1990-1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Full Review

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera.

1990-1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Review

First introduced in 1982, the venerable Cutlass Ciera was similar to the Buick Century, Pontiac 6000, and Chevrolet Celebrity. It was originally available in 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, and 4-door wagon body styles. For 1990, the Ciera featured two trim levels for the 2-door (S and sporty International Series); four trim levels for the 4-door (base, S, SL, and International Series); plus two versions of the Cruiser wagon (S and SL). The base engine was a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. A 3.3-liter V6 providing 160 horsepower came standard on SL and I-series models, but was optional on others. A three-speed automatic was standard, while a 4-speed OD automatic could be ordered for the V6.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera: The Ciera returned for its 10th season without the sporty International Series models, leaving three trim levels: base, S, and SL.

1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera: The 2-door body style bites the dust this year, as does the base sedan. Oldsmobile's Cutlass Ciera and Cutlass Cruiser wagon are little changed otherwise.

1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera: For 1993, a driver-side airbag becomes available for the first time--standard on the SL and optional on the S. The underpowered 110-horsepower 4-cylinder is dropped, leaving the 160-horsepower V6 as the only powerplant.

1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera: A driver-side airbag and antilock brakes are new standard features on all versions of the Cutlass Ciera sedan and Cruiser station wagon. Two new engines and a new automatic transmission are also provided. The new base engine is a 120-horsepower, 2.2-liter 4-cylinder, paired with a 3-speed automatic. Standard on the wagon and optional on the sedan is a new 160-horsepower 3.1-liter V6, replacing the previous 3.3-liter unit. A 4-speed automatic is the only gearbox for the V6.

1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera: The Ciera undergoes further consolidation of features. Instead of an S model, an SL trim level is the only available model for both the sedan and station wagon.

1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera: The car that just won't die returns for a 15th season as a 6-passenger 4-door sedan and 8-passenger station wagon. Few changes are made in anticipation of a replacement model for 1997.

1990-1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V6 engine)	Acceleration (4-cylinder)

Passenger and cargo room	Ride

Quietness

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

It's best to avoid the 4-cylinder models if possible. While they provide good economy, they simply can't provide adequate power for a car of this size and weight. You may save some, but are always penalized with puny performance. The V6 versions are much smoother and more satisfying, providing ample torque for both off-the-line acceleration and highway passing. When compared to the Supreme, or competitors like the Ford Taurus and Buick Regal, the Ciera's suspension is much softer. While some prefer this softer ride, it bounces over wavy roads and doesn't absorb rough pavement well. It also doesn't corner as well as the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, which provide better grip and handle turns with much greater ease. On the positive side, the Ciera is a pleasant and quiet family car with plenty of interior and cargo room.

Value for the Money
Much to the confusion of many, including product planners at Oldsmobile, the conservatively styled Cutlass Ciera constantly outsold the sleek and aerodynamic Cutlass Supreme. The Ciera prevailed, primarily because it still offers good utility as both a sedan and wagon, and could be reasonably equipped for as much as $4000 less than comparable midsize domestic and import models.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 3.1-liter	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	5

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	6

Total:	50

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: 4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, have no third or fourth gear, or no second and third gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1994)

Automatic transmission: Model TH-125 or 440-T4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-94)

Cold-starting problems: A tick or rattle when the engine is started cold may be due to too much wrist-pin-to-piston clearance. New piston and pin sets will be replaced under warranty if the customer complains of the noise. (1994-95)

Engine noise: Bearing knock was common on many V6 engines due to too much clearance on the number-one main bearing. (1992-93)

Engine noise: A rattling noise from the engine when the car is started after sitting is often caused by automatic transmission-pump starvation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. According to GM, no damage occurs and it does not have a fix for the problem. (1994-95)

Steering noise: The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking. A new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam should fix the problem. (1994-96)

Transaxle leak: The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak and GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)

Valve cover leaks: The plastic valve covers on the 3.1-liter engine were prone to leaks and should be replaced with redesigned aluminum valve covers. (1994-95)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$550

Alternator	$225

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,095

Brakes	$210

Constant Velocity Joints	$525

Exhaust System	$375

Radiator	$475

Shocks and/or Struts	$430

Timing Chain or Belt	$350

NHTSA Recall History

1990 w/Kelsey-Hayes steel wheels: Cracks may develop in wheel mounting surface; if severe, wheel could separate from car.

1990-91 w/six-way power seats or power recliner: Short circuit could set seats on fire.

1990-96: Rear-outboard seatbelt anchorages may not withstand required load; in collision, metal may tear and allow anchor to separate from body.

1992 wagon: Remote-entry module may have a fault that causes actuation of interior lamps, door locks, and/or release of tailgate.

1993: Right-front brake hose on some cars is improperly manufactured.

1994 w/3.1-liter V6: If primary accelerator control spring fails, backup spring will not return throttle to closed position.

1994: Improperly tightened spindle nut can cause premature wheel-bearing failure.

1994: Water can cause short circuit in power-lock assembly.

1990-1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Cutlass Ciera	$1,000-1,400	$600-800	$100

1991
Cutlass Ciera	$1,100-1,500	$700-900	$100-200

1992
Cutlass Ciera	$1,200-1,600	$700-1,000	$100-200

1993
Cutlass Ciera	$1,400-1,800	$900-1,200	$200

1994
Cutlass Ciera	$1,600-2,000	$1,100-1,300	$200-300

1995
Cutlass Ciera	$1,800-2,200	$1,200-1,500	$300

1996
Cutlass Ciera	$2,000-2,500	$1,400-1,800	$300-400

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	104.9	104.9

Overall Length, in.	190.3	194.4

Overall Width, in.	69.5	69.5

Overall Height, in.	54.1	54.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	2833	3086

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.8	74.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.6	16.5

Seating Capacity	6	8

Front Head Room, in.	38.6	38.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.1	42.1

Rear Head Room, in.	38.3	38.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.8	34.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

The base engine in 1990 was a 2.5-liter throttle-body fuel-injected 4-cylinder, providing 110 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 135 pound-feet at 3200 rpm. The optional 3.3-liter overhead valve V6 provided 160 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque at 2000 rpm. The V6 came standard on SL and I-series models, but was optional on all others. A 3-speed automatic was standard with both engines, while a 4-speed OD automatic could be ordered for the V6. Over the past 10 years the Ciera has generally provided a modest 2.2-liter or 2.5-liter four-cylinder for its base models and an optional 3.1-liter or 3.3-liter V6 for the higher-priced trim levels.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv I4	2.2 / 133	120	130	3-speed automatic: 25/31	3-speed automatic: --

ohc I4	2.5 / 151	110	135	3-speed automatic: 23/30	3-speed automatic: 21.8

ohv V6	3.1 / 191	160	185	4-speed automatic: 19/29	4-speed automatic: 20.1

ohv V6	3.3 / 204	160	185	3-speed automatic: 20/27 4-speed automatic: 20/29	3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1995 Cutlass Ciera

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

< 1990-1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Photos

1990-1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Local Listings >

Also in the 1990-1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Review:

Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera

Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Road Test

Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Reliability

Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Prices

Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Specs & Safety

Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Photos

Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Full Review