1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL review from North America

Alternator failed during my test drive, was replaced along with the battery free of charge.

Driver's window regulator has never worked, window has always been up.

The A/C compressor is bad and VERY loud/whiny, but surprisingly the air conditioning/heat still work just fine.

The left horn button on the steering wheel is cracked, and I replaced the inside driver's door handle a month or two ago, but I am responsible for it breaking in the first place.

Also, the seat track for the driver's seat is pretty stubborn when it comes to moving it forward and back.

This was my first car, bought it in early September of 2007 from a pretty reputable used car lot. I ended up buying it after driving it over the weekend for two grand, and so far it's been one of the smarter purchases I've ever made.

My Ciera is the 3.1 liter V6 automatic, and it is anything but underpowered. It does lag for an instant and then blast into the power band when you push the pedal to the floor, but there is no struggle to catch up to freeway speeds or pass minivans. The transmission is a little quirky and feels indecisive when using a more demanding driving style, but keeps quiet and doesn't impede normal daily driving.

The handling, however, leaves something to be desired. The turning radius is particularly limited (U-turns are generally off-limits for me), so don't expect much in terms of precision and you won't be disappointed. The Ciera does lean into turns, but it's typically proportionate and feels right. Braking is average.

I am about 6'3", and the car facilitates me comfortably. The seats in the front are bench separated by a cup-holder/armrest though, so there's not much in the way of style, unless you're a fan of vintage looks.

Speaking of vintage, the car does sport a very antiquated looks, even for a 1996. People typically think it's four, five, six years older than it is. I think it's plenty attractive and practical, but I am probably in the minority, there.

While it's not plush or loaded by any means (no CD player, no power seat for driver), the '96 Ciera SL does have a decent array of comforts at it's owner's disposal, and has been a reliable and enjoyable car for me since the day I bought it. Definitely recommend this, especially as a first vehicle, can't go wrong with it.