1997 Oldsmobile LSS Review
Price Estimate: $494 - $749
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Optional supercharged V-6, comfortable seating. restrained interior design
Cons
- Front quarter glass is distracting, nose-heavy handling, front suspension easily bottoms, dull personality
What’s new
Minor changes accompany Oldsmobile's euro-flavored sedan into 1997. The center console and shifter are new, and other interior upgrades have been made. New, more prominent badging has been added to the exterior. Finally, the final-drive ratio has been changed to 2.93-to-1 from 2.97-to-1.
For sale near Lansing, MI
Vehicle overview
Since 1992, the Oldsmobile LSS has been one of our favorites. It features Euro-chic styling, a stout suspension, loads of equipment, and enough room to take the family to Disney World or on your own little version of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride along mountain two-lanes. The only shortcoming the LSS suffers is somewhat nose-heavy handling.
For 1997, Oldsmobile leaves well enough alone. Interior upgrades are the big story this year, as Oldsmobile revises the center console and shifter, and adds passenger assist handles, reading lamps, an overhead storage bin, and improved seat belt buckles. Side-impact protection is improved to meet federal safety standards, and the final drive ratio goes from 2.97:1 to 2.93:1. Like other 1997 Oldsmobiles, the LSS gets new exterior and interior badging, with those on the outside growing in size for easier identification.
The interior of the LSS is an ergonomic delight and aesthetic triumph. Add ample room for four (five if need be), dual airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control, and the LSS provides everything closet enthusiasts will require for safe, speedy driving. Our single interior complaint is with the front quarter windows, which can distract the eye while driving.
Externally, the LSS certainly provides the requisite subdued sheetmetal that all stealth sedans must possess to avoid detection by law enforcement authorities. So subdued is the styling that the car projects little in the way of personality, unlike its more expensive and expressive stablemate, the Aurora.
Standard equipment includes leather seats, antilock brakes, daytime running lights, traction control, and a Twilight Sentinel automatic headlamp control system. Cloth seats, a CD player, a power sunroof, and an outstanding supercharged V6 are the only options on the LSS.
Compare the LSS to the Aurora. It's not as good looking, but it weighs a whopping 600 pounds less, has more interior room, gets better gas mileage, goes and handles faster, and is a year's tuition cheaper. Why buy the Aurora?
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Michigan
$193/mo for LSS Base
LSS Base
vs
$208/mo
Avg. Large Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Oldsmobile LSS Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
lss
5 out of 5 starsroark, 07/28/2002
1997 Oldsmobile LSS 4dr Sedan
has needed nothing but oil changes
97 Olds LS
4.13 out of 5 starsdeltafox, 11/14/2010
1997 Oldsmobile LSS 4dr Sedan
Purchased car 4 years ago here in Tucson with 90,000 miles for $3000. Have driven it 45,000 miles and kept it well maintained. These cars are an outstanding value in terms of cost per mile. They are comfortable, fast and fully equipped. Fuel mileage has been 30 mpg highway and 25 city consistently with the AC running. GM parts are readily available and service/repair techs have seen them … before. They're not exotic cars. Probably in these four years I've spent another 2,000 to 3,000 on tires, brakes, struts, and ordinary upkeep to accomplish those 45,000 miles. If you must have a new car there are plenty of dealers. If not there are plenty of used ones to shop. You might make a really good deal.
Ultimate Sleeper
4.75 out of 5 starsHemiKiller, 11/10/2004
1997 Oldsmobile LSS 4dr Sedan w/Supercharger
I had looked for one of these for over a year and finally got it! This car is quite rare and is a blast to drive. It will out perform 95% of the cars out there. I've driven Mustangs that don't even come close to this speed machine. I like the combinaton of comfort, speed, and features. This car has it all and I don't feel cramped like I do in a Vette. The best thing is the sleeper … affect. Its a full size sedan that looks like a typical big car. The looks an peoples faces when I smoke them is priceless. If you like speed but much rather have a big car than a sports coupe than this is for you. Heck, its faster than lots of sports coupes anyways.
Mr
4.63 out of 5 starsRobert Gustin, 10/16/2002
1997 Oldsmobile LSS 4dr Sedan
I have over 1000,000 miles with very
little trouble. at the 100,000 mark I
did put about $1000 into it, but that
is not bad or over 6 years. I wish they
would not stop making them.
1997 LSS Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $207/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
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 – Original0
- 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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