1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

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

1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora Review

On sale in the spring of 1994 as an early '95 model, Oldsmobile's new luxury sedan was built on a new front-drive chassis shared with the Buick Riviera coupe. Oldsmobile essentially created the Aurora from scratch, borrowing no parts from other models except the audio systems. Aurora's only engine was a 250-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 with dual-overhead camshafts. It teamed with an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission that incorporated Performance and Normal shift modes. Only a single model was offered. Standard equipment included dual airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and traction control with an on/off switch.

Year to Year Changes

1996 Oldsmobile Aurora: Daytime running lights were installed in 1996 Auroras, and Oldsmobile claimed to have eliminated the distortion in the rear window, which had produced many complaints.

1997 Oldsmobile Aurora: An electronic compass was incorporated into the inside rearview mirror this year. The right-hand outside mirror now tilted down when the car was put into reverse, allowing the driver to see the curb edge. An in-dash CD player joined the optional Bose sound system, and a 12-disc CD player could be ordered with the Bose setup.

1998 Oldsmobile Aurora: For '98, Oldsmobile modified the suspension and steering to provide a more comfortable ride and better low-speed steering feel. Also new was an optional satellite navigation system/cellular phone called OnStar.

1999 Oldsmobile Aurora: Changes for '99 included daytime running lights, automatic level-control suspension, and a power down-reverse passenger-side mirror. Aurora production continued through the year, but no 2000 model was offered. A redesigned 2001 model debuted early in 2000.

1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Fuel economy

Acceleration	Wind noise

Steering/handling	Rear visibility (1995)

Passenger room

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Although the engine will not snap anyone's head back at takeoff, it delivers brisk acceleration and ample passing power. A test Aurora accelerated to 60 mph in a swift 8.2 seconds. The transmission shifts so smoothly, you'll seldom notice anything happening. Gas mileage is slightly better than expected: We averaged 20.3 mpg, but premium gasoline is required. Road noise is noticeable, but not excessive. However, wind noise has been prominent around the side windows on Auroras that have been tested. Ride control is commendable at high speeds. Optional V-rated tires make the ride noticeably stiffer, however. With either tires, an Aurora offers sporty handling, displaying only minimal body roll in turns and excellent grip. The Aurora's roomy interior has ample space for four adults. Controls are easy to reach and clearly labeled; analog gauges large and easy to read in a well-designed dashboard. Luggage space is ample, with a long, flat trunk floor, though the opening is too small to load bulky objects.

Value for the Money
Carrying Oldsmobile a big step forward, Aurora is competitive with Japanese and European sedans that cost thousands more when new. We recommend that you give it a trial run if you're shopping in the luxury-sedan league.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Oldsmobile Aurora	Rating

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	6

Total:	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.

1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora 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.

Battery: The floor pan rusts due to the battery venting or an overflow of acid. (1995-99)

Brake noise: The brakes make noise due to a problem with the rotors for which there are replacements. (1997)

Check-engine light: A variety of malfunction codes tripping the check engine light may result from corrosion of the engine ground stud. (1995)

Electrical problem: The door locks may quit working and the instrument-panel fuse may blow due to a short circuit caused by a bolt inside either front door chafing the wiring harness. (1995)

Electrical problem: The plugs on some aftermarket devices will short out the accessory outlet or cigarette lighter blowing the fuse. (1995-99)

Headlights: Metal shavings from the headlight switch get stuck in the grease, which can complete the circuit and leave the lights on continuously requiring switch replacement. (1997)

Keyless entry: The keyless remote has a rather short range and can be corrected with a new module. (1996-97)

Mirrors: The automatic parking-assist outside mirrors may point too high. (1997)

Poor transmission shift: The transmission-cooler hose gets twisted near the radiator, preventing the transmission from shifting into forward or reverse. (1997-99)

Seat: The front seat does not heat, requiring replacement of the heating element in the seat or back cushions. (1995-99)

Vehicle noise: A problem with the power brake-booster check valve causes a noise from the dashboard. (1995-97)

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	$380

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,070

Brakes	$430

Constant Velocity Joints	$905

Exhaust System	$295

Radiator	$385

Shocks and/or Struts	$500

Timing Chain or Belt	$505

NHTSA Recall History

1995: Rear shoulder belt(s) do not retract.

1995-97: On 4.8L engines, the fuel rail assembly may be faulty, causing it to crack and permit leaks. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

1996: Damaged capacitor may cause failure of "Key in the Ignition" and driver seatbelt-unbuckled warnings, and other functions.

1999: Brake-booster to pedal-assembly nuts may be loose.

1999: Incorrect brake-caliper assembly, brake pads, and caliper-mounting bracket might be installed.

1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1995
Aurora	$2,500-3,100	$1,800-2,300	$500-700

1996
Aurora	$2,800-3,400	$2,100-2,600	$600-700

1997
Aurora	$3,100-3,800	$2,400-3,000	$700-900

1998
Aurora	$3,500-4,200	$2,800-3,400	$900-1,100

1999
Aurora	$4,000-4,700	$3,300-3,900	$1,300-1,500

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.

1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	113.8

Overall Length, in.	205.4

Overall Width, in.	74.4

Overall Height, in.	55.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	3967

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	16.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.6

Rear Head Room, in.	36.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.4

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

Powertrain Options and Availability

Auroras had only one powertrain: a dual-overhead-cam 4.0-liter V8 engine, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. A variation of this engine is used in the Indy Racing League and has powered the Indy 500 winner two years running.

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

dohc V8	4.0 / 244	250	260	4-speed automatic: 17/26	4-speed automatic: 20.3

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

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Aurora

Front Impact, Driver	3

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%. 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

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Also in the 1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora Review:

Oldsmobile Aurora

Oldsmobile Aurora Road Test

Oldsmobile Aurora Reliability

Oldsmobile Aurora Prices

Oldsmobile Aurora Specs & Safety

Oldsmobile Aurora Photos

Oldsmobile Aurora Full Review