By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
Last year, I was enamored with the Oldsmobile Aurora. I
couldn't get over what a great car it was. This year, with more
test drives under my belt of luxury cars I am less impressed by
the Aurora. Don't get me wrong; the Aurora is still a great car
for General Motors. It just isn't the best luxury sedan in the
world.
For 1996, Oldsmobile made some minor revisions of the Aurora including a new back glass which has less distortion than previous models. Further revisions include daytime running lights and OBD II compliant On-Board Diagnostic systems. These revisions go mainly unnoticed but improve the car nonetheless.
The Aurora is still one of the most distinctive luxury cars in America. The exterior design wasn't based off some other car, it is an original unto itself. The exterior design theme set forth by the Aurora is trickling down through the next generation Cutlass and Intrigue. The distinctive styling sets the Aurora apart in the pack of boring luxury sedans (i.e. Acura RL, Lexus ES300 and Lincoln Continental).
Aurora is packed with standard luxury features. Our test car had only one option: heated front seats. Safety features include dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, safety cell construction and daytime running lamps to name a few.
The interior is also well appointed with leather seats, plus the optional heating, automatic climate control with passenger controls, automatic dimming mirror, and burled walnut wood trim. Power is abundant in the interior: windows, locks, fuel door, and trunk releases are all motorized. Other convenient features include the rear defroster and tilt steering.
Oldsmobile, borrowing from Cadillac, uses NorthStar engine technology in its own 4.0L, 32-valve, V8 which produces 250 hp. Those 250hp are put to the ground through a 4-speed automatic transmission and P235/60R16 tires giving the Aurora plenty of grip and lots of lean in corners. Handling is reasonable with the steering sometimes being vague; suspension is luxuriously dampened and at times seems a bit too cushy.
Under extreme handling conditions the Aurora performed outstanding, allowing the driver comfort and confidence while driving at the edge. The Aurora is a heavy car weighing 3976 lbs. The EPA rating, 17 city and 26 highway, is reasonable. I achieved 23 mpg for the week of all around driving. Aurora starts at $34,360 with heated seats costing $295 plus destination of $640 for a total of $35,295. I like the Aurora and believe that its styling, content and price make it worth serious consideration when purchasing a luxury sedan.