1991 Oldsmobile 88 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

A safe reliable first car for anyone!

Faults:

The power antenna started having problems about 3 years ago, and had to be disconnected because the motor kept running, but the antenna didn't go anyplace.

Now having problems with the blinkers, they are flickering and I can't find the flashers to replace them. (not in the owners manual)

Had some problems with the car restarting after it ran for a while, but it was cheap to fix.

Changed the battery once (cold cranking amps were really low)

Power windows go up really slow.

General Comments:

I think that for the power it has it should have had a better design to it.

It handles very well, and I have never had any major problems with it.

It has good acceleration in it.

I hooked up a sound system in it, and found out that was not very easy to do, because you have to take the whole panel from door to door off.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2002

28th Aug 2008, 16:15

Did you ever end up fixing the power window problem and if so how did you fix it because I am having the same problem with the two windows in the front. The rear windows work great but the front two go up really slow and sometimes stop working for a few minutes until I wait and try it later.

1991 Oldsmobile 88 Royale 3.8 Series V6 from North America

Summary:

A durable, multi-functional, cruising machine

Faults:

Alternator went out at 30K miles, but it was easy to swap and a rebuilt one with a lifetime warranty cost only $90.

EGR valve went out at around 150K, it cost $100 from Murray's and I replaced it myself.

I have replaced the power window motors twice in both front doors and they still work slowly.

Replaced master cylinder at 140K miles when brake feel had changed.

Replaced timing chain and sprockets at 120K as preventative maintenance.

Replaced headliner at 90K miles when it started to droop.

Replaced both front hub bearings, one at 125K, and the other at 140K.

Turn signal cancelling cam broke at around 130K miles.

Swapped seats from a Bonneville at 160K miles because my seats were dished and the Bonnie's were power.

General Comments:

Great acceleration and honestly a bulletproof powertrain. I have seriously abused this car and it has withstood it all.

The transmission is world class. I have towed 6'x12' U-haul trailers, multiple vehicles on car dollies, 1000 lbs of sod, etc... with no problems. Once I got stuck in a snow drift and proceeded to throw neutral slams (rev in neutral and then throw into drive) until it inched me out of the snow. The only thing I wish is that it had a slightly higher 1st gear (you can get up to 45 MPH in 1st!). It would be a real rocket then...

All of the items replaced above (with the exception of the alternator) achieved expected component life in my opinion. Nothing was very expensive to replace, either (however, I did all the labor).

Fuel economy has never disappointed me. There's something to be said for low-end torque that today's OHC engine's don't address!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th May, 2002

4th Jan 2003, 23:30

I have the same car except it's a Broughm and has power just about everything. Did the same thing to the power windows and got the same results. My left window even has to be pushed up at the same time I push the button or else it will get stuck. Wish I knew how to fix this!