1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 4-door review from North America

Alternator bearing started making noise at 180,000 miles, but still works.

Heater core went out at 160,000, but just by-passed it.

Speedometer is making noise, but still works.

Look, if you buy any 78-87 Cutlass with the V8 motor, you will have a reliable, durable, safe, & comfortable car. I've owned several of these for under $1,000, and drove the wheels off of each one. The ones I had were cheap northern beaters that were just rusted out. In those cases, the engine/trans outlasted the body.

Now, I am finding solid southern examples for cheap, and they are great. They are not the fastest cars in the world, but could be pretty quick with the right bolt-on parts.

I have a 1981 Cutlass (260 V8) for daily use, and a nice 1987 Cutlass Supreme sedan (307 V8) for weekends.

I've had many cars, but the rear wheel drive, V8 GM cars between 78-87 were always the best, and I can't say enough about them.

I would avoid the V6, and power windows, otherwise they are tanks, and can handle major abuse and keep on going. It's the only car I will ever buy. See pictures of mine; RAY FIALA@my space.