1996 Oldsmobile Aurora Reviews - Page 2 of 4

Battery failed after 8 years, which I consider acceptable, as I figure any car battery that exceeds 5 years to be on borrowed time.

Headlight dimmer switch failed at 6 years.

Optional chrome rims seem to have a tendency to corrode in the area of the bead seal, replacements are very expensive.

With the Autobahn package this car is a joy to drive. Seats are very comfortable and I can cruise all day down Interstate or back road with no complaints. Only wish that it had OnStar.

Air conditioning compressor died twice.

Air conditioning condenser died.

Have given up on A/C altogether.

Right rear window motor died.

All window switches now inoperative, except master driver control.

Water pump died.

Transmission torque converter faulty - $1,400.00 repair estimate.

Ignition switch failure - has required replacement twice (display: "ignition key needs cleaning", in fact the only thing that gets cleaned out is your wallet) - $250.00 plus two $60 "smart" keys each time.

Driver seat memory not reliable.

Rear shocks have both broken - now squeak and shimmy from side to side.

Rear auto-load leveller pump died.

Electrical surges (erratic fluctuations in power level - seen in lights etc).

Rear brakes are a major pain to replace.

Brake squeal when hot.

Premature body rust above left rear wheel well.

Extremely thirsty for premium fuel - embarrassingly inefficient.

Sluggish performance recently.

I have owned numerous vehicles, and never believed in GM products. Unfortunately, two years ago I listened to friends and unfortunately should have listened to my own instinct. I was fooled by a good-looking, comfortable and smooth performer that appeared to be in very good condition when I purchased it privately. THIS IS THE WORST PIECE OF JUNK I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED - LET ALONE OWNED. This was supposed to be one of GM's premium cars that was going to woo folk away from the European and Japanese brands. What a load of whitewash! I will never, never even momentarily consider looking at any GM product ever again. I would take my 1993 Chrysler Concorde back in exchange for this 1996 Aurora any day - but for the fact it was stolen and trashed. Listen to me carefully - resist the GM automaton that seems to pervade in so many car buyers' minds. DO NOT BUY GM. That is the only way they will finally be convinced to care about the quality of the vehicles they build.

90,500 - Head Gasket.

89,000 - Radiator.

88,500 - Engine Seals - Oil Leaks.

75,000 - Moon Roof Problem.

64,000 - Tuneup Required; new ignition Wires.

58,000 - Water-pump replaced (leaking)

This car has been maintained according to the owner's manual by the original dealer.

Most of the miles have been highway miles. Average speed was 65 MPH

The first 75,000 miles were a great experience. The past 15,000 miles were a horrible experience.

Major problem was that the tires must be balanced using a special Hunter machine using the "forced balance" method. When the tires are improperly balanced there is a high speed vibration between 68 and 72 MPH.