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.

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: TH-125 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1991-94)

Dashboard lights: The Enhanced Traction Control (ETC) warning light "ETC OFF" may glow and the cruise control stop working. No current fix. (1996)

Engine noise: A tick or rattle when the engine is started cold may be due to too much wrist pin-to-piston clearance. (1994-95)

Engine noise: Bearing knock was common on many 3.3-liter engines due to too much clearance on the number-one main bearing. (1992-93)

Engine noise: A rattling noise from the engine that lasts less than a minute when the car is started is often caused by automatic transmission-pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1994-95)

Engine noise: Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1994-97)

Ignition switch: The ignition switch may not return from the start to the run position and the accessories such as the radio, wipers, cruise control, power windows, rear defroster, or heater may not work because the screws that hold the switch in place were overtightened. (1992-94)

Radiator: Some cars mysteriously lose coolant. The common problem is a bad seal on the pressure cap on the surge tank that is connected to the radiator. (1992-94)

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)

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.

1994: Welds in rear assembly of fuel tank may be insufficient to prevent leakage in certain rear-impact collisions, increasing risk of fire.

1996: During deployment of the passenger airbag, the airbag can snag on a reinforcement inside the instrument panel. This might cause the airbag to not deploy properly.

1996: Front and/or rear hazard warning lamps might not work.

1996: If the key is held in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch can melt internal switch parts.

1996: Interior lamps might come on unexpectedly while vehicle is being driven.

1997: Omitted fuse cover could result in short circuit and possible fire.

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.

Oldsmobile started out with very aggressive plans for the Achieva, providing a smorgasbord of engine options, including a 190-horsepower Quad 4 for its 1992 SCX version. But mediocre sales and the high cost of keeping all those choices on the assembly line led to a simpler and more logical powertrain lineup by 1996. The Quad 4 engine, an early powertrain building block for the Achieva proved potent and economical, but lacked truly smooth and quiet performance until major changes were made in 1995. The following year the engine was dropped for a smoother 2.4-liter unit. Achieva loses a little horsepower to stricter emission controls for 1993. The Quad OHC, basic Quad 4, and the two High Output Quad 4 engines all lost 5 horsepower when paired with the automatic transmission, resulting in 115-, 155-, 175-, and 185-horsepower outputs, respectively. Both the Quad OHC and the High Output version of the Quad 4 were dropped in 1995, with the two remaining powerplants for the Achieva being a greatly revised, 150-horsepower Quad 4 and the optional 155-horsepower 3.1-liter V6. Balance shafts are installed in the Quad 4 for 1995 to address the most common complaints--excess noise and lack of smoothness. The new engine for 1996 is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, called the Twin Cam. It replaces the 2.3-liter Quad 4. The new Twin Cam and optional V6 both come with new 100,000-mile spark plugs, plus the 100,000-mile coolant.