Used 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Consumer Reviews
160K+ and chugging right along
Purchased at 99K, have over 160k now. Previous owner had factory remanufactured tranny put in at some point. Whoever did the work misadjusted the TV cable and it now shows in how the tranny shifts. Might need a new trans because of it, but it hasn't died yet. A bit of a grandma car, but it has been reliable. Alternator at ~120K easy to replace, and the rotors will slowly warp, contributing to the rattly dash. Accessories all function well no issues. Typical 24 mpg Seattle commuting, 28-30 highway.
Has been a great car...
Other than (1) a right front brake early wear-out at 12,000 miles and (2) an AC leak (which my son fixed after the dealer failed to find it on three tries) my 1993 Olds Cutlass Ciera SL has been a great car for 12 years and 60,000 miles...and still is. A run through the car wash makes it look like new again as there is no signs of rust out so I fully expect to put at least another 60,000 miles on it.
My Favorite So Far
I got this car when it had 121,000 miles on it and the only thing that has gone wrong with it is the electrical system. Overall it's been a great car to start out in. I love the 3300 V6 engine. If anyone is looking for a first car, or if parents are looking for a first car for their kids I would highly recommend this one.
Wonderful Car
My Olds now has 240000 miles and is still running like a champ. This car is absolutely amazing and I would recommend it to anyone - great starter car. It is reliable and safe.
Great Car
This car is very reliable. It has 317,000 miles on the engine and it is still going strong. The only downside is that you have to warm it up before it will drive good. The air still blows cold, and the stereo sounds better that my newer cars.
Solid
Bought this car new in 1993 and its still running with over 136,000 miles on it. The reliability has not been spectacular, but if it is well taken care of, it will serve you well. The V6 is just awesome. People don't expect it to be a fast car, but the engine is strong and the body is light, making it surprisingly quick. It will blow the doors off most of the 4 bangers on the road today. Various trim bits have fallen off and the dashboard rattles like crazy, but the car grows on you.
Rust and TPS problems
Doors and fenders have rust problem (frequent touchup needed) and it needed a TPS (throttle position sensor), which was hard to diagnose. Mechanics thought it was fuel system problem for a long time. Otherwise, it's been a good car. Repairs so far: TPS, alternator, exhaust system, brakes. Not bad for 136,000 miles.
Transmission is best
Transmission is amazingly smooth. I do not feel any shift change when accelarating from 0-60. Bought it in 2003 when it was 60000 miles. Now it is 130000. I used as spare car.
reliable car
I bought my Oldsmobile Cutlass with 110,000 miles on the odometer, had a few major items replaced (alternator, harmonic balancer) but for the most part has been a good car for my needs.
the worst car ever
this car has been nothing but trouble since the day i got it. everything in the engine needed to either be repplaced or fixed. the car itself is ugly and can barely start and stay that way. howeevr, i will say that it has some pick-up-and-go for such a sad car.