1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora ▼
- Price Range: $1,700 - $3,600
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Pros
- Acceleration
- Passenger room
- Antilock brakes
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Wind noise
- Rear visibility (1995)
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 53 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 53 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1999 | |||
| Aurora | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1998 | |||
| Aurora | $3,200-3,900 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| 1997 | |||
| Aurora | $2,800-3,400 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-700 |
| 1996 | |||
| Aurora | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| 1995 | |||
| Aurora | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
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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 | |
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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 |
| dohc V8 | 4.0 / 244 | 250 | 260 | 4-speed automatic: 17/26 | 4-speed automatic: 20.3 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%. 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%.








