Used 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Ciera, so we've included reviews for other years of the Ciera since its last redesign.
Attached To My Olds
Kiki, 11/08/2010
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought the car when it was 5 years old.It had 39,000 miles on it. I liked the car on the first test drive. I am quite attached to my 96 Olds now and take care of it with TLC. I read on another review: QUOTE "I've had to replace the battery several times and the "service engine soon" light stays on all the time." The same for me but it's OK. I will have a hard time to part with this car. It looks like new (had body work done) had a remote starter installed, added Oldsmobile mudflaps and wire wheel covers. It's a sharp looking car. I have spent the most for repairs this year but I knew that was coming and I was willing to make the repair investments. I love my 96 Oldsmobile !
No Major Problems After Eleven Years!
J Bloom, 01/20/2007
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Wagon
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have two '96 Cierras. The other one is a 4-door sedan. My wagon has 108,000 miles on it while my daughter has 132,000 miles on her college bound four door. The wagon has just had the water pump and fuel pump replaced for the first time shortly after it turned 100,000 miles and the drive belt was replaced at 80,000. It's comfortable and the fuel economy - especially on trips is very good. Both get exactly what the EPA reports - about 20 mpg in town, and 29 to 30 mpg on trips. The 3.1 V6 engine combined with a four speed automatic (overdrive) transmission does the trick. Even my 3-speed auto '90 Corolla doesn't deliver 30 mpg on the highway! The sedan had a top manifold leak at 125,000 miles, so I'm watching for similar problems with the wagon. It's OK so far.
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera for sale near you
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- SL SedanMSRP: $4,9952,690 mi away
Love My Wagon
mtndog, 06/30/2010
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Wagon
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
We bought this car with 36,000 mi and I average over 60,000 a yr. Since its a wagon, I've used it like a pickup truck hauling things. It has never quit and fully loaded with cargo, when I ask for speed to pass something, that V6 kicks in and GOES! It has 240,000 on it now. The AC unit went out a yr ago, and Ive never gotten it repaired but other than that, normal maintenance, ok maybe not so normal, it's gone about 3-4000 mi over for a LOF, but other than cutting the mileage, it still runs strong. Ave mileage on my commute is about 26-29 with new oil, and 23-25 with old oil. It has never left me stranded, and always starts even when its -20.
Still going...
Owen, 05/13/2004
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Have racked up 161,000 miles thus far. Engine doesn't use a drop of oil yet, and it hasn't needed anything but scheduled maintenance. Transmission lasted to 129,000 and then ate itself. Had original rebuilt and runs flawlessly. Still gets almost 30mpg on the highway with the 3.1 V6. No, it's not remotely exciting, but when they make essentially the same model for like 13 years, the kinks are pretty well ironed out by the end of the product cycle.
Great Care
vsochaquiroz, 10/27/2004
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Great Car to get around in. Great on fuel consumption.
Love <3 MyOldie Olds but goodie!!! ***** Q
Mrs.Lee, 09/08/2015
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2006 from an estate sale with 24,000 miles on it. I bought it for to drive because I wanted an inexpensive car to drive that I would have to have liability insurance,and since I had two sons in college I had to cut down on expensive wherever I could. I have enjoyed driving this car, it has been reliable, only upkeep with only regular maintance. I've been ask it I wanted to sell it more than a few times since I've had it. It is 20 yrs old and am still driving it, I actually think it is better looking than a lot of the newer cars on the road now, it has more character and is to me a classic. I have a chance to buy a 2013 Altima at a bargain price but I don't want to part with my old Olds. It has served me well, I love my 1996 Olds!!!! <3
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
oldsmobile, cutless ciera
CIERRA,CUTLESS, 11/19/2009
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
this has been a good car for us as we need to have one that is dependable.I have a scooter hoist on the back to carry my scooter as I am disabled
Excellent car
turbine, 07/07/2002
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car is great! I have had nly minor repairs as with any car that is driven. I have never had suh a reliable car in my life.
nightmare vehicle
autos78, 06/18/2013
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I must be the only one to negatively comment on this car but it has not served us well. We had to repair the alternator, engine, ignition, transmission and replace the batterys 3 times turn signals 2 times and coolent compartment 1 time. It only had about 65k miles on it which is bad since this is a total figure. I could see the metal bars behind the seat cloth, the radio sounded bad even with good signal, and I could look down at the road through the rear passenger door. I even nicknamed it the Christmas car because when it did run the engine sounded like jingle bells.
Best $2500 ever spent
I LOVE IT!!!!, 05/07/2008
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Wagon
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used for a work car, It has been awesome, very reliable, good MPG (29-30 highway) 3.1 six runs smooth, has a few quirks, but makes the car fun. Holds everything, It is like sitting on a sofa. It drives like a big loaf of bread, but i still would rather drive it than my new Saturn, Its a great car!! I have had very few problems and all minor. It burns no oil and is always ready to go!
Not bad, something seems fishy though
Danni, 02/20/2003
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The only reason i actually got the car is cause of the low mileage, not to mention the $3800 price tag (about $400 under retail value). Access to the oil filter is not that great. At first the ride was near silent, but i can slightly hear the engine now, and on the highway i get the filling that the engine keeps losing power, but overall, the car is much better then my previous one, I hope it lasts at least until 100k. I also ditched the annoying and weak-powered GM radio for a nice powerful Jensen MP3/CD player.
Great car at excellent value
1996 Olds Ciera Wago, 10/12/2008
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car on auction from Suffolk County. It is an ex fleet vehicle. I use it primarily to take me to and from work. Which it does very well. While not an sexy car. It works for me. The mileage is excellent and with 100k + on the odometer all I have had to do is change the oil , have it inspected and flush the rad. Excellent buy. I still get quite a few comments (positive) about it.
used county car
Sean, 08/11/2009
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I had bought my 1996 Olds Ciera Wagon from Suffolk County on auction. It had over 100K when I bought it. I have used it as a utility vehicle basically to carry stuff that I do not want getting wet in my pick up. The car has been excellent, while not a great stand out by styling it does the job it is suppose to do. Like the car very much. Have the 3.1 V6 offers good acceleration.
It has gone the distance
driver777, 06/13/2003
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought my Ciera new. After logging 118,000 miles here's the maintenance record: Preventative maintenance: Serpentine belt replaced twice, 40K and 90K Replaced battery and alternator: 85K Replaced shocks, struts Corrective Maintenance: Replaced power window motor, driver's side. Head gasket replaced. Replaced radiator, hoses. Replaced water pump. Power steering assembly replaced due to leak. Ongoing problem: Fuel guage is inaccurate. 1/4 reading is an indicator that the tank is empty.
Good riddance
John King, 06/04/2002
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Wagon
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is the worst I have ever owned. It left the factory and dealer with a defective oil pan and water pump. The brakes failed at 20,000 miles. Since the warrenty expired it has gone through TWO transmissions, one at 51,000 and again at 59,000, and neither was warrented. The starter went out at 61,000, and the car will be gone next.
Decent family car
Tom S./ Northern IL, 09/17/2004
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Wagon
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought our Cutlass Cruiser wagon 4 years ago with 76K miles, and soon after the only thing it needed was a CD player that was direct fit for GM. It has been a decent used car for us. On a hwy. trip from our home to Nashville in summer, this car happily purred along at 70-75 and got about 29 MPG for the trip, and the AC worked great! Trans. went out at 84K. We rplced it at a local shop with one from a wrecked Ciera with 40K on it (at a cost of about $1,200).
Comfortable and Quiet
Matt, 09/16/2006
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new in '96 with the 4-cyl. engine. It has never stranded us though it has had some major problems. They include eating three head gaskets and bad rusting near the trunk/rear end. There are two baseball sized holes at each rear wheel well into the trunk. and while it has not been a real problem, the fuel pump whirrs loudly, enough for the passengers to always ask "whats that sound?". Otherwise it has a great ride and comfortable seats, which makes up for the lackluster acceleration and performance. This car has developed more and more rattles and squeaks from the dash. I guess it's not TOO bad for an American car with high mileage and not garaged for its whole life.
discouraging.
cole21, 09/09/2011
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
4 of 9 people found this review helpful
I've had this car a little over a year now, and I'm aching to be rid of it. you feel every bump in the road, and although the seats are very comfortable, its not a pleasant ride. there's rust and holes in the rear, it's slow, its awful on gas, and I've put so much money into it, its not even worth it. my door doesn't open when i unlock it, my battery died twice, I've had my brakes done twice, new oil, and fluids, my windshield wiper fluid doesn't come out. It's nothing special, and shouldn't have this many problems considering I bought it from an eighty year old woman who used to to drive to church. Waste of my money and time.
Great First Car
Bamboo, 09/19/2006
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is simply an A to B car and nothing more. The car's quality is sub par compared to other vehicles of the era. It does offer a great first vehicle platform. It's large, cheap, handles the winter well, but gets mediocre gas mileage. There is also plenty of cargo space.
Cheap and dependable
it's paid for, 03/22/2007
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Yes, this car is about as much fun as watching molasses run uphill, in January. But it is bullet proof mechanically, and gets me from point A to B without fail. The V-6 never missed a beat, and after 168k miles, still refused to use a drop of oil. HVAC is one of the better features.
This vehicle served me well
Mary Anne, 08/03/2002
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle as a buy-back rental. The transmission lasted 128,000 miles; the only engine problem is a short tube costing $5 to replace. I've been able to move belongings for 4 major moves, including state-to-state. It looks like there's lots more life in this car!
Decent Cruiser for the dough.
The Mann, 11/29/2002
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This has been a pretty good car for us. I got it a year ago for my wife, and it has been reliable,except for a tranny leak and bad shocks(normal for 100,000 miles). Good accelelation without drama. Just goes about it's business without complaining. Maybe a little boring, but I like the 80's boxy styles. I got a good deal for the money. (Paid $2000)No leaks after trans pan gaket replaced.
Good Reliable Car
JAS, 03/01/2002
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've been very pleased with the reliability of my Olds Cutlass Ciera. I've had very few problems since I've owned it, despite the high mileage that it has.
One of
Zooming, 07/04/2004
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had this 1995 red car for 6 years in Michigana mini-limo with a formal rear quarter post, and a cool car for attempted seduction. It's roomy enough for our garage band & some stuff. Its body shows rust spots around the wheel wells & where trim pieces attach. I replaced the engine when the crankcase lost all its oil (my fault). It won't always turn left from a stop (it used to), and the tranny has problems. One window motor no longer works. The console lid is split 'cause I use it to lever me out of a very low- slung seat. My biggest complaint is there's no place to put toll coins, which end up all over the floor & scares people when I dive for 'em.
Still going strong
aimee85, 11/29/2005
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 1995 Oldsmobile Ciera had 36,000 miles on it when I acquired it, and at 63,000 miles, three years later it is still going strong. It has required only normal maintenance. I am experiencing some minor electrical problems as things like the power window motors wear out. While not a "cool" car for a teenager or college student to have, it has been very reliable. The roomy trunk and back seat have moved my posessions from home to dorm room and back again many times now without my parents having to bring anything else in their car. I'm not overly impressed with the quality of the radio/sound system, though. Its gas mileage is usually in mid-to-upper 20s, I occasionally gets 30 mpg.
Great Midsize Choice
cieraguy, 09/19/2006
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car a little over a month ago after I totalled my Escort. It has the 3.1 V6 engine, 4-speed auto transmission, and 107,000 miles. So far all I had to do was put on two new tires and fix a trans line leak. It's going to need a power steering pump and a new starter soon, but those are just minor items to replace on an 11 year old car. The engine is quite powerful even though the looks don't suggest it. I also get around 25-27 MPG so it's decent on gas for a midsize. I wish the car didn't have the granny suspension so it would be better on windy roads and wouldn't float as much.
198,000 and Still Running Strong!
midustouch, 01/30/2007
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am an auto mechanic and most cars at 198,000 miles are pretty turdish. Being a Wisconsin car it does have minor rust but my friends always comment that the car rides really nice. I purchased the car from one of my friends (another mechanic) for $900 a little over a year ago at 173,000 miles and the car has never let me down. I have another friend that finally junked one of these at 260,000 miles.
Reliable after all these years
NRook, 11/17/2007
1995 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car was a dealership demo when my elderly parents bought it. It fell into my hands upon the death of my dad and mom could no longer drive. As of 11/2007 it only has 46,000 miles on it. I have been driving it for a year and the only problem has been the alternator and now it needs new struts. I am selling it only because it is a very boring car but it is still very reliable and solid. I don't have any complaints about it other than that. If you can find one with low miles at this age, it should hold up fine.
A Great Car From GM!
Fantastic Doug, 10/16/2010
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car came with the standard 3.1 Liter V6 Engine,AC,ABS brakes,and automatic transmission. It is the perfect car for driving around town. I bought the car new and have over 135,000 miles on it. It still drives like a new car with excellent gas mileage.The only thing not working is cruise control, and I don't care because most of my driving is in stop and go city traffic. I've had to replace the battery several times and the "service engine soon" light stays on all the time. A mechanic told me the light is a problem in the car's computer system-nothing is wrong with the car. I really enjoy this car and intend to keep it for many years to come!
overall rating on 1996 olds ciera
Gambler59, 11/11/2003
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very high performance up until this year. Now I am trading my Olds only because mechanically unsound. But I have gotten good performance up till now.
reliability and comfort
crom, 11/22/2003
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Proper maintainance keeps the olds runnning. i have never experience breakdowns on the road.had 173,000 miles and it still running good.
If you need depenndability, here you go!
tomonsunset, 02/25/2004
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchaced this car with about 75,000 on it from an employer who used it as a VP's company car. It sat 2 years and was seldomed used as it was forgotten about when they went to a leasing program. Other than a battery and brakes i ahve no problem withis car. Mine ahd the 3.1 V6 that had plenty of zip around town and easly ahandled highway traffic with ease.Car was easy to service. NOTE: I went through 3 after amrket fule pumps before I got one that did not "roar" when driving. This sound of the pump running and echoing from the fule tank drove me nuts.By the way, the orignal equipment pump was changed out for the same reason.
Value and comfort
Buy American, 07/10/2004
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Original owner with 97,000 miles. No mechanical problems except for transmission which was fixed at 7,000 miles under warranty. Have only changed the belts, front brakes done twice and rear brakes once. Original battery almost eight years old! Gets 31 MPG on highway, about 19 around town. At almost 8 years old the finish is holding up very well except for some discoloration of the plastic side trim. Although it was never fashionable this car has proved to be a great value so far!
Like a Timex, It Keeps on Ticking
it's paif for, 03/10/2007
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Yes, this car is boring. But it is reliable, and no matter how I treat it, she just won't give up the ghost. The wife won't let me get something else until this thing dies, so it might be a while. I've got 167,000 miles on her and it still doesn't burn a drop of oil. It has some rust, but for a work car it is perfect. We even take this thing and leave the van at home to keep the miles off the good vehicle. I don't get the gas mileage that others claim though.
Eh...
greatcar56, 07/24/2015
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was a great car when it worked. I had this car for one year and I got 65,000 miles on it before antifreeze leaked into the engine. It needs an entire new head gasket which is worth more than the whole car. The seats were really comfy though.
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My really used Ciera Wagon X fleet
Sean 418, 03/30/2008
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In June of 2007, I purchased a 1996 Olds Ciera Wagon on auction from Suffolk County. I bought it because I like station wagons and my 1989 Celebrity wagon was dead. This car has been excellent. After dropping in a new battery and having the oil and fluids changed, I have not had a single problem. Not bad for a vehicle I spent $410. on. Gets me back and forth no problem. May not be the most stylish thing on the road, but that is what I have my 2000 Intrigue and 1968 Chevy Biscayne for. It is like having a van, that is what I use it as. I also use it for work. Love this car. Would buy another one.
Really solid car!
abel, 05/10/2016
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
its nothing fancy, but if your looking for a reliable sturdy car that gets really decent mpg then the car is for you. concidering price you cannot find a better value, and it can sit 6 people.
FANTABULOUS
James farmer, 04/22/2017
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
GREAT
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- Reliability
- Value
The free car
Dave Elsberry, 11/24/2003
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Wagon
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
This car was a gift, new by my in- laws. It's never been an attractive car, and didn't ride very well. Massive oversteer, and a floating feeling never made the car comfortable for any length of time. Over the life of the car (110K miles as of now). I've rebuilt the top end of the motor twice due to head gasket failures, which cracked one head, and warped the intake both times. The transmission lost a $20.00 sensor, cost $1500.00 in labor to replace (the engine has to come out). It's now blown it's third head gasket. the AC died two times due to the placement of the AC hoses, and all four power window motors failed.
The Joy of a Toy
Daniel Calicchio, 01/02/2016
updated 07/08/2017
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Wagon
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
I traded my Olds in for a 2004 Toyota Van. Great car and very comfortable to drive. use it for work mostly and it holds a ton of stuff. Millage is better than the olds which is a plus. I travel to service water coolers in three state and this does not wear me out driving and turns on a dime, Great for city traffic.
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- Performance
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- Reliability
- Value
An Excellent Family car
Jammin in Jersey, 03/26/2002
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for almost 7 years, and it has almost 105k miles. The performance, comfort, and reliability is still there. There have been absolutely no problems with this car. This car with over 100k miles rides and is quieter than my nephew's brand new Accord V-6. Interior is a bit drab, but there is a lot of space. This is a great budget buy used because if you maintain it regularly, it will outlast your friend's japanese and german cars.