1996 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0L V8 from North America

Summary:

A great car, that GM should still be building

Faults:

Battery failed after 8 years, which I consider acceptable, as I figure any car battery that exceeds 5 years to be on borrowed time.

Headlight dimmer switch failed at 6 years.

Optional chrome rims seem to have a tendency to corrode in the area of the bead seal, replacements are very expensive.

General Comments:

With the Autobahn package this car is a joy to drive. Seats are very comfortable and I can cruise all day down Interstate or back road with no complaints. Only wish that it had OnStar.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th April, 2006

18th Apr 2006, 08:44

"A great car, that GM should still be building"

- I think that GM is crazy for having cut the Aurora & Olds as well!

1996 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0L from North America

Summary:

This is a very poor quality vehicle.

Faults:

Air conditioning compressor died twice.

Air conditioning condenser died.

Have given up on A/C altogether.

Right rear window motor died.

All window switches now inoperative, except master driver control.

Water pump died.

Transmission torque converter faulty - $1,400.00 repair estimate.

Ignition switch failure - has required replacement twice (display: "ignition key needs cleaning", in fact the only thing that gets cleaned out is your wallet) - $250.00 plus two $60 "smart" keys each time.

Driver seat memory not reliable.

Rear shocks have both broken - now squeak and shimmy from side to side.

Rear auto-load leveller pump died.

Electrical surges (erratic fluctuations in power level - seen in lights etc).

Rear brakes are a major pain to replace.

Brake squeal when hot.

Premature body rust above left rear wheel well.

Extremely thirsty for premium fuel - embarrassingly inefficient.

Sluggish performance recently.

General Comments:

I have owned numerous vehicles, and never believed in GM products. Unfortunately, two years ago I listened to friends and unfortunately should have listened to my own instinct. I was fooled by a good-looking, comfortable and smooth performer that appeared to be in very good condition when I purchased it privately. THIS IS THE WORST PIECE OF JUNK I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED - LET ALONE OWNED. This was supposed to be one of GM's premium cars that was going to woo folk away from the European and Japanese brands. What a load of whitewash! I will never, never even momentarily consider looking at any GM product ever again. I would take my 1993 Chrysler Concorde back in exchange for this 1996 Aurora any day - but for the fact it was stolen and trashed. Listen to me carefully - resist the GM automaton that seems to pervade in so many car buyers' minds. DO NOT BUY GM. That is the only way they will finally be convinced to care about the quality of the vehicles they build.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st April, 2006

1st Apr 2006, 19:57

"DO NOT BUY GM."

- What with the direction in which GM is going now, there may not be a GM to buy anything from before too long.

1st Apr 2006, 20:47

I, for one, couldn't be happier about the fact that Olds is gone. They built nothing, but garbage. Fortunately, it also looks like the rest of GM is going down too. This is something that is well deserved, and has been a long time coming. Toyota and Honda are the only two manufacturers this country needs anyway. Hopefully, the downfall of GM will happen sooner rather than later. GM, this country doesn't need you. We now have much better domestic manufacturers in Toyota and Honda. At least they care about this country.

1996 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0 from North America

Summary:

A very expensive car after 75,000 miles!

Faults:

90,500 - Head Gasket.

89,000 - Radiator.

88,500 - Engine Seals - Oil Leaks.

75,000 - Moon Roof Problem.

64,000 - Tuneup Required; new ignition Wires.

58,000 - Water-pump replaced (leaking)

General Comments:

This car has been maintained according to the owner's manual by the original dealer.

Most of the miles have been highway miles. Average speed was 65 MPH

The first 75,000 miles were a great experience. The past 15,000 miles were a horrible experience.

Major problem was that the tires must be balanced using a special Hunter machine using the "forced balance" method. When the tires are improperly balanced there is a high speed vibration between 68 and 72 MPH.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th June, 2004

10th Nov 2006, 10:30

I too love my 96 - not the cost of repairs. Currently at 195,000 and overall cost to own is at.35 per mile. Not bad when you look at it that way. Bought it used at 93,000 and have had 4 tires, 2 full brake jobs, EBCM ($$$) Wheel and hub assembly ($$$), Shocks, Fuel rails and lines, Alternator, battery etc... It helps to have a brother-in-law who is an Olds mechanic.