1998 Oldsmobile Aurora

Summary:

The car is comfortable and fun to drive, but the maintenance costs are becoming too much for me

Faults:

The driver's side window stopped operating at about 45000 miles.

A mysterious tapping noise (not unlike the sound of a card stuck in the spokes of a bicycle) developed around 55000 miles. It turned out to be the hubs, and cost about $1,700 to fix.

Now I am told that the A/C compressor has died at about 60000 miles.

General Comments:

The car is by far the most comfortable ride I've ever had. It handles beautifully on the road, although it is difficult to parallel park and get into tight spaces (obviously).

Aside from its size, my only problem with the car is its reliability. I've had the car for only 18 months and already it's been in the shop three times for separate problems, with repair bills/estimates amounting to more than $4,000. Is this just the way it is with American luxury cars? Is this normal?

My other car is a '94 Toyota Corolla wagon, and it just keeps going (125,000 miles) virtually without any maintenance at all. I'd like to keep the Aurora as a touring car (for that purpose, it is unmatched), but the maintenance costs keep adding up. Can anyone out there give me comfort that these problems are typical at this mileage, and things will settle down on the repair front?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd September, 2005

20th Jan 2006, 14:14

I would say that it is usual for an American car.

My 1997 Honda Civic ended up in a shop for the first time last month at 257 000 km (~160K miles) for a bearing and a balljoint.

Other than regular maintenance (fluids, tires and brakes), my total cost of repairs since new (almost 9 years) was less than $500. A girl at work has the same car down to the colour and she is at 250K km - her cost so far? $0.00.

But, a 1997 civic with 250K will cost you 3-4K to buy right now. A 1997 Ford, Dodge or Chevy with 250K km will cost just a touch more than the gas it has in the tank. So you can pay up front or in repairs, the cost in the end is about the same.

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1998 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0

Summary:

Great luxury, sport car

Faults:

Signal light/ headlight switch.

Power to the ac/ heater blower stays on when the car is turned off.

Traction control light comes on won't shut off.

General Comments:

Overall this is a good car, although it is quite costly to repair.

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

Review Date: 19th September, 2005

1998 Oldsmobile Aurora

Summary:

Superb quality and class for an excellent price!

Faults:

Replaced the Air Conditioning Compressor at 82,500 miles.

General Comments:

The car is excellent in its engine and transmission performance. Pick up on the highway, and anywhere for that matter, is phenomenal.

The car also is very comfortable and pays close attention to its occupants with standard features that are not even options on other cars.

The car handles excellent on winding roads and rides very smoothly.

The Air Conditioning system works beautifully.

The sound system is fantastic along with the 12 disc CD changer!

My only disappointment is shutting it off!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2005

10th Sep 2007, 00:56

Let me see, you had the car for a total of 7000 miles when you wrote this review. I wonder what your feelings are now?

In reply to 10th Sep 2007, 00:56

24th Mar 2011, 00:45

Exactly to the above comment. Aurora's are junk. GM was so close to getting it right. Loved the styling, performance, amenities, driver's position, even the gas mileage was good for such a big car. But in terms of reliability, forget about it. Before you buy one of these lemons, go to Automotiveforums.com and check out the desperate owners there frantically trying to find relief from the nightmare that is the Aurora. And, it is not just the 95. The newer ones were problematic as well.

GM, it will be a long time before I ever consider one of your creations. It is no wonder that you are number 2, and it is only due to blind customer loyalty that you're even doing that well!

In reply to 24th Mar 2011, 00:45

24th Mar 2011, 11:25

I have had a 2001 Aurora 4.0 for more than 10 years. I bought it new. In that time, the following trouble turned up:

1. Crankshaft position sensors: $450

2. A/C leak (bad hose) : $250.

$700 in unexpected repairs over more than 10 years? That sort of speaks for itself.

In reply to 24th Mar 2011, 00:45

27th Aug 2011, 14:43

So have you ever driven one of these cars or owned one? If not, why are you saying they are junk? I haven't owned one, but I would like to; they look nice, and I think it would be fun to drive.

I have owned 4 vehicles in my life to date, and 3 of them have been GM products. The only car I had a problem with was the 1990 Cutlass Supreme, which came with the problems in 2010 when I got it. So please don't say GM makes bad cars; I have heard a lot of stories of bad cars from Asian and European makes too.