1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL 3.4 DOHC

Summary:

A great car with lots of options for the money

Faults:

85,000 - Timing chain snap.

90,000 - Transmission rebuilt.

100,000 - Transmission failure, new transmission installed.

103,000 - Alternator failure.

After passing 105,000, many small plastic pieces have started to fall apart. Radio controls, climate controls, sunroof pieces, door panels all falling apart.

General Comments:

Since the new transmission has been installed, car has been overwhelmingly reliable. Optional 3.4L engine performs flawlessly and have had no mechanical trouble with the engine at all. This car is a great performer, but it has typical wear and tear for a car with high mileage. Gas mileage is pretty average for a V6, I normally run 22 normal and 28 highway. I love this car and it has been great for the money, but I would recommend the 3.1L models for reliability and maintenance costs (alternator was over $500 to replace due to its inconvenient location, the engine is crammed in as tight as possible). Leather, sunroof, and auto climate are nice touches for the low price.

This has been a great temporary vehicle and I plan to replace it in the next month or so with an Aurora.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2004

9th May 2006, 20:46

I've known people that have had Auroras. Just make sure you don't get the year they first made them and get it checked out because I've heard they are pieces of junk and expensive to fix. This guy I know has a 2004 and the transmission went out last year. I don't know if they are that great. They do look cool though!

1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL 3.1L V6

Summary:

The car is amazing!!

Faults:

I bought the car on August 23. On the way home the transmission blew out. Fortunately, the dealer took it back in, and gave me a new tranny with 39,000 miles on it.

Since then I found out that the fuel gauge is bad. Other than that I have had no problems.

General Comments:

This car's 3.1 V6 puts out plenty of power. Haven't taken it to a track yet, but I'm guessing that it will run a 1/4 mile in mid 15's. It is also completly stock.

The stock sound system sound EXCELLENT.

The interior is very comfortable and has help up excellently. One of the climate control knobs broke, however, super glue can fix anything...

Handles like a dream. Takes corners very well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th October, 2004

1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass SL 3.1L V6

Summary:

The Cutlass Supreme 2-door has been an exceptionally reliable car that I feel good driving

Faults:

80,000 Miles - New Alternator

120,000 - A/C recharged

125,000 - New ball joints and tie rods

At various points, I have had to replace all three of the climate control knobs.

General Comments:

This is a 2-door Cutlass Supreme. I would like to purchase a new car, but when this one keeps running so well, I suppose there is no reason to get rid of it. It's pretty comfortable, and if you push it, the 3.1 V6 provides ample power. It's quiet on the road too. My older Mercury Sable handled better then the Cutlass does, but I can't complain about getting over 70,000 miles from a set of tires!

I like the looks of the car, it's the 2-door model. Even though it's 8 years old, the paint is in excellent condition, and there is no sign of rust anywhere.

The interior of the car looks good too. The dash is in great shape, and the seats look new and are decently comfortable. I love GM tilt wheels, best in the business.

I scrapped all, but 4 of the defroster stripes on the back window loading stuff into the back, but I can't blame the car for that.

Overall, it's been exceptionally reliable and comfortable, if not the most fun car to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2004

1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass SL 3.1 liter

Summary:

Well built reliable car with rear brake issues.

Faults:

Replaced driver side door handle at 30,000 miles.

Replaced rear brakes and drums at 40,000 miles.

Replaced rear brakes, drums and calipers at 60,000 miles.

Replaced rear brakes and drums at 90,000 miles... see a pattern yet?

Replaced head gasket at 100,000 miles.

Replaced front tie rod at 105,000 miles.

General Comments:

The seats wear quick and are a bit uncomfortable. However the reliability is excellent. The constant problems and replacement of the rear brakes are a real pain, but it seems worth it considering there were no other real problems.

I still get in the 20s for gas mileage even after 8 years and over 100,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th September, 2004