Acceleration is strong off the line and around town, and the V6 engine is smooth, but Cutlass does not feel markedly more energetic at highway speeds. The automatic transmission shifts without jarring. Our main complaint has been the coarse-sounding 3.1-liter V6 engine, failing to exhibit the refinement of a Camry or Accord. Charging down a freeway off-ramp may produce substantial body lean, as well as tire scrubbing. Steering is a little slow and vague, too, during spirited cornering. Most owners aren't likely to push it that hard. In daily driving situations, Cutlass feels agile, maneuverable, and secure. Most of the time, steering response is quick and handling competent. Cutlasses ride comfortably and stably on the highway. Although the well-controlled suspension prevents Cutlass from floating as much as some other GM cars and absorbs rough pavement quite well, there's a lot of suspension and tire thumping over ruts and potholes. Wind noise is tolerable, but the level of engine and tire noise yields less-than-serene cruising. Braking power is adequate, with good pedal modulation and moderate nosedive in hard braking. For four adults, Cutlass is spacious for its size. Front head room is adequate and leg room more than adequate all around. Rear head room is sufficient for folks under 6 feet tall. Front bucket seats are firm and nicely contoured, but the rear bench is harder and flatter than it should be. The interior has an airy feeling, thanks to large windows. Gauges are large and clear. Radio and climate controls are easy to reach and use, as are convenient stalks for wipers and headlamps. Interior storage space ranks above average, including a large glovebox, generously sized center console/armrest, and front-door map pockets. Trunk space is generous, helped by a flat floor, huge opening, and a near-bumper-level sill to ease loading. Thin roof pillars and large outside mirrors offer good visibility. However, the rear parcel shelf is high enough to block the driver's view of the trunk while backing up.

Value for the Money
Unlike the midsize Intrigue that debuted for 1998, Oldsmobile's Cutlass catered to conservative American tastes. Performance and accommodations are similar to the Chevrolet V6 Malibu. Offering an admirable blend of utility, driving fun, and features, Cutlass and its Chevrolet Malibu counterpart are intermediate-sized sedans that warrant serious consideration. They score well in both quality and value.