1992-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency
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1992-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency
- Price Range: $900 - $3,500
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Steering feel
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
GM's trio of front-drive full-size sedans--Buick LeSabre, Pontiac Bonneville, and Olds Eighty Eight--all dropped their boxy look for new aerodynamic styling in 1992. While the wheelbase was unchanged (at 110.8 inches), the new car was 4.1 inches longer. With the extra room, Oldsmobile was able to increase the interior dimensions and add 1.2 cubic feet of trunk space. Under the hood sits the same overhead-valve 3.8-liter V6 paired with an electronic 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. However, GM upped horsepower to 170. A driver-side airbag was standard and antilock brakes optional.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Oldsmobile Eighty Eight LS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight:
Antilock brakes become standard on all versions of the 1993 Eighty Eight. The 3.8-liter V6 remains the only engine, but torque rises slightly to 225 pound-feet at 3200 rpm. Traction control, introduced last year on the sporty LSS, becomes an available option for the LS model as well.
1994 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight:
A redesigned dashboard, complete with a passenger-side airbag, is the primary highlight for 1994. The new dash has a more compact control layout and far fewer buttons than the previous unit. Exterior changes include a new body-color grille, plus new headlamps and cornering lamps.
1995 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight:
To spur interest in its new Eighty Eight, a revised standard engine is added, along with a supercharged V6 as an option. The new engine is a reengineered version of the previous 3.8-liter V6, now called the Series II 3800 V6. It delivers 205 horsepower--35 more than before--and 230 pound-feet torque, up 5 from last year's version. Also, a new 225-horsepower supercharged version is an available option for the sporty LSS model.
1996 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight:
Changes to the 1996 Eighty Eight include a mild facelift and a more-powerful optional engine. Now available for the LSS is a more-powerful supercharged engine, now providing 240 horsepower, 15 more than before. This year's revised look features a twin-nostril grille, new front fenders, taillight, and headlights.
1997 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight:
Oldsmobile added a new deluxe Regency model to the Eight Eight model line for 1997 to help compensate for the loss of the Ninety Eight model, which was dropped. The Regency comes fully loaded and wears the same front fenders, chrome grille, and whitewall tires as the departed Ninety Eight.
1998 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight:
No changes are made to the Eighty Eight for '98.
1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight:
Eighty Eight celebrated its 50th and last birthday in 1999. Changes were limited to an Anniversary edition and the addition of GM's OnStar satellite/cell phone communication system.
Our road test for the 1992-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The Eighty Eight's base engine has ample energy for strong takeoffs and sufficient power for safe passing. Expect to realize 0-60 times around 9.0 seconds, which is very quick for a full-size family car. Fuel economy in our tests has been about 17 to 21 mpg. The optional supercharged engine available on the LSS has even stronger acceleration, but is just as refined. Fuel economy is slightly lower, and premium unleaded is required. Automatic-transmission performance is wonderfully smooth, especially on full-throttle shifts. It's eager to kick down for passing. We feel the power steering on the base and LS models is too light and fails to provide adequate feedback. Also, the standard softly sprung suspension allows too much body roll, causing the Eighty Eight to lean excessively in turns. The LSS provides improved steering and a firmer, more-controlled ride. The 6-passenger Eighty Eight provides easy entry/exit to all seats and ample cargo space. The dashboard is modern, with simple and logical controls for the stereo and climate control, making for more convenient operation of vehicle systems and amenities.
Value for the Money
If you are searching for a big sedan, capable of holding lots of people and cargo, put the Eighty Eight at the top of your shopping list.
If you are searching for a big sedan, capable of holding lots of people and cargo, put the Eighty Eight at the top of your shopping list.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Oldsmobile Eighty Eight LS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Oldsmobile Eighty Eight includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Oldsmobile Eighty Eight .
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:
If the cruise control doesn't stay engaged, or drops out of cruise, the brake switch can usually be adjusted to fix the problem. (1992-95)
Automatic transmission:
TH-440-T4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1991)
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. (1992-94)
Automatic transmission:
The 4T60-E automatic transmission can suddenly go into neutral at highway speeds due to a problem with internal shift valves. (1995-97)
Coolant leak:
The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (1993-99)
Coolant leak:
Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1995-99)
Dashboard lights:
If the low-fuel warning light comes on, but the fuel tank is still one-quarter full, the instrument-panel cluster must be replaced. (1996)
Engine knock and oil leak:
3.8-liter engines are prone to excessive oil consumption often accompanied by spark knock due to failure of the valve-stem seals. (1993-95)
Engine noise:
Bearing knock was common on many 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines due to too much clearance on the number-one main bearing. (1992-94)
Engine noise:
A rattling noise from the engine that lasts less than a minute 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. (1992-95)
Engine temperature:
Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999)
Steering noise:
The upper-bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
Transaxle leak:
The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak. GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
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 | $500 |
| Alternator | $280 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $970 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Exhaust System | $515 |
| Radiator | $360 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $840 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $260 |
| Universal Joints | $505 |
Our price chart for this generation Oldsmobile Eighty Eight details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1999 | |||
| Eighty Eight | $3,200-3,800 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| LSS | $3,700-4,300 | $3,000-3,500 | $1,100-1,200 |
| 1998 | |||
| Eighty Eight | $2,900-3,400 | $2,200-2,600 | $700-800 |
| LSS | $3,300-3,900 | $2,600-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| Regency | $3,400-4,000 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,000 |
| 1997 | |||
| Eighty Eight | $2,600-3,100 | $1,900-2,300 | $500-700 |
| LSS | $2,900-3,500 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| Regency | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| 1996 | |||
| Eighty Eight | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| LSS | $2,500-3,000 | $1,800-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1995 | |||
| Eighty Eight | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1994 | |||
| Eighty Eight | $1,800-2,200 | $1,200-1,500 | $300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Eighty Eight | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Eighty Eight | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
|
|
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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.
Specs for this generation Oldsmobile Eighty Eight include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 110.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 201.6 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3455 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 17.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.7 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Under the hood sits the same overhead-valve 3.8-liter V6 that has powered full-size GM cars since they first switched to front-wheel drive in 1986. However, GM added a bit more horsepower, with 1992 models featuring 170 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 220 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. The V6 unit comes paired with an electronic 4-speed overdrive transmission. For 1993, torque rises slightly to 225 pound-feet at 3200 rpm, with a new engine arriving in 1995. The new unit is a reengineered version of the previous 3.8-liter V6, called the Series II 3800 V6. In its new form it delivers 205 horsepower--35 more than before--and 230 pound-feet of torque, up 5 from the previous version. Also, a new 225-horsepower turbocharged edition of the V6 is an available option for the sporty LSS model. It provides 275 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. Both engines remain teamed with an electronic 4-speed automatic transmission. For 1996, power for the supercharged engine jumps to 240 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 170 | 200-225 | 4-speed automatic: 18/28 | 4-speed automatic: 21.7 |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 205 | 230 | 4-speed automatic: 19/29 | 4-speed automatic: 17.2 |
| Supercharged ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 225-240 | 275-280 | 4-speed automatic: 17/27 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Oldsmobile Eighty Eight include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Eighty Eight |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992-93:
Transmission-cooler line in cars with certain powertrains, sold in specified states, can separate at low temperature.
1994-95:
On some cars, spring in headlight switch can fail and lights would not remain illuminated.
1996 w/3.8-liter V6:
Backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of upper intake manifold, resulting in nonstart condition and possible fire.
1996:
Damaged capacitor may cause failure of "Key in the Ignition" warning chime and driver seatbelt-unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp; other functions also may be impaired.
1998-99:
A faulty fuel-pressure regulator may allow a fuel leak to enter the intake manifold, resulting in possible fire. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
1999:
Clip that secures linkage of transmission-detent lever can loosen and disconnect; indicated gear would then differ from actual state of the transmission.
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