Used 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora Consumer Reviews
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I'm very happy with my Aurora!
I've owned my Olds for 3 years and I have to say it's the best car I've ever had! It's very comfortable to drive, especially on 3 day road trips. I get 33mpg (highway driving). Amazing what high octane fuel and K&N air filters can do for mileage and passing power! It's very safe/stable driving on highways or in the city in all whether conditions be it be rain, ice or blizzard. I can't even tell the roads are bad it handles so well! Here in Canada we have extreme road conditions and I have no problem passing other cars/trucks (good or poor road conditions). There has been no work done to the car except regular maintenance. No breakdowns or problems. Car has 77,400 miles on it so far.
Fun to drive
An excellent car to drive and with the interior extras very comfortable for long distance trips. The vehicle was purchased used with 43,000 miles and after 10,000 miles the only trouble so far will be to replace the original rear shocks which are rather pricey due to computer linkage. Plenty of power and for a V-8 on the open highway I can get 25 miles to the gallon.
A steal
The Aurora has a better, more reliable engine, more passenger compartment space, is as distinctively attractive, and sells for much less than the BMW 5- Series and the Lexus ES 300. An honest person will admit that the appearance of the car and the maker’s cachet make up the majority of his purchasing decisions. Why else would someone choose an ES over an Aurora? The ES is $3,000 more than the Aurora, yet it is just a Camry with a few appointments and for 2002, it has become a borderline ugly car. The BMW is just overpriced. The Olds has a superior engine, is more comfortable inside, is just as reliable, and is just as attractive. But, its not a "Beemer". Is that worth 15 grand to you?
Beautiful Borealis
This is the highest value luxury car on the road. It is a thrill to drive for short utility trips, fun cruises, & road hauls. Comfort is terrific, especially for such a sporty handling machine. It tracks like a smart bomb -- even white out, ice blizzards, at night. I've never driven such a roadworthy machine. It's wonderful -- & I generally cannot tolerate GM vehicles! (P.S. Avoid the 3.5 model; it's underpowered; only buy the 4.0)
Great ride
Best driver's cockpit available. Fun ride, extraordinary comfort with sporty handling & great responsiveness. Outstanding drive train. Good build. Bottom line: I wish GM still made this car!
Air pump/drive shaft problems
Air pump problems at 50,000 miles and again at 75,000. drive shaft replace around 30,000 and again around 35,000 2 electric motors on rear windows, which are rarely used front end problems around 50,000 GM has reimbursed me for some of the work, but air pump is acting up again at 80,000 poor design. I love the looks and the handling and it has so far it has not let me down on starting will I keep it? not sure at this time
Great luxury sports seday
Car has been In my family always. Now has 181,000 miles on it and it runs great. The body design fits right in with todays models. The 3.5 engine is one of the best GM has ever made. I still get 32-35 miles per gallon at 60 mph. I get 26 at 70. Car is comfy on longer trips. In todays world this car would sticker for well over$40,000. This is my every day driver and I am completely satisfied with it. I will never understand why GM discontinued Oldsmobile.
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Wind Noise
Let me get this part over first. If you want to have the sound of wind inside a vehicle (with all the windows up), then this is the car to buy. Take a look at the cheap, thin, narrow weather-stripping around the doors and the lack of insulation in the pillars surrounding the doors, and you can understand why this vehicle does such a poor job of keeping the wind noise quiet--especially at highway speeds above 55 mph.
Best car I ever had
I like this car a lot the style is great the interior is top notch. I think the best thing is I got mine with the v8 which is believe it or not is rather good on gas I average 23 mpg that is better than my Taurus when running only did 18 mpg now it does 0. I should have purchased this car along time ago. I am done with v6 motors I have had no luck with them .
A Good Ride
This vehicle Has two major design flaws that should not be replicated anywhere. There is Zero clearance between the front wheels and the frame of the car, and the battery is located under the back seat inside the passenger area.
An American Beauty
My wife and I drive 62 miles round trip every day. Our previous '97 Bonneville was ok, but this car pampers. We have the navigation radio which is really cool and helpful. Likewise personal calling and OnStar. There is a small amount of wind noise as others have pointed out, but it is not very noticeable and I wonder if those complaining don't need to have adjustments. (Or maybe the '02s are improved in that area.) Go for it.
Great Value - Great Car
My wife and I are very pleased with our new Aurora 3.5. The engine is probably the most powerful one we've owned; it put our former 1996 Riviera (3.8L V6) to shame. The handling is superb -- firm, taut, communicative, but never harsh. Even some of our "died-in-the- wool Ford" friends have commented how comfortable and quiet the car is.
Subtle Elegance
I have had the vehicle for just over a year now and it has performed perfectly from day one. I traded another 2001 GM vehicle for the Aurora because the Regal had a driver seat with zero comfort. The Aurora seat with its lumbar support has provided super comfort on my 60 mile drive to work. Also, who can complain of the 26 mpg hwy. fuel mileage that I am getting? I have grown to really look forward to every day when I can drive the car.
Love the Drive
I drive a lot of highway miles. This car has given me comfort and pride. I have had no problems in any type of weather that I have encurred while driving. I live in NorthEast Indiana and the drives to the New York, Chicago, Cincinatti, Detroit, and others have been relaxing without problems. The gas milage hasn't been bad at all either!
why is this going?
The car is great fun on the road. It has plenty of passing power and great acceleration. The seat are comfortable and the interior is well designed. I have not been driving very long (only 16), but when I am in the car on my way to school or out with friends, it is a great car, there is nothing "wrong" with it. If you need a big sedan, but want to fun car also, than this car deserves a test drive.
a little disappointed
I fell in love with my car when my husband brought it home.We have had numerous problems since we have had the Aurora.Early in 2002, the wipers stopped working,weather stripping began leaking on driver's side and had to be replaced, the back panel seperating the trunk from the back seat will not stay attatched, the driver side window works "MOST" of the time, the entire steering-wheel column and surrounding had to be replaced, the two back red lights that come on in fog light mode had to be replaced as well as the front passenger side main light bulb. Thank God for extended warranties, but what happens when it runs out????
Aurora is traditional
Have driven my Aurora now for 18 months. Considering the price I could not be more pleased. It has been 100% reliable and very good on gas mileage, 24 mpg over all. In my eyes the styling will endure for some time. It feels solid and safe. Only wish GM could this more often and people give them a look!
Worth owning!
Great value for the money and probably the most under rated vehicle in its class. Excellent build quality, relatively low sales adds to individuality of ownership. Could have created a little more performance for the V-8 given its design. Trying to find the way to afford another one or buy the wife another car so I can have it before she ruins it. Highly recommend trying one out if you're looking for a luxury/sport sedan. I think you'll be surprised. Had one minor problem that was fixed by the dealer first time. Great comfort.
Aurora - Keep these around!
After a year in the 3.5 Aurora, It loks and feels brand new. I have had no problems of any type with this vehicle. It is quick off the line, and holds its own at highway speeds, never leaving you wanting for passing power. I hope that another line picks up this car when Olds tosses in the towel. It is the only thing worth salvaging in their line. I had an Intrigue and will never step down again from the quality of this car.
Comfortable ride!
I love this vehicle, I got mine at a great deal and it has so much power behind it. Very smooth driving so it was great for my traveling for my work. But when you buy this vehicle make sure the transmission, torque converter had no problems or that it's been fully repaired. Didn't even take a year until I had to sell the car because the torque converter was shot- I was better off selling it because this can cost a few grand to repair. Even with that problem I still love the car, I'd get another one....and completely restore it..!
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Take a look elsewhere
Take a look at the door gaskets on the Oldsmobile Intrigue and then look at the gaskets on this vehicle and you will understand why the Aurora creates an excessive amount of wind noise when driving at speeds over 55mph. Not only are they thin, but there is only one, instead of being doubled, like they are on the Intrigue. Poor quality of workmanship was evident thourghout the exterior and intrerior of this vechile.
2001 Aurora
nimble handling for a large sedan attractive, inside and out comfortable seating reasonably good gas milage fun to drive 3.5 has decent power but not terrific power and pickup
Pretty Good
Overall, I am very happy with the car. However, I would like more power and better build quality. A 5-speed would be nice too.
I Love My Aurora
The Aurora is a wonderful driving experience. Our Dealership is very customer oriented. My husband has purchased Olds for over fifty years. The only thing I would change (and this is true of other brands I have been in also) is the noise from the air conditioning and heater. Why can't this be remedied?
Sterling Silver Aurora V8
I was very surprised by the Oldsmobile Aurora. The design and technology are remarkable. The performance will catch you off guard.
Possessed by a Demon
Thank God for the state's lemon law. I've owned this car for over a year after trading in my Intrigue. I've had it in for warranty work 8 times with some problems cleared up, but with a persistent episodic glitch in the steering/suspension. The rack and pinion, steering column, and wheel bearings have been replaced on three seperate multi-day stays in the shop. What's with the ratchety feel in the steering? My dream car is a nightmare.
Great Car Even Used!!!
This car gets lost of looks and is GREAT on gas for a V8.
Low Mileage Driver
My 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora has low mileage. It is driven mostly in the city and suburbs on fairly heavily traveled roads. It is the only car I have ever had that didn't require any repairs or recalls. It performs beautifully, has good pickup and gets fairly good mileage. The ride isn't the most comfortable but it is adequate. I am very satisfied with this car.
Hidden Gem
Looks, performance, handling, luxury -- this car has it all. It does everything well in a neat and tidy package. The engine is smooth and powerful and gets decent fuel economy. The suspension smooths out the bumps and takes corners with aggression. The exterior styling while not overt is modern and pleasing to the eyes. The interior is very comfortable and all of the controls fall easily at hand.
Oldsmobile should have tried harder
The Aurora was built to save Olds. They should have done a better job because they had the right idea with this car, but the reliability just isn't there. I bought it in 2006 with only 27k miles. It looks spectacular, it drives smoothly and handles great. However, don't buy this car without a warranty. I love Olds, but I still can't get over the leaking radiator fluid, bad window motor, and faulty EBCM, which lights up your instrument panel like a Christmas tree with all the warnings. It will prevent you from passing a safety inspection. Oh and forget about getting any navigation CD updates. They stopped making them.
What a bargain
I bought mine as a used car and got a fantastic deal. I knew the car was underrated, but it is much better than expected. It has a real luxury car feel with solid performance. My wife considers it the equal of her Lexus ES. The understated but elegant styling, attractive and classy interior, comfort and multitude of features get many compliments. As a long distance all weather cruiser, it is hard to beat.
Aurora, has the Quality of a Rare Jewel!
This car is destined to one of the Great Classics to be..Not only because it is scheduled to termination by GM.It is a rare jewel in the growing field of personal Luxury Cars.Its distinct design makes it something you dont see..every few minutes on the freeway.Its personal creature comfort appointments,surpass that of most,much pricier imports and even Cadillacs
Going to Miss Olds
At age 37, this is my fourth Oldsmobile. There is nothing like the 4.0. It provides with power all the time, at any speed. The looks of the car are deceiving. I am always asked if is a Mercedes or Infiniti. It's a shame Olds is going away. This is a great car. Seats are big and roomy. Luxury features like real wood dash are hard to find in a car at this price. No car in this price range makes the noise it does when you step on it. I'd say, go get one, you an get a great deal on one. I do wish the fit was a little tighter. Squaks come out at the darndest times. I had that trouble with my Intrigue as well. So long OLDS, you will not be forgotten.
Aurora Doing Fine
Bought car new about 15 months ago. To eventually replace a 1997 Concorde for a fairly long freeway commute to work. The 3.5 engine fine for stop and go traffic, but does not have alot of passing power ( the Concorde with a 3.5 engine has a lot more punch, even after 90,000 miles ). The interior is nice and leather seats great. The car has a very stable ride and handles fine. The chrome wheels add alot to the exterior look. Have received alot of compliments on the car, which is surprising in Newport Beach which has the largest Mercedes Benz dealer in the US. Mileage not great but okay. Runs fine with regular gas.
I liked it so much
I bought a used 2001 and liked it so much, I wanted a brand new one. The 2001 was a 4.0 and the 2002 is a 3.0. I really like the style of this car. I had a Cutlass and I really liked it, too. They made a big mistake when they got rid of the Cutlass. People ask me all the time "what kind of car is this?" It's not the best on mileage and it doesn't have the pick up that the 4.0 has. The DIC is the best and I like the radio info, also. The only thing I regret is the light color of the interior. I wish it was black. I'll keep it for a while. I don't think the resell value is the best.
DANGER! WARNING STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR.
I bought this car for my 18 year old son over a 3-Series BMW not the 5- Series as many unexperienced non- affluent drivers compare it too. I never owned a car this bad. The leather is cheap, the engine is noisy, interior pieces have broken, door locks died. It is disgraceful to compare this economy car to a luxury car. The person who said the Lexus GS is a Camry, you are wrong. The GS is built off the Avalon's platform. I drive the 2002 Mercedes CLK55AMG. I recommend, spend the extra money and go for a TRUE luxury car. (Mercedes, Volvo, BMW, Jaguar,etc.) On Edmunds luxury page, you won't find Oldsmobile, Buick or Chrsyler in there.