Used 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass Consumer Reviews
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definate winner
DB, 05/31/2009
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
Good car
woodaf23, 07/06/2010
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass for sale near you
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- GLS SedanMSRP: N/A149 mi away
Solid Car, Surpassed Expectations
John, 08/02/2016
updated 02/03/2017
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Decent Vehicle
Darth Decimatus, 10/08/2009
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Olds Cutlass at the end of my Sophomore year in College. Its been a decent car and fairly reliable. However, it is seeming to nickel and dime me more and more as time goes on. Since this summer started, the catalytic converter went (at about 62,000 miles), a pulley on the serpentine belt disintergrated due to a bad bearing, the front struts are shot, and now a loud grinding noise seems to be coming from the compressor. In addition, my tapedeck and lights on the radio don't work, and there is also a ton of rattling in the interior that is only getting worse. Overall, age is not this car's ally. It is a decent car, but definitely not constructed to last.
the real truth
cff, 07/22/2003
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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 Olds Cutlass (same as the Malibu)
shuge, 12/02/2003
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this in May 2000 with 28k it now has 62k.The problems: Lots of rattles and noise from the interior parts. Alternator went out at 52k miles. Began leaking anti-freeze from around one of the heads at 50k miles. The ABS system went haywire at 60k miles. Handles horribly. Especially in the snow. This car has kind of soured me on GM. It seems like it's held together with bubble-gum and scotch tape. I never drove it very hard, although it is a 8 mile stop and go commute to work. Overall I am very disappointed with the car. Don't know if I got a bad one or if other people have the same problems.
Olds Cutlass
Allie S, 03/05/2008
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has been very dependable, it has decent gas mileage (approximately 25 mpg) It is cute, and sporty, but also comfortable and practical.
Pretty Good
Lgarm18, 07/06/2008
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In the beginning I had what seemed like issue after issue. Stereo replaced, shifter locked up, failed water pump, etc. After about six years I seem to have stopped having problems with it. 170,000miles and I drive it with confidence and relative comfort. Leather on the seats are cheap and torn up and the A/C has been known to turn off on its own. After 10 years I suppose I have learned to live with the small stuff. All of the miles have been long and steady highway miles.
Not all its cut up to be
maznwmn, 07/29/2013
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used. It had 120k miles on it. After 4 months the engine blew. We had issues with it wanting to overheat when stopping & going. Issues with the abs light having a mind of its own. Replaced brakes twice in 6 months. Squealy brakes constantly. Think twice before buying this car.
Pretty good and reliable car for the $
Tim, 06/26/2009
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car new in '98 as I needed a little larger but fuel efficient car. I did have a few minor annoyances at first (rattly glove box, water pump problems) though these got fixed by the dealer and stayed fixed. I've driven this all over the country, 182000 plus miles, and still get 29 mpg highway. It has been a very reliable car overall. I've had no major, bank-breaking problems except what you'd normally expect (new brakes, tires, etc). The interior is comparatively roomy (to my wife's Honda Accord) and has always been the car of choice for family trips. I hope to get to 200000 miles and over; after 11 plus years of good performance this seems a reasonable expectation.
Good car
the, 06/10/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good car, have not had any problems and enjoy driving. Is somewhat noisy on the interstate.
It's in the shop again
disheartened, 09/15/2009
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from a dealer's home in the fall with cooler weather. I can see why it wouldn't sell in hot weather,as the transmission clunks real bad when it's hot out. I bought the car with 44,000 and have 84,000. My mechanic said my transmission was perfect inside but bulged on the outside. He put in another one last week with 5,000 less miles on it and it was clunking within 10 miles of the shop. He fixed the wheel bearing. The air conditioner hasn't worked since last summer. I've had to replace the water pump and fix the front end when the steering stopped working. He replaced something to control the pressure in the transmission but that didn't help. The tape player was bad also.
It's out of the shop finally
Disheartened, 11/11/2009
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The transmission shop put in 2 used transmissions and tried a used computer. With a new computer the transmission is real smooth. We'll know for sure next summer when the heat is on if the clunking days are over for good. My dad said put in used parts to fix the air conditioning. After what I've been thru I don't think so!!! That's next to fix.
Bought used, works great
_vandra_, 09/28/2013
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car almost 5 years ago. It handles well, corners neatly and is comfortable. Driver's seat is easy to adjust esp steering wheel height which is a biggie for me. The seats were leather and not oiled so consequently they are cracking like mad in driver's seat and one of the rear seats. That's annoying and given a choice, I'd have opted for cloth because leather and 120 degree weather don't mix! The gas mileage is supposed to be 17-22 but I easily clear 25 in town and 30 if I do 60-65 on highway. In fact, I drove to St. Louis with cruise on at 55 mph and got nearly 38 miles to the gallon! Overall I'm very pleased and plan on keeping the car for several more years for my daughter.
Pretty Good for the money
BLee, 10/07/2010
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in 1999 with about 18,000 miles on it. The V6 engine has plenty of power to move the car. I have had the same problems listed by others; two intake gaskets, alternator, brakes galore. Then at 178,000 miles the camshaft broke, destroying the engine. I bought a junk yard engine and tranny with 26,000 miles on them and had the car back on the road for $1500. It's now pushing 190,000 miles and I plan to drive it until it can no longer be repaired. I'm 6'7" tall and there's plenty of legroom for me in the driver's seat. I've been very pleased with the car. I've definitely gotten my moneys worth out of it.
Amazing First Car
Donny, 11/16/2010
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently bought this car from my friends grandmother, who hardly ever drove it. It only had 52,980 miles on it. I have had it for a month and it now has almost 54,000 miles on it. It is amazingly fun to drive. Even though it is kind of a 'grandma' car, it still can get up and go. The leather interior is amazing. This is an overall great car. I have had no problems with it, but the wiper fluid container has a leak.
Good, but not great
warped, 08/09/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I also had the warped rotors. Warped at 7500 miles. Dealer wouldn't fix, would only turn. Warped again at 10000 miles. After much hassle with Olds, they finally agreed to replace. No problem since. Very good car overall, better than most other domestics, not as good as the imports though.
Really Like This Car
kaye alexandra, 02/27/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Like this car - have had no problems with it. Like all the little luxuries included. Very comparable to a Camry.
Cutlass GLS
Moses, 02/28/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not too bad. Reliable but bad on gas. Engine too harsh and noisy
Pretty good car.
Art Burke, 10/25/2003
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have put over 140,000 mi. on it now. Over all a very good car for the money. The front rotors warp every time the front wheels are not carefully torqued. I carry a torque wrench with me now and don't let anyone else install the front wheels. No more problem. Also had the intake gasket problem but warranty covered that. Other problems have all been minor and few and far between.
Fuel Injector Problems
grand slam, 11/30/2003
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Cutlass is a decent car at best. It has been in the shop many times. Most recently for all 6 new fuel injectors. I should have bought the extended warranty. Too many mechanical problems. Be careful if you buy it used. Gas mileage is a shade below what the sticker said.
Bad Brakes
jugiwad, 01/17/2004
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall I've enjoyed this car. It's a little underpowered but drives very nicely. Trouble spot: brakes--I had three new sets installed before the warranty expired! Ceramic brakes solved the problem. ABS light has a mind of its own; diagnosed as faulty sensor but cost of replacement is prohibitive. Mileage now about 110K. In the last 12 mos. have replaced serpentine belt, alternator, and the intake manifold, valve cover and oil pan gaskets. One of the front CV axles and seal is failing. This seems like normal wear and tear for a car of this age/mileage.
Problems
SML, 04/06/2004
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've also had Rotor problems from the onset. It currently has 61,000 miles on it and has and oil leak from the engine and a transmission leak. ABS sensor in the wheel bearings and to costly to repair when they go on the fritz.
Pretty good, not great
First Owner, 12/22/2004
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I must be lucky, I haven't had the problems others have had listed here. Yes the rotors were fixed both at 7,500 miles and again at 12,000, but after much complaining, the Olds finally got it right. Haven't touched them since. Drives pretty good, I get 27 mpg all around, not much highway driving. Rattles are starting to develop and the front wheel drive makes a growling sound, but I've heard worse from other GM products. No major defects, just a faulty coolant sensor thats not worth replacing.
Great Car
sheila, 11/29/2006
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car for driving. Mine is now at 276,000 miles and going strong. The only issue is had was a water pump at 30,000 miles. Other than that, my baby purrs. On the highway the car gets about 29.5 mpg and in the city about 24 mpg.
Fun and relax drive.
Cliff Jackson, 05/07/2003
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love to drive my cutlass, not much power but it's fun to drive. The interior is great. It's an can't wait to drive car. Love It!!!!!!
Lemon?
millems, 06/23/2003
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Unfortunately this vehicle has been one significant expense after another. Have spent a lot (on numerous occasions) on brakes (ABS issues, rotors, etc). Also replaced upper/lower gasket intakes. Too many costly repairs for a 1998 with only ~78,000 miles...
Left GM for Volvo
SJD, 09/18/2008
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought car new. At 8,000 4 new rotors. Just after warranty (37k miles) intake manifold gasket to be replaced! Fuel injectors clog too easily. Never had a car with so many injector problems! Seemed to be in for repair more than I care to count! The straw to break the camels back came at 143k miles with a rod breaking off the camshaft - hmm $5000 to replace engine or buy a Volvo s60 -- that answer is easy! No more gm cars in this house. Not when only a class-action lawsuit might get me a few of the $500 I paid for the intake gasket replacement! If gm goes under, I would not regret it!
Beware of this used piece of garbage
Jim, 05/11/2016
updated 05/15/2017
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new and finally got rid of it after my daughter used the car. The car was unsafe, high maint, and towed many times during my possession. The main issues were the engine, AC and windows. Always needed to be maintained. Brakes are horrible, burned out from pads every 20k.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Front Wheel Bearings
michael, 12/29/2006
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the car with 50,000 miles on it. It had problems with the front wheel bearings and ABS sensors. I replaced them on both wheels, but only after 75,000 miles. Now with the high miles (147,000) the service engine soon light is on all the time and the ABS is acting up again. When gassed up there is a problem keeping the car running until it has been driven for a little while. A sensor in the fuel module I believe is the culprit. All in all, this has been a very reliable car for me. It has not stranded me yet. I got my money's worth.
Olds Cutlass
cam, 03/10/2002
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent car.