1996 Oldsmobile LSS 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

A very nice, luxurious, fast family car!

Faults:

EGR valve failed.

Upper intake manifold seal failed.

Traction control and anti-lock brakes failed constantly, even after replacing them twice; I eventually gave up.

Wheel bearings failed twice on 2 wheels; one rear and one front.

Gas gauge failed, causing me to run out of gas and burn out the fuel pump.

Thermostat failed.

Heater core failed.

Heater fans and temp control system failed.

Air conditioning clutch failed and made noises.

Elbow joint in the coolant system leaked.

Wire corrosion to the fuel pump.

Tape deck ate the tape, and the tape never came out.

Fog light failed.

General Comments:

Like a Caprice Classic on steroids, with far better gas mileage.

The car was very smooth, fast (a sleeper), great handling, and is very comfortable to drive with plenty of room inside!

The 3800 series 2 engine is powerful and smooth! The engine by itself is very reliable, but many things attached to the engine are not very reliable.

Excellent gas mileage for the size of the car! I generally got between 31-35 mpg highway going 65mph. City was around 23 MPG. Not bad for a big car, and 230ftlbs. of torque at only 3500 RPM.

Well out-performs and is sportier than an Alero, which I now own.

The steering wheel radio controls were great!

The windows rolled up really fast, which was nice (just watch your kid's fingers. Oops!)

The transmission was a little rough going into 4th gear overdrive, but every GM I've ever driven has had that issue eventually. I didn't like that it shifted into fourth around 45mph; it could never make up its mind over which gear to stay in.

An extremely reliable car up to about 111,000 miles or so, and then it seemed to constantly need work done on it.

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

Review Date: 8th January, 2011

1998 Oldsmobile LSS from North America

Summary:

Not bad at all

Faults:

Have replaced brake rotors 4 times.

Water pump was replaced twice.

Radiator was replaced at 220,000 miles.

Driver's windows is off track or broken in 2009.

Front main seal leaks oil since 150,000 miles or so. I add oil every month.

Fuel gauge has never been accurate. Always shows more than there really is. About a quarter tank off.

Alignment goes out frequently.

Rear ball joints squeak, and a good lube only fixes it for a few weeks.

General Comments:

The car has been pretty reliable, except for the engine overheating when the water pump and radiator failed on me.

Has good acceleration, though not like when it was new.

Gets about 18 mpg overall, and around 28 or so on the interstate.

It has served us well, but it's about to a point where I don't think I'll put anymore money into repairs for it.

Still a good car for first time driver, or as a work car.

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

Review Date: 27th September, 2010

1996 Oldsmobile LSS 3.8 from North America

Summary:

Easy to maintain and strong

Faults:

Replaced upper intake manifold and lower intake manifold seals.

Replaced power steering supply hose.

Replaced right CV joint.

Flushed brake system due to ABS/TC lamp on.

Replaced transmission pan seal and oil pan seal.

Replaced oil level sensor.

Replaced 2 wheel covers (they fell off on the freeway).

General Comments:

I buy the 88's/LSS's, since I am familiar with the 3800 engine.

I did all the above repairs myself.

The car runs very well now (I pointed out the things that were wrong when I bought it), and was able to negotiate the price down.

I have done some mods to the engine (intake area) and it is fast, I really surprise people.

The ride is comfortable, and I do take long trips with the car.

I like the interior which is roomy.

Handling is excellent since the tires (Bridgestone) are tops.

The wheels make the car look nice.

This car is overlooked and that's fine with me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th April, 2009