1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass from North America - Comments

The engine has a ticking noise when it's cold. The dealer tells me this is normal, but it's only getting louder with time. I have an extended warranty, but the dealers (the only ones that are approved) refuse to fix it, stating that they don't want an "inspector" to come by. The engine had the pistons supposedly replaced at around 6,000 miles, but the noise continued.

Brake rotors had to be replaced at 45,000 miles at a cost of $600.

Brake lights went out 5 or more times before the 30,000 mile warranty period was over. The problem was finally fixed.

Alternator went out at 30,000 miles.

Interior plastic parts are flimsy. Visor snaps keep falling off.

There is a noise on the left front steering that I'm told is normal, but sounds like a scraping.

The engine used to vibrate rather wildly until the dealer installed some sort of a dampener on the engine mounts. Now the engine still vibrates at idle, but one doesn't feel it as much.

The car's cam sensor went out and stranded me.

The dealer screwed up my after-market alarm and sunroof controls after I had the brakes done. The dealer, Marina Pontiac, in Santa Cruz is the WORST! They have horrible customer service.

I will never buy another GM product in my life. This car has been incredibly unreliable, and the dealers don't want to "deal" with the problems it has.

All I have to say is I have an olds cutlass and nothing has gone wrong and it runs great (maybe you have a lemon)

Just wondering what do you drive now...

One should never use one bad experience to make everything seems bad.However, I am familiar with the cutlass and I'm curious to know what should I expect from the vehicles performance at 70 thousand miles. what are some of the good points and bad points about the vehicle. I was told that the previous owner took really good care of the vehicle, but I notice that when it is turned on and is warming up the exhaust has a very strong smell.

I love my 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Last Summer my AC worked fine. This year, the 1st hot day of the season, I turned on the air, and I got only hot air. My mechanic fixed the problem.

I got the car back and now it sounds like a helicopter. When idle, it revs very high, and is burning a lot of gas. My mechanic says nothing is wrong. But the car I have loved, and has been oh so good to me, now sounds very awful, and is very uneconomical to run. Now I want to take it to a dealer. Good idea?