1988 Oldsmobile Ciera XC Special Edition 3.8L from North America
Summary:
This car revived my affair with General Motors
Faults:
I bought this car in March 2001, in Alabama. Before moving to California in August, I had to replace the alternator.
I've replaced: starter, mass airflow intake something-or-other, injectors, heater core, blower motor, radiator, front and rear struts, had the driver's seat foam replaced, and lots of other stuff.
But as of this writing, I have no plans to get rid of it. Just wish I had a station wagon.
Beware if you want to change wheels. This had a bolt pattern of 5x100mm, and later Cieras had 5x115mm. I found this out after buying a set on eBay.
General Comments:
With few exceptions, this car has been great. I drove from Birmingham, AL, to San Jose, CA, with a luggage carrier on top, at speeds about 70-75 mph, and averaged about 24mpg. I think the 3.8L V6 is a great engine and find it to be the perfect size engine for this car.
With the FE3 suspension, this car does corner quite flatly.
It rides pretty well and I've driven between the Bay area and the Los Angeles area repeatedly with no problems.
We have just recently purchased a 1990 Toronado Trofeo because we love Oldsmobiles.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th November, 2003