1991-1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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1991-1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
- Price Range: $800 - $1,300
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Pros
- Acceleration
- Passenger room
- Cargo room
- Trailer-towing capability
Cons
- Fuel economy
- size and weight
Vehicle Highlights
Oldsmobile gave its last remaining rear-drive model, the full-size Custom Cruiser station wagon, a swoopy new shape for 1991. It was the first major restyling since the model had been downsized, way back in 1977. Chevrolet and Buick also restyled their wagons this year, and continued to offer sedans built on the same chassis. Olds, on the other hand, issued only the station wagon. Offered in a single trim level, the Custom Cruiser differed from the Buick Estate and Chevrolet Caprice wagons mainly in front/rear styling and instrument-panel design. A new fuel-injected, Chevrolet-designed 5.0-liter V8 engine went beneath the hood, producing 170 horsepower and replacing the prior generation's 140-horsepower carbureted V8. A 4-speed automatic was the sole transmission. Antilock brakes and a heavy-duty suspension were standard. Like the related Buick Roadmaster Estate, the Custom Cruiser had a standard "vista roof," which consisted of a fixed sunroof with dark tinted glass over the middle bench seat. Custom Cruisers also featured an adjustable roof luggage rack. The 2-way tailgate swung down or opened to the left, and its glass rear window flipped up separately. Although the new wagon's 115.9-inch wheelbase was the same as before, it measured 2.8 inches shorter overall, stretching to 217.5 inches. Oldsmobile claimed that the interior was roomier. With middle and rear seats folded, the cargo area could hold a 4x8-foot sheet of plywood--the usual measure for such spaces. A driver's airbag was standard in the redesigned interior, mounted in a tilt steering wheel. Eight-passenger seating was standard, with 3-place front and middle seats plus a 2-place third-row bench.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1991-1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
For most shoppers, a minivan or a smaller front-drive station wagon would be a wiser choice than a big wagon like the Custom Cruiser. Those who still value full-size, traditional rear-drive wagons might take a look, however, since only three hung on into the early 1990s--all from General Motors. Oldsmobile's version fits right between the Caprice and Estate in price and features.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $450 |
| Alternator | $220 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $855 |
| Brakes | $390 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $895 |
| Exhaust System | $425 |
| Radiator | $350 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $290 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1992 | |||
| Custom Cruiser | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1991 | |||
| Custom Cruiser | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 115.9 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 217.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 79.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 60.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4435 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 91.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.7 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.6 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.0 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 305 | 170 | 255 | 4-speed automatic: 16/25 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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%. Sideimpact 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%.
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