1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass Review
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass Review
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Used Cutlass for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Loaded with equipment. Roomy inside. Adequate power. Excellent value.
Cons
- Can't match refinement of Accord or Camry, but then, the price doesn't match Accord or Camry V6 models either.
What’s new
No changes to Oldsmobile's fresh bread-and butter sedan, except for the addition of second-generation airbags.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$195/mo for Cutlass GL
Cutlass GL
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Does anybody miss the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera? Didn't think so. After a 15-year run that saw few modernizing modifications to the chassis and styling, the Cutlass Ciera is gone, despite the fact that the old warrior was Oldsmobile's best-selling nameplate. In its place, Oldsmobile offers the all-new Cutlass.
Cutlass comes in two flavors, both of which are worlds sweeter than the Ciera. Base models are equipped with a 160-horsepower 3.1-liter V6, antilock brakes and a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. Standard amenities include cruise control, air conditioning, battery rundown protection, rear window defogger, power door locks, fog lights, illuminated entry, tachometer, cassette stereo, remote trunk release, split-folding rear seat, tilt steering wheel and a security system. Move up to the GLS model, and you'll get alloy wheels, leather seats, remote keyless entry, variable effort steering and a host of power doodads. Missing from the standard and optional equipment lists are traction control and an integrated child safety seat.
Conservatively styled, Oldsmobile designers have slapped a full-width reflective applique across the back of the Cutlass that looks out of place on this otherwise plain but attractive sedan. Inside, passengers will find a well-designed dashboard and funky A-pillar air conditioning vents designed to increase airflow to rear seat passengers. The ignition switch is placed on the dashboard rather than the steering column, making it easier to find. Best of all, and don't clutch your chest in surprise, General Motors has found a way to put real live cruise control switches on the steering wheel spokes where they belong.
Oldsmobile claims that the Cutlass has side-impact protection that exceeds federal standards, but federal testing resulting in relatively poor side-impact crash scores. Cutlass also comes with standard antilock brakes and dual airbags. Bumpers can withstand five-mph impacts. Daytime running lights with automatic light control is also part of the package.
Rack and pinion steering is standard, and GLS models feature variable effort steering. Combined with a four-wheel independent suspension and P215/60R15 tires, the Cutlass is adequately responsive. The 3.1-liter V6 under the hood makes 160 horsepower, and moves the car to 60 mph from rest in about 8.5 seconds.
All in all, a dull but well-equipped, comfortable and competent car. The Cutlass should fit right in with the scores of Accords, Altimas and Camrys currently for sale. After offering the outdated Ciera for years, this new Cutlass is generating lots of excitement at Oldsmobile. It definitely deserves your consideration.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
5 star(19%)
4 star(45%)
3 star(26%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(3%)
31 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
definate winner
DB, 05/31/2009
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
Bought this car in 1999 with 17,000 miles on it. With the exception of an alternator, two head gaskets, many sets of brakes, and a power steering pump my car just turned 275,000 miles and STILL gets 27mpg average. Took a trip last summer and with cruise control I got 30mpg. If only it would last forever.
4 out of 5 stars
Good car
woodaf23, 07/06/2010
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
we've had our Cutlass for 7 years now and it has 126,000 miles now. It's been a great car, never left us stranded. Has had regular maintenance, but nothing major, and nothing recurring/problematic. We've put a lot of miles on it and use it pretty much every day and it's been good to us. In the last year or two it had developed some rust along the bottom of the doors, which I'm told is … a common problem for the cutlass/malibus. For being a 6 cylinder it has pretty good performance and is fun to drive.
4 out of 5 stars
Solid Car, Surpassed Expectations
John, 08/02/2016
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
3/14/16
I bought this car for $2,200 in 2015 with 78,000 miles on it from a mechanic, and I am pleased to say that I have totally fallen in love with this car. The 3.1 V6 engine is rated at 155 HP at 4800 RPM's, but it has way more power than one would initially suspect. This car powers through Ohio snow very well, and it purrs like a 3000 lb kitten doing so. The transmission shifts … smoothly and quietly, and the fluids are easily accessible (which is good, because topping off is an absolute must due to minor leaks). The best part, however, was the car's reliability. It starts like a champ every time, in 100 degree weather and bitter winter deep freezes. I have often seen others unable to start their cars on my street after a winter storm , but my car always starts! The interior is very nice, with leather seats and extra features not readily available at the time (power mirrors, power seats, automatic headlights, etc.) I have had a few minor issues, including belt wear, no a/c, and that awful abs light that wont shut off, but these are minor (I hate abs systems anyway). I have put plenty of love into it, like custom resonated exhaust for a bit of sound, remote start, PLX bluetooth engine monitoring system and more, along with chrome wheels and trim. It looks like a modern luxury Buick now! Do yourself a favor and buy! 85,000 miles and still going strong.
Update: 2/3/17
For a quick update, not too much has changed. One thing I have noticed now at 91,000 miles is that the V6 is really starting to show poor acceleration. It takes forever to get up the highway ramp. Still starts perfectly. Climate control on this car seems to be a never-ending issue, but I wouldn't attribute that to the car in general. Rust is really starting to kick in, as I have read is common with Olds cars. The exhaust system is under constant siege by rust (I live in Cleveland, Ohio, which undoubtedly accelerates the wear) and I have had a fair amount of welding done to fix the issues. Minor fluid loss (esp. coolant) occurs over time as well, I check and usually need to top off the oil and coolant once a month. Other than that, it still starts, runs, and is very reliable despite being 19 years young.
2.38 out of 5 stars
the real truth
cff, 07/22/2003
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
It was a very good, reliable car except
for rotor problems until the fourth
year. After that it seemed like we had
to go to the shop at least once every
three months. The oil pump blew up,
the engine is making a horrible noise
that no one can correct, the "ride" has
gotten progressively worse, the leather
seats tore up in about two years, and
the trade in value is … horrible.
1998 Cutlass Highlights
GL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $195/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver1 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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