1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL 3.4 Liter DOHC V6 from North America

Summary:

Poor quality and design

Faults:

Had an idle problem - engine idled at 35 MPH and was unable to repair it.

Had two alternators put in right after I bought it.

Transmission began to leak at about 159,000, note that it had just been rebuilt when I bought it.

At 162,000 the starter went out of it.

At 163,000 the timing belt broke.

At 164,000 it blew a head gasket.

Radiator sprung a leak also at 164,000.

General Comments:

This car was a very attractive car with many features.

The main problem that I had was with the engine, The 3.4 V-6 was a nightmare to own and to repair. As an example the labor to change the alternator was extremely expensive and difficult. You had to remove the coolant return container, the passenger side wheel, separate the ball joint and remove the axle from the transmission to get at it.

I found it rather dangerous however because the brakes required a lot of effort to stop the veichle and because of the fact that there was a blind spot just over the driver's shoulder.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th February, 2002

1st Jul 2002, 12:07

As a general observation one would not expect to acquire a car that has over 150,000 Miles on it and expect it not to have issues, especially when it comes to the engine, you just do not know if it has been maintained properly over all those miles.

12th Jun 2009, 15:30

I bought my cutlass with 222000 miles. That was 6 months ago. I drive everyday for work. In the last six months I have put 12000 miles on my Cutlass.

The only thing that I have had to fix was the brakes.

I think whoever owned the car before you lied to you. They just did not take care of it.

And a timing belt is no big deal. They cost $12 at the most and take 10 min to put on.

1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL 3.4L DOHC 24v V-6 from North America

Summary:

Performance, comfort and style

Faults:

Since this is the performance oriented engine choice, its aluminum head lends itself to more than a little knocking when warming up, but I have had it checked by the dealership where I bought it and they say it is completely normal for this engine and not to be worried about it. I hope they're right.

General Comments:

Overall there is nothing bad I can say about this car. I tend to drive my vehicles hard and this car keeps up.

Serious acceleration backed up with great steering feel and excellent handling from the 16 inch performance tires (a factory option). The quad exhaust is a nice touch too, great sound.

Not only is it fun to drive, but its comfortable and quiet inside. Auto climate control, CD player, power seats, mirrors, windows, locks and remote lock/unlock and trunk release are all very easy to operate. Blue analog dash with tach and every engine function easy to read as well.

Also, the styling of the car really grows on you. It's understated, but very sporty and classy, not your average family sports sedan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 2002

19th May 2004, 04:41

Just a comment about the quad exhaust, its not really quad, its dual if you look, I think its the two on the inside that aren't really real, they are just there for style.

5th Jan 2007, 14:06

1992 Olds Cutlass Supreme SL:

1- Head Gasket went at 200,000.

2-Gas Tank leaked from deterioration at about 180,000.

3-Water pump went at about 120,000.

4-One must undercoat the vehicle each season to prevent deterioration in the rear. If you do that, it'll be fine.

5-Minor body rot under panels at about 120,000.

6-Changed driver side door handle twice. (at 100,000 and at 200,000.

7-THE TRANSMISSION IS GREAT AND HAS ALMOST 220,000 ORIGINAL MILES.

8-The tie rods in the front were replaced for safety, but were fine.

9-The fog lights were replaced with the same sized working driving lights, as the stock lights were useless.

Good, solid, attractive vehicle.

22nd Oct 2009, 15:36

I purchased a '92 S. 3.4 DOHC a year ago. It was a one owner car. It is white with a retro black trunk carrier. (I have adapted a bike carrier- ski carrier to Old Cutty and added graphite tape to the spoiler. It looks like a Rocky Mountain Beemer with skis on it.)

Having pimped my ride initially with tinted windows, the rear window contour, now captures the coup look similar to that of the Toranado. Chrome pins stripes on white and black adorn the rest of the car, including re-chromed factory rims. For added touch the new Roush calpers were all installed red.

As for other performance enhancements, I've added the K and N filter system and am having new McPherson struts replaced. This car burns 94 grade octane. Snarls through all aspirated pipes and has a 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds.

(I run 16 inch Goodrich Slolom Winter M & S's year round.)

Anyways, my humble little coupe is starting to get noticed passing BMWs and Lexus's on the highway north to Edmonton. Truckers honk and the Vet guys like to creep up on the car and look at it.

It's now worth about 7 grrr. It runs like 1 of 13 NASCAR champs. It's starting to walk strong in its older brother's shoes.