1996 Oldsmobile Achieva Review
Price Estimate: $334 - $555
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Substantial upgrades make the Achieva palatable for 1996. A new interior with dual airbags, standard air conditioning, a new base engine, daytime running lights, a theft-deterrent system and optional traction control make this Oldsmobile an excellent value in the compact class.
For sale near Tacoma, WA
Vehicle overview
Oldsmobile has taken great steps toward changing the "Under Achieva" reputation of its entry in the compact marketplace. Improved base and optional engines debut, and dual airbags have been installed in a redesigned dashboard. Seatbelts have been relocated to the door pillars, rather than the previously unsafe arrangement that had the restraints attached to the door. Air conditioning is now standard equipment, and all Acheivas equipped with an automatic transmission get traction control as part of the deal. GM's PASSlock theft system is also standard for 1996, as are daytime running lights.
Similarly, Buick has made substantial improvements to the formerly underwhelming Skylark. We're impressed by the efforts made with both cars, but the changes to Acheiva don't register with quite the amount of surprise and delight provided by the amazing transformation of the formerly horrid Skylark. Maybe part of the reason is because Oldsmobile didn't make changes to the Acheiva's clean exterior styling. The Buick gets much-needed revision to its front and rear styling for 1996, but the Achieva makes do with a handsome new wheel design.
Sitting in the Achieva you are faced with simple, large analog gauges and controls that are placed where they can easily be found and operated. The new dashboard is welcome, but the high beltline and restrictive greenhouse results in an unpleasant enclosed feeling. Open and airy this car is not. The oversize steering wheel makes the inside of the Achieva feel even smaller, and overly grippy seat fabric seems to want to hold you in the Achieva whether you want to stay or not. The back seat is tiny and difficult to access.
Overall, the Achieva is a much better car than it has ever been. It provides excellent value in the compact segment. However, we think a Toyota Corolla, Geo Prizm or Honda Civic would be far more satisfactory to own than this Oldsmobile.
Oldsmobile Achieva Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
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Good Old Car
3.88 out of 5 starsYoung Gal, 05/28/2008
1996 Oldsmobile Achieva SC 2dr Coupe
My 1996 2 door V6 automatic Achieva is a great car, overall it's been very dependable. It was purchased for me about 5 1/2 years ago. If I was to pick a car, this would not be it, but since it was purchased for me I can't complain. It's been a great car, fun to drive with lots of power. The style and look of the car is very "grandparent'ish" but the two door is much better than four door … at least. Good back up car to drive to and from work or as a kids first car, nothing to fancy. And gets pretty good gas mileage. Now that its over 12 years old its starting to see some problems with water leaking in, but drill a few holes in the floor and its manageable. Overall, it's been a good ride.
A great, underrated auto......
4.88 out of 5 starsbuggywhip, 09/08/2003
1995 Oldsmobile Achieva S 4dr Sedan
I have the Achieva 3.1L 6cyl. It's a
fine car--always starts, always runs,
strong engine. Handles quite well, no
squeaks or rattles at 123,000 miles. No
rust at all and paint quality is
fantastic. Exhaust has lasted over 60k
miles too! Easily equal to an Accord of
the same vintage. My car drinks coolant
faster than a Green Bay Packer guzzles
gatorade--I can't find the … leak,
probably the water pump, no big deal.
Good work car
3.25 out of 5 starsme, 11/17/2007
1996 Oldsmobile Achieva SC 2dr Coupe
I bought this car just for driving to and from work, it is very reliable, and with the 3.1 V-6, Automatic Tranny, and traction control it preforms great on the snow and ice.
Very Happy
3.88 out of 5 starsRookie, 03/25/2003
1996 Oldsmobile Achieva SL 4dr Sedan
I bought my Achieva used with 32,000
miles on it. Today, I have over
164,000 miles and it's still going.
The biggest repair I've so far is I
needed a new power stearing unit.
There is a problem with the ignition-
key release--they key doesn't come out
of the column key release very easy at
times. The Achieva was a good
purchase, very reliable and a great
value.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva, so we've included reviews for other years of the Achieva since its last redesign.
1996 Achieva Highlights
Coupe
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $226/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- 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 – Original0
- 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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