1997 Oldsmobile Achieva SL 2.4L DOHC from North America

Summary:

The best car I have owned and I'm a Ford man

Faults:

Brakes at around 55,000.

Needs front brakes again at 98,000.

Replaced the rear shocks at 98,000 and the front struts are getting soft.

The check engine light came on at 96K, but found it was because my girlfriend lost the gas cap.

General Comments:

Since I was 20, I have been a Ford fanatic and still am. Swore I would never own a GM car. This has been the best passenger car I have ever owned. Unfortunately, it is one of the ugliest cars Oldsmobile ever built on the outside, but I have always been fond of the way it rides and looks from the inside.

I was commuting between Denver and Salt Lake for 9 months on the weekends in a long distance relationship and managed to put 40K on the car during that time.

My advice about this car, keep the engine clean (mine looks new) and have the oil changed by someone other that a jiffy lube type place. They use crap filters. Get the PF44 AC Delco oil filter and use decent oil like Valvoline. Never EVER use Penzoil in anything!

I really can't say enough good about this car, I just wish it wasn't so ugly on the outside. I added a pin stripe along the shoulder and that helped with overall looks.

If you have any questions or comments email me brian31@xmission.com

One last thing, the long distance relationship isn't long distance anymore and she sold her Honda and now drives this car everyday.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2002

12th Jan 2002, 13:35

What's wrong with Pennzoil? I have read that Pennzoil is actually a good brand of oil, because their oil comes from Pennsylvania, and has a low content of some engine-damaging substances (sulfur?).

I use Pennzoil in my Accord, and it has 252,000 miles on it, with no sign of engine wear. My dad has a '92 Sonoma with 152,000 on it, and it runs just as well as it did when new. Ditto my grandfather's '93 Park Avenue. And my brother's Accord, with 190,000 on it.

I have never had a problem with Pennzoil.