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New Car Test Drive - 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora
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| By Ray Thursby |
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:21:42 |
| Rating |
 128 ( 11 +8.59% ) |
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Description:
Style, luxury and enduring value.
Base Price $35,960
As Tested $38,310
For 1998, the Oldsmobile Aurora continues with its stylish exterior design, superb road manners, luxurious
interior and 250-hp V8 engine. It's basically the same engine used in the Indy Racing League cars that compete
in the Indianapolis 500. For 1998, Oldsmobile's flagship sedan comes in three new exterior colors and one new
interior color. The suspension, steering and emissions controls have all been refined for 1998.
For the most part, however, the Aurora has remained unchanged since its introduction in 1994. With its
stunning design, the Aurora was a dramatic departure for a conservative nameplate when it was introduced,
but it's now a familiar face.
And that's not such a bad thing. The validity of the original concept has passed the test of time. Engineers
and assemblers alike have had a chance to work out any bugs that may have afflicted the earliest examples. And
people have had time to become accustomed to what was initially a radical design. It's a case of familiarity
breeding contentment.
But offering the same product for several years in a row brings some built-in challenges. As other manufacturers
have introduced new models in the mid-luxury class, the spotlight has shifted away from the Aurora. Many of the
recent arrivals offer features the Aurora doesn't have. And just by virtue of being new they have had the
opportunity to grab the headlines, relegating the Aurora to the inside pages.
The Aurora still has much to offer, but the competition has gotten much stiffer in the form of new import
contenders in the $40,000 range, including the Lexus GS300, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6.
Walkaround
Four years ago, the Aurora was a fashion leader, sporting a rounded, organic appearance long before other GM
sedans. Its smooth, grille-free nose and muscular flanks suggested performance and assertiveness in a manner
quite unlike that of existing Oldsmobiles. It looked good then, and it looks good now. Neither overdone nor
understated, the Aurora exterior is dynamic and fluid. The Aurora design has fulfilled the mission of revitalizing
Oldsmobile's visual identity so successfully that many of its design features have been adapted to the new,
smaller Intrigue.
But cat's-eye headlamps, pronounced bulges over the wheel openings, a wind-cheating form and thin roof pillars
are now more common. Some competitors are blazing new design trails as well, producing cars that are equally sleek
yet different enough to be noticed. Current Aurora owners will be buying because they like the car's looks, not
because heads swivel as they drive by.
All Auroras are created equal, with just a few extra-cost items available. A glance at the list of standard
features in the specifications suggests that there's not an absolute need for any of the options. But the optional
plated wheels, glass moonroof, and White Diamond metallic paint are definitely attractive, and the heated front
seats are a boon in cold weather. As good as the standard sound system is, true audiophiles may want to opt for
the seven-speaker Bose system, with or without the 12-disc CD changer. Also offered, and suggested for customers
who intend to cover lots of ground in their Auroras, is the Autobahn Package that provides a taller final-drive
ratio, which reduces engine rpm at cruising speeds for improved fuel economy. They may also want V-rated tires for
improved handling at higher speeds.
GM's optional OnStar system available this year uses a dedicated button on the cellular telephone putting drivers
in contact with an information center that can provide them with emergency assistance. The system uses GPS
(satellite) transmitters to determine the vehicle's location and provide route information to any destination.
A patented limp-home mode keeps the Aurora rolling even after total loss of all engine coolant. Four of the
engine's eight cylinders continue working while the other four rest to keep internal temperatures below the
point that would result in engine damage. Enhanced emission controls include a new quarter-turn fuel cap to reduce
the escape of environmentally harmful vapors.
The Inside Story
Though officially rated a five-passenger sedan, the Aurora provides superb accommodations for four. The front
seats are especially comfortable, well-padded, clad in soft leather, and electrically adjustable to suit just
about anyone. Headroom is abundant, and the four doors are sufficiently wide to provide easy access to the
interior.
The driving position is very good as well. Audio and climate-control buttons are mounted on the wheel and are
backlit for easy use in the dark.
Dashboard and door panel shapes echo the Aurora's curvaceous exterior styling. The instruments and climate
controls are large and clearly marked. A comprehensive information display allows the driver to monitor vital
items not covered by the four analog gauges, and warns of malfunctions, low fluid levels and service needs. Icons
indicating problems that might affect the car's drivability are accompanied by a chime when lit.
Trunk space is generous, well-shaped and neatly trimmed. Heaving a heavy bag over the high sill is a bit
difficult, however. The upside of this arrangement is that the solid rear panel below the trunk lid is a major
contributor to the Aurora's exceptionally stiff body shell, which is one of the major reasons the Aurora is so
quiet and rattle-free.
The Aurora's interior is luxurious and the visual, tactile and olfactory sensations are carefully calculated to
coddle. Noticeably absent, however, are side-impact airbags, a feature some of its competitors are offering.
Ride and Drive
One of Aurora's class-leading elements is its sophisticated V8 engine. This four-camshaft 32-valve light-alloy
powerplant delivers excellent performance, good fuel economy and an authoritative exhaust note that will please
the kind of buyers Oldsmobile wants to attract.
Its four-speed automatic transmission shifts as smoothly as the best of them. Electronic traction control comes
standard and enhances control of this powerful front-wheel-drive car in slippery conditions.
Almost all of the changes made to the Aurora for 1998 are aimed at refining what was already a superb suspension
system. The balance between a smooth ride and precise handling is exemplary, allowing the driver to enjoy some
enthusiastic behind-the-wheel activity without upsetting the passengers.
Front control arms were redesigned to improve ride quality. Internal rebound springs were added to the front struts
for improved control. Wheel travel was increased slightly and shocks were revalved to improve ride quality on bumpy
roads.
The Autobahn Package is as valuable on twisty roads as it is on long highway cruises. A taller final-drive ratio
improves fuel economy at cruising speeds and increases the top speed. But the real benefit is a set of high-performance
tires that accompany the package. These V-speed-rated tires complement the Aurora's suspension when driving quickly
through corners. Oldsmobile has further refined its Magnasteer electronic power steering system.
Overall, the Aurora scores high marks for its civilized road manners. It is very quiet, absorbs small bumps and
ripples in the road effortlessly, and behav |
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