1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

A good value

Faults:

Struts (after purchase.. knew about needing them.)

Alternator.

Brakes (fronts twice) rears (once)

Calipers (of course) common on this model.

Battery (once)

Minor engine oil leak from gasket for old distributer location (not fixed)

Ball joints.

Dash board warp (by heater vent to windshield)

Tensioner (about to have replaced)

Arm rest cracked.

Minor engine knocking when cold, fine when warmed up.

General Comments:

Love my Cutlass. It's been just as good to me as my old Celebrity was. Guess GM may have taken the Japanese seriously in this past decade.

I purchased this car used and other than the normal wear and tear items listed it has performed religiously.

I plan to keep mine at least another year...150k or bust!

Car was well worth my original $4500 I payed 6 years ago and other than the oil leak (which is common on the 3.1 and expensive to fix) I've been very pleased.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th April, 2004

19th Apr 2004, 03:38

S coupe model. Has 4 speed auto. Replaced fluid at 110K. Works like a champ.

Also forgot to tell about the $28 headlamps. Thought those were a bit expensive. Replaced 2.

1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL 3.1L from North America

Summary:

SL Pkg Nice low Maintnace car that can take a few beatings :)

Faults:

Tires

Struts all 4

Power door lock relay

4 new calipers

4 new rotors

2 sets of brake pads front& rear

Power window switch "Passengers door

A/c and Heater Blower motor

Full tune up at 100,300 miles needs another one now.

Alternator "went today as I write this review :)

General Comments:

I truly have to say. With all of the things that have gone wrong with it so far, I can only say its just all routine maintenance. I cannot complain about it because this car has gone through a lot. I had my first car accident in it. I drive to and from Pennsylvania. I drive around with friends a lot. For a 19 year old. I have to say, As long as you keep up with the maintnace she will run forever.

The engine I replaced when I received the car from my friend for free. He never changed the oil, so it developed a rod knock. The new engine preforms great, gas mileage is great for a V6.

The interior is my favorite part of the car. It is comfortable, I have the shifter in between the seats and the dark charcoal interior is I great shape for its age. The seats are comfortable, But the drivers seat is getting worn a bit : (.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th February, 2004

1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL 3.1L V6 from North America

Summary:

Predictable and fun!

Faults:

Catalytic Converter - After 10 years.

Remote Key-less.

Water Pump went - Caused overheating.

Exhaust shield rusted away - Leading to melting of rear bumper.

Struts - After 10 years.

Cruise Control.

EGR Value.

Steering Rack.

General Comments:

This is my first car owned, however I've driven Chryslers and Fords. I love it, for me it is the overall comfort of the car. I'm often trapped in it for longer periods of time, and love the leather seats, mine are power and that comes highly recommended as well as a record for highly reliable.

For those who don't know this is the last year of the Series I 3.1L V6, the next year GM advanced to the Series III which provided better fuel economy, quicker at higher speeds with some reliability issues. This engine is loaded with low end torque!

225's on the wheels are nice, biggest complaint is the steering. I grew up with newer cars equipped with ABS and I find the steering on the Cutlass Supreme extremely vague. On ice you don't get that feedback that tells you that there's problems, just a tug etc. I have very limited confidence in this car during wintry weather.

Climate control and steering wheel controls are a god-sent. No air-bag, and I don't want one either.

If you're going to buy a GM car, be prepared to pay for GM brakes. Have Calipers cleaned regularly to avoid big costs. I keep on hearing about the positives of using your parking brake to avoid problem, I'd advise doing it.

For me a very predictable car, I tell everyone that if I won the lottery that I'd still own the thing, it would just get all "souped up." I'd love to drive this car forever, but to be honest it's probably only got another two years left on it.

Battery has been tested as dead for 18 months now. I'm not sure what's going on with that. I hope this doesn't cause the alternator to go. But, the charge rate stays constant.

I've replaced most parts with parts from wreckers, things for these cars are available everywhere!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 2004

7th Jun 2004, 20:42

Hello and thank you for all your comments on the Cutlass Supreme SL. I just purchased mine, Cutlass Supreme SL '93 at an auction with the help of a friend. A few dents, dings and a chipped tail lens (major surfing seeking a replacement) This is my first car and I am doing all the research that I can on it. Overall it's a sharp car, sleek with the curved rear windows and also with a spoiler. There does seem to be an oil leak problem in the engine, a burning smell as well after the car is parked. This is trial by fire because I know next to nothing about the mechanics of the engine parts. This site was informative and the comments that I read give me a good sense that the Cutlass is a good preforming used car. Mine has 145,000 and fingers crossed that it will take me a fraction of that distance. Thanks All.

31st Jan 2007, 03:02

These cars are VERY good in the snow & ice, they are front wheel drive and very heavy with limited acceleration power making them handle excellent on snow and ice. The tug you speak of means you should slow down.