1992 Oldsmobile Ciera 3.3 V6 from North America

Summary:

A magnificently reliable car

Faults:

Once you learn that the front rotors are going to require resurfacing a couple times a year, you figure out that having a spare set for what, $100 makes sense. I'd have to resurface them after every 10,000 miles, but for the $10 it cost to grind a pair of rotors, and the hour to install with new pads, who cares? A good set of after-market drilled rotors would probably have prevented the whole issue. Other than that, my Ciera was the most bulletproof, perfectly running car I ever owned.

General Comments:

A quart of Slick 50 every third oil change, and 208,000 trouble free miles on the car when I sold it.

Regrettably, I was drawn by the allure of a nice, red convertible that was a heartbreaking exercise in maintenance and breakdowns, and abandoned the plain-jane comfort mobile that never failed me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th May, 2007

1992 Oldsmobile Ciera S 3.3 V6 from North America

Summary:

Excellent commuter car

Faults:

Power steering pressure hose at 140k.

New Transmission at 140k.

General Comments:

Nice four-door sedan. Pickup is quite good (in the V6) despite the harsh upshift, especially on the 1-2. The engine is nice, but the tranny can't quite keep up with it which is a shame. The ride is good overall, but steering is a little loose which takes some getting used to.

Definitely designed as a cruiser and not a city car. Gets about 25 mpg on the highway at 100mph, but around town it only gets around 18 mpg. This makes it great for commuters who want a cheap sedan with a little extra power to help them in highway traffic situations.

Brakes have a tendency to lock harshly when damp. Rotors tend to warp and cause massive shaking, but are cheap to replace.

Visibility on either side is pretty bad thanks to the tiny mirrors, so make sure you check your (enormous) blind spot.

Doors tend to freeze shut. Electric locks don't work in extremely cold (-15+) weather.

I see a lot of these on the road, which is a sign that it's pretty reliable for most owners.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th February, 2006

10th Feb 2006, 18:31

Yes, the Oldsmobile is a reliable car, I own one like yours myself. I got it when it was 6 years old and I've had 9 years now. It now has 170,000 miles on it.

Only major thing gone wrong with this car is it severely overheated 4 years ago and blew both the head and intake gaskets. It did not crack the head, though. My mechanic says the car has a cast iron head and it was unharmed.

Had all that fixed and did fine afterward. Burns no oil and no transmission problems.

Great car.

1992 Oldsmobile Ciera S 3.3L from North America

Summary:

A good car that you don't have to worry about

Faults:

As I have only owned this vehicle for about 2 months, nothing major has come up. I did have to replace the alternator as a dry battery caused it to fail trying to charge it. I am the 4th owner and know two of the previous owners, so it has been maintained well. It has a lot of miles, but it is still a solid car. I drive about 500 miles a week to and from work, and has done well.

General Comments:

This is my 4th Oldsmobile I have owned over the years. My Grandmas 77 Cutlass, was the 1st. I wish I still had that one! Then an 87 Ciera with 225,000 miles and still going. I had to take my 1990 98 to the junkyard with "only" 186,000 plus on it.

Very reliable and fairly inexpensive to drive and maintain. Huge trunk for size of vehicle. 3.3L motor is well suited to this style of car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 2005

1992 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 3.3L V6 from North America

Summary:

Reliable ride

Faults:

Since I have had only for about a month I have had no problems, starts every time, previous owner had a hard time parting with it as it has only had regular maintenance and a water pump in its 11 year life.

70,000KM - Spring in Driver side passenger door failed, door no longer opens.

General Comments:

Very comfortable car, I'm 6'3 and the 6-way power driver seat is amazing I've never been able to get so comfortable.

-Very quick, I'm told the 3.3L V6 is based on the larger 3.8L V6 which is a monster.

-All power options work, this car is fully loaded and it all still works like new.

-Drives like a newer car, previous owner was easy on it.

-Very easy to drive, extremely light steering took some getting used, but gives it hat olds feel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th October, 2003