1989 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo 3800 from North America

Summary:

There is a saying; "GM cars run like crap longer than most cars run at all"

Faults:

The engine and transmission used in this and many other GM cars are well recognized as being reliable. Never had a problem with either. It was everything else.

2 catalytic converters.

Fuel pump.

Had a hard start problem in cold weather; over time this somehow corrected itself.

AC went out.

Digital dash readout including mileage and all gauges quit working at around 160k.

Headlight covers broke off.

Both exhaust tips broke off.

Interior was falling apart early in the car's life.

Brakes always pulsated, even with new rotors. Brakes were too small for a car this size.

Few other electrical woes as these cars used 2 computers.

General Comments:

Granted this was a brand new company car that was given to me as a personal car after its time and usage were replaced; I never really cared for this generation downsized E body cars compared to their larger V8 predecessors.

The car did ride and handle very well and the interior comfort and luxury amenities were nice.

Received it as brand new in 1989, and drove it for personal use years later until 1996, then gave it to a family member who was in need of a vehicle and they drove it til 2001.

Despite all the problems it never actually broke down or left anyone stranded. The 3800 V6 is the best V6 ever produced. There was no telling the final mileage due to the gauge cluster going out, but it was for sure over 220k. The car was driven everywhere its whole life in good and bad condition.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th November, 2021

1989 Oldsmobile Toronado LS Series 1 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

The best coupe ever!

Faults:

When I first bought my 1989, I had to replace the left half shaft and tie rod ends also on the left side.

I have also had to replace the brake lines in April of 2010 due to rust from age.

The seats are still the most comfortable that I have ever experienced.

Some vinyl or plastic is cracked on the inside, but not that much.

All of the digital gauges and heat work in the car.

The paint is faded in most parts of the car, but there is only a few spots of surface rust on it.

General Comments:

My Toronado is still in great running condition, the motor still has its quick get up and go, but the top speed isn't the greatest. The transmission kind of jerks a little in and out of first, but beautifully for the other gears.

For being an '89, this puppy still handles excellent, and also still has great suspension.

I will drive this car until the day it dies, or the day I die. Which will hopefully be a long time, because I plan on restoring the whole car from ground up so she runs like she did back in '89.

While riding in a Toronado, you feel as if you are floating on a cloud because of how smooth they ride.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th May, 2010

1989 Oldsmobile Toronado LS 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Lots of life needs tlc

Faults:

A/c out speedo power brake booster out seats worn.

General Comments:

The car does the 4 S start stops shift and steers still somewhat fairly well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th November, 2006