encountered is with the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. I pick these cars up rather cheap as poor running vehicles and replace the MAP sensor. Drive them till I get bored and sell it. The car has some cheap plastic parts that hold up poorly, but so many were made that replacements are easy to find.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th October, 2003

1986 Oldsmobile Calais tech 4

Summary:

Not bad at all for a free car

Faults:

I got the car free from a friend of mine. The water pump was shot, the starter was on it's last legs, and the battery was dead. I replaced them all at minimal cost (about $150) and started using it for my commuter. So far so good... I have been redoing the bodywork on the driver's side. The previous owner took a grinder to the dents and used a drill puller to pull it all out, way too far. But a bit of pounding and mud and it's looking fine.

General Comments:

The Calais is a classic Olds in the truest sense of the word; it comes from the era of the K-car, and unfortunately shows it. The paint has reached decay point and all the trim is starting to crack. But it really is a nice little rocket car. The stock stereo rocks and even the a/c works well. It takes to the road like a corvair and for a four-cylinder really has some pep. I am considering a move to 14-inch tires... because 13's are not safe at any speed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2003

1986 Oldsmobile Calais Supreme 3.0L Flat Six

Summary:

An excellent first car with plenty of punch.

Faults:

The odometer is stuck at 555.5.

There is a short in the electronics that caused the rear window defogger and the power windows to malfunction.

Antennae fell out at 167,000.

Cassette player works most of the time.

Have to be extra cautious when driving on wet or snowy roads.

General Comments:

For an old car, this Olds packs a lot of punch, as do most American cars from the eighties.

This car sat for three years in my driveway, (I got it as a hand me down), and all it took was a trip to the mechanic to fix it up.

It has a great stock sound system.

The seats, both front and rear, are roomy and comfortable.

For an '86, the handling is superior to some of today's brand new models.

While I wouldn't suggest racing, the stock V6 provides more than adequate power to tackle those steep hills.

I couldn't ask for anything better for a first car, and I plan to give it to my sister when she's ready to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th August, 2002

24th Jan 2004, 22:52

Having just bought an '86 Oldsmobile Calais, reading your review made me feel even better about my purchase! Mine is currently at 101,000 miles - and it's great to see that yours is at 169,000 and still going strong. I originally bought it because it was available at a good price - but now I realize there is something awesome about the styling, the handling, the gas-efficient engine, even the gear shifter that is really making me a fan of these cars!

1986 Oldsmobile Calais Supreme 3.8L V6

Summary:

Economical power and comfort

Faults:

The fuel gauge started to become unreliable around 110,000 km, often reading incorrectly by as much as a half tank.

The driver seat-belt has steadily been losing tension, causing much difficulty in adjusting it for different drivers.

The cruise control and air conditioning have not worked since I purchased the car.

General Comments:

It is amazing how much speed that be pulled out of this V6 engine. I have clocked it at 240 km/h, before the speedometer needle became stuck on the unleaded only fuel sign.

The front legroom and trunkroom of this vehicle are comparable to a Cadillac.

The stereo is the best stock radio I have ever heard, but in cold temperatures will randomly switch from AM to FM, or from one side of a cassette to the other.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2001