1988 Oldsmobile Ciera XC Special Edition review from North America
"This car revived my affair with General Motors"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I bought this car in March 2001, in Alabama. Before moving to California in August, I had to replace the alternator.
I've replaced: starter, mass airflow intake something-or-other, injectors, heater core, blower motor, radiator, front and rear struts, had the driver's seat foam replaced, and lots of other stuff.
But as of this writing, I have no plans to get rid of it. Just wish I had a station wagon.
Beware if you want to change wheels. This had a bolt pattern of 5x100mm, and later Cieras had 5x115mm. I found this out after buying a set on eBay.
General comments?
With few exceptions, this car has been great. I drove from Birmingham, AL, to San Jose, CA, with a luggage carrier on top, at speeds about 70-75 mph, and averaged about 24mpg. I think the 3.8L V6 is a great engine and find it to be the perfect size engine for this car.
With the FE3 suspension, this car does corner quite flatly.
It rides pretty well and I've driven between the Bay area and the Los Angeles area repeatedly with no problems.
We have just recently purchased a 1990 Toronado Trofeo because we love Oldsmobiles.
Recommended reviews
| Best I've ever owned! |
|
| One of the most reliable used car values |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 133000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 171000 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Ciera |
| Date of Entry | 28th November, 2003 |