Low expectations provide big surprises
By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
The 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva sedan is marketed at young growing families; with styling meant not to offend anyone. Okay. Frankly, the styling is boring just like most other compact cars such as Saturn SL2, Ford Contour and the Mazda Protégé.
The Achieva for 1996 has an improved 2.4L, twin-cam engine which provides plenty of power and reasonable mileage figures. The engine does create a noticeable racket under hard acceleration; a fault of not only the engine but the overall noise, vibration and harshness control of the Achieva.
Our test Achieva compares very well to the Mercury Mystique. In fact, these two cars would be almost be a dead heat. While the Mystique is more refined in comfort and styling, the Achieva has a larger, more powerful base engine and more space inside. This market segment is huge and depending on what your looking for in a car there could be easily more than a dozen different makes to choose from.
The 4-speed automatic transmission was smooth through the shifts and made freeway entrances easy delaying upshifts. Driving the Achieva was comfortable with an easy view of the road and no major blind spots. The suspension was relatively soft and soaked up most spring potholes with ease without over compensating. Body roll was significant and better seats would be greatly appreciated.
The radio controls seemed to be tilted down and away from the driver and the buttons were indistinct to the touch; causing the driver to take his eyes off the road to adjust the radio. The steering wheel was large, very soft and comfortable to use. General Motors is including daytime-running lights on all its' new cars. The Achieva also included autolamps. The autolamps in conjunction with the DRL's ensured that I never touched the headlight switch during my week long test drive.
The standard equipment list is long. Safety features include the usual dual front airbags, and anti-lock brakes, yet the Achieva also includes traction control and daytime running lights. Other convenient features are: intermittent wipers, rear window defroster, power windows, locks and mirrors, tilt steering, air conditioning and GM's Pass Key theft deterrent system.
The Achieva's base price is $16,495 with only two options: power drivers seat, $270 and remote keyless entry, $125. Add destination of $500 and the total price as tested was a reasonable $17,390. The EPA rates the mileage at 22 city/32 highway. I got 28 mpg in mostly highway driving.
I was surprised by this Achieva. It is a very competent car with a multitude of features, decent room and comfort levels all at a reasonable price. And while the Oldsmobile Achieva isn't the best small sedan it is dutiful.