1998 Oldsmobile Achieva SL 3.1L from North America

Summary:

A very nice, dependable, classy car

Faults:

Hard on brake pads and rotors, already had to have them serviced.

Goes through coolant fairly fast.

Tends to overheat on warmer days.

General Comments:

I love this car.

- Very comfortable to ride in.

- Low maintenance, as long as you don't abuse it.

- Handles great in almost all weather conditions, although snow and ice builds up quick in the wheel wells.

- Decent gas mileage.

- Great power (Getupandgo).

- Huge trunk-space.

An overall excellent small car, very reliable, and not too bad on the eye either. It's got class. A very good choice as a first car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th February, 2007

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva from North America

Summary:

Don't buy this unless you are a mechanic

Faults:

These are great cars the first 60000 miles. very comfortable for road trips. I even had a band and we actually toured in one of these. BUT once they get to about 90000 miles they break down once every six months. Electric system wigged out. Heater core went out on me twice. Water pump twice. Manifold gasket went out ($1154, ouchie for a student)

Between 90000 and 120000 I've spent about twice the blue book value of this thing. They depreciate like crazy.

General Comments:

Unless you need a really cheap car right now, don't wast your time with this. Steer clear of oldsmobile! Toyota seems to be best in the sedan category.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th March, 2006

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva SL 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

A great car even for a dodge lover!!

Faults:

First thing was the head gaskets need to be replaced at 100,000 miles (which there was also gunky oil in the engine when replace gaskets).

Then at 119,000 miles it threw a rod and started knocking so we got a $600.00 used engine with 60,000 miles which was very clean and since then I have only had to replace the alternator and regular tuneup.

General Comments:

The car is pretty quick for a stock engine with only 155 hp I've had a few pulling up to stop light next to a trans-am or a mustang 5.o and leaving em in the dust.

I'm gonna redo the car start with a new paint job cause it needs it then I'm gonna put a body kit on it and a wing on the back then a racing suspension, engine mods, etc...

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

Review Date: 16th April, 2004

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva SL 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

A little-known gem.

Faults:

Trunk light wouldn't go out when purchased. Fixed under warranty, but was replaced with cheap junk so I will have to replace it again at my own expense.

Power steering pump replaced after excessive noise and interesting sound when turning the wheel.

Replaced high and low note horn.

Both rear window motors replaced, front driver side seems to be on the way out.

Front driver side lower bushing replaced at 69,000 miles, had to get new tires since the car was out of alignment due to this problem. Tires I replaced were practically new, but had cupped.

Muffler bracket rusted and broke off.

Gasket leak at 74,000 that has yet to be checked out (it will be happening soon).

General Comments:

The car is a good car overall, it has never left me stranded.

The computer and sensors leave something to be desired. Low traction light comes on spontaneously and ABS and ETS lights have also caused me problems.

Interior is very nice, it's what made me fall in love with the car in the first place.

The car is very quirky with its little noises, but that gives it personality.

Handles well and is a peppy little thing.

The body has some style and character that you don't see in a lot of cars in that generation.

The gas cap not fitting right and getting the "service engine" light can get to you sometimes.

The car still drives like the day I brought it home and I hope to keep it for a long time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd March, 2004

27th Dec 2004, 21:53

You said "Power steering pump replaced after excessive noise and interesting sound when turning the wheel."

I just bought a used achieve about half a year ago. few weeks ago I turned the wheel and it sounded like there was something rubbing against something under the hood. and it only happened when I turned the wheel to from center towards the passenger side and from the passenger side back to center. is this similar to what you experienced?

7th Aug 2005, 22:18

My funky noise is when I'm turning the wheel and it hits the stopping point, either side. The noise is a rubbing noise, and it was not fixed by the replacement of the power steering pump. The pump itself had been making noise and this was what prompted the replacement. Much like anything else, I'm going to have to wait until this one manifests itself into what is truly wrong. It does sound like a belt though.

7th Aug 2005, 22:30

And for those who may (or may not) follow this. The problem as described from the "Low TRAC" light and ABS was finally fixed. After ignoring it for a while when the problem couldn't be tracked, I finally had to face it when my ABS went so nuts I was having trouble stopping. After replacement of 2 sensors, it was discovered that a CV joint was bad and leaking grease all over the sensor as the wheel was turned. Replacement of the CV joint about a month ago has stopped the problem.