My girlfriend just purchased a burgundy 1999 base Oldsmobile Cutlass sedan as a second car to her 2001 Chevrolet Impala this past June. The Oldsmobile Cutlass sedan is based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Malibu. It was something of a placeholder as the A-body Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera sedan was retired in 1996 and the Oldsmobile Alero wouldn't arrive until 2000. Anything the Cutlass can do the Malibu can do - the same, not better. However, the Cutlass has more attractive "Oldsmobile-esque" styling in my opinion.
It is powered by a 3.1 SEFI V-6 delivering 150 hp @ 4800 RPM and 180 lb-ft torque at 3200 RPM. It is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Reported fuel economy is 20 MPG City / 29 MPG Highway, but I suspect real-life fuel economy is less. My girlfriend was under the impression that a smaller car always provides better fuel economy, but this is not always true. She complains that it seems to cost more for fuel for the Oldsmobile than her 2001 Impala as she is frequently filling the tank. It does have a rather smallish 15 gallon tank which may be one reason for the frequent fill-ups.
It is shod with P215/60R15 Goodyear blackwall tires mounted on steel rims with rather attractive chrome-plated wheel covers that are nice than most plastic wheel covers I've seen.
How can I describe the Cutlass' interior except as "contemporary American rental car." The Cutlass has an uninspiring yet functional interior with an instrument panel that looks like a hybrid of older domestics and recent imports. The driver faces a bank of analog gauges: speedometer, temperature gauge, fuel gauge and a large tachometer along with the usual array of "idiot lights." I'd rather have seen a more useful ammeter and oil pressure gauge in place of the tach since this vehicle is equipped with an automatic. The transmission is shifted via a tall thin floor mounted lever in a narrow console. I found some of the interior bits too plasticky and can see why many who prefer imports would be turned-off by generic GM interiors. The seats are beige cloth and feel supportive and comfortable on long trips. The rear compartment is quite spacious for a smaller car.
The Cutlass has driver's and passenger's airbags. Non-illuminated vanity mirrors are in the visors. Small maplights are in the rearview mirror. It has standard power windows and locks but the seats are manually positioned. The HVAC system is adequate, but not quite as effective as in other GM cars I've owned or driven. The stereo, which consists of an AM/FM receiver with cassette, gives crisp clear sound but isn't as sophisticated as the one in her Impala or my Seville.
The Cutlass provides merely an average driving experience. Accelerating from a stop seems a little sluggish despite the small V-6. The car handles adequately on sharp turns and through the twisties. Steering feels precise and there is nary a trace of body roll. Braking distances, however, seem long. Despite its FWD configuration, torque-steer is barely evident.
The trunk is spacious and a handy cargo net is provided. However, that ever-present curse of the average domestic automobile is there - the hated "donut" tire! When will this awful relic of the Sour '70s finally disappear?
What can I say about the Oldsmobile Cutlass sedan? It is basically your generic GM sedan. It does nothing terribly bad nor really well. I'm a long-time GM afficianado and can see why those who desire imports are turned-off cars like the Cutlass. It makes a great car for the average commuter but the enthusiast will want to look elsewhere.
Amount Paid (US$): 11,000
