1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass Review
1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Loaded with equipment, roomy interior, adequate power, excellent value.
Cons
- Can't match refinement of Accord or Camry, but then, price doesn't match Accord or Camry V6 models either.
What’s new
No changes to Oldsmobile's fresh-in-'97 bread-and-butter sedan, except for two new colors, Bronze Mist and Dark Cherry, and the addition of a Gold Package.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$208/mo for Cutlass GL
Cutlass GL
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Does anybody miss the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera? Didn't think so. After a 15-year run that saw few modernizing modifications to the chassis and styling, the Cutlass Ciera is long gone, despite the fact that the old warrior was Oldsmobile's best-selling nameplate. In its place, Olds offers the Cutlass, whose redesign helped it reach nearly 27,000 sales in calendar year 1997.
Cutlass comes in two flavors, both of which are worlds sweeter than the old Ciera. Base models are equipped with a 150-horsepower 3.1-liter V6, antilock brakes, and a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. Standard amenities include cruise control, air conditioning, battery rundown protection, rear window defogger, power door locks, fog lights, illuminated entry, tachometer, cassette stereo, remote trunk release, split-folding rear seat, tilt steering wheel and a security system. Move up to the GLS model, and you'll get alloy wheels, leather seats, remote keyless entry, variable effort steering and a host of power doodads. Missing from the standard and optional equipment lists are traction control and an integrated child safety seat.
Conservatively styled, Oldsmobile designers have slapped a full-width reflective applique across the back of the Cutlass that looks out of place on this otherwise plain but attractive sedan. Inside, passengers will find a well-designed dashboard and funky A-pillar air-conditioning vents designed to increase airflow to rear seat passengers. The ignition switch is placed on the dashboard rather than the steering column, which old-timers will tell you makes it easier to find. Best of all (and don't clutch your chest in surprise) General Motors has finally found a way to put real, live cruise control switches on the steering wheel spokes where they belong.
Oldsmobile claims that Cutlass has side-impact protection that exceeds federal standards, but federal testing to date has resulted in relatively poor side-impact crash scores. Cutlass also comes with standard antilock brakes and dual airbags. Bumpers can withstand five-mph impacts. Daytime running lights with automatic light control is also part of the safety package.
Rack-and-pinion steering is standard, with GLS models adding the variable effort feature. Combined with a four-wheel independent suspension and 215/60R-15" tires, the Cutlass is adequately responsive. The 3.1-liter V6 moves the car to 60 mph from rest in about nine seconds.
All in all, Cutlass is a well-equipped, comfortable and competent car. Our biggest complaint is that it is- well, dull, which means it should fit right in with the scores of Accords, Altimas, and Camrys currently on the market. Compared to the old, outdated Ciera, maybe this Cutlass could be considered something exciting at Oldsmobile. It definitely deserves your consideration.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
5 star(15%)
4 star(46%)
3 star(30%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(0%)
46 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Favorite Cuddy
TerryMO, 08/07/2010
1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
I bought this car from the original owner back in June. It already had 172,000+ on the odometer. The car was having trouble with water pouring into the crank case. Turned out the water passages in the lower intake manifold had blown. Was able to get both intake gaskets and valve cover gaskets for only $50. Plus went ahead and put a new timing chain and cam and crank gears just to further … its life. Of course with a new timing chain cover gasket, I spent under $120 on parts and the car runs amazing. There does seem to be some rotor wear but not too major. My gas mileage is more like 30 highway, 21 with the AC on and about 22 in town travel. It's extremely reliable which is important to anyone
4 out of 5 stars
Like a champ
champ, 08/04/2010
1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
I've treated this car like absolute garbage since I bought it at 40,000 miles, all I've done is a 5000 mile oil change and change the tires. Some cheap parts on the interior and the passenger side window doesn't work all the time when it gets hot, other than that, I need to give a tune-up soon so it wil go another 108,000 miles
2.63 out of 5 stars
American made junk
Pete, 03/29/2007
1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass GL 4dr Sedan
Intake manifold gaskets twice (120K on car), head gaskets, power window switches, interior pieces fallen off, leaking radiators, etc., etc., ad nausem. One thing after the other. Most infuriating is GM's deliberate design to keep do-it-yourselfers from doing repairs)yourself, i.e., engine mount must be removed to replace the serptine belt! What a scam. I did all the repairs save the … head gasket myself, I'd be broke if not. I bought this as a starter car for my son. I'l never buy American again. Honda here I come.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Good mid-size car
Olds4ever, 09/26/2008
1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass GLS 4dr Sedan
After my Cutlass rolled 100K miles, I had to invest almost $2000 in repairs underneath the hood. Serpentine belt, alternator, water pump, rotors (every 20K miles), shocks, battery (ok, can't complain on that one, it was original) and brakes. My gas gauge went about 3 years ago, so I have to monitor my trip odometer. This past winter, I slid on black ice and "totaled" my car. I slammed … into a guard rail pretty hard and I was able to walk away from that accident. This is a sturdy car and I love it. Even though the front fender is damaged, we replaced the steering knuckle and the car is drivable. Now the ABS light comes on every time I start the car. I will keep it until it dies.
1999 Cutlass Highlights
GL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $208/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver1 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- 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 – OriginalAcceptable
- 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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