2003 Oldsmobile Aurora: Road Test
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2003 Oldsmobile Aurora ▼
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- MSRP: $34,725
- Invoice: $31,773
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Our road test for the 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora help you decide if a 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.5 |
Impressive at any speed. Transmission is smooth and alert.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.5 |
Test Aurora averaged 14.1 mpg. Olds recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.1 |
Copes comfortably with most surfaces, though too firm on rough pavement with the standard 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.7 |
Credible near-luxury road manners, but not as athletic as European sport sedans. Steering provides good feedback. Braking is strong and drama-free, though some Auroras tested had overly firm brake-pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.8 |
Low wind and tire noise. Engine is quiet, but sounds less refined than best import brands.
CONTROLS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.6 |
Audio unit mounted low, requiring long look away to adjust, though redundant steering-wheel buttons help. We have not had an opportunity to test the navigation system. Climate controls are a bit too complex. Rearward visibility limited by high tail, bulky center stop lamp.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.2 |
More than adequate leg and head room, even with sunroof. Plenty of seat/steering-wheel adjustments for drivers to get comfortable, though lumbar support feels too prominent to some testers.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.5 |
Plenty of room for tall folks, but cushion is too small and too soft to provide much support. Entry/exit poses no problem.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.9 |
Generous trunk, with large opening and low liftover, but lid hinges dip into cargo area.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5.7 |
Few other sedans in this class offer a V8, but we doubt Aurora tempts Lexus or BMW owners. This is, however, a pleasant, slightly sporty all-arounder that could appeal to value-minded near-luxury buyers. But you'd have to keep your Aurora 5-10 years to mitigate the resale-value damage caused by the phaseout of Oldsmobile.
Total Score
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 55 | 60.5 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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