Background: The name has been around for years, but this 1997 version is all new. Oldsmobile hopes the current Cutlass incarnation can recapture the publics' driving fancy. General Motors, the world's largest automaker, anointed its Oldsmobile division as its "Import Fighting" arm about four year ago. The arrival of its flagship Aurora sedan in 1994, the 1997 mid-size Cutlass and the 1998 mid-size Intrigue are doing battle against such worthy competitors as Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord and Toyota Avalon. And the Oldsmobile rocket logo has given way to a more modern, circular icon. The front-wheel drive Cutlass sedan shares the same automotive platform as the all-new, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. However, Cutlass comes standard with a six-cylinder engine in both trim levels. Malibu is available in four or six cylinder powertrains. The 1997 Cutlass debut was hurt by a long, seven-week strike this past summer at General Motors' Oklahoma City assembly plant, the only facility where GM assembles Cutlass. Cutlass chalked up its best sales year in 1978 when 520,000 Cutlass Supremes were sold.
Trim levels: The front-wheel-drive Cutlass is available in Base and upscale GLS editions. In Oldsmobile's marketing mix, the new Cutlass replaces the aging Cutlass Ciera which has been around for 15 years. In the 1997 model year, Oldsmobile also sold a Cutlass Supreme, but this model is being discontinued in favor of the new mid-Intrigue in the 1998 model year. Safety features: Anti-lock brakes, dual front air bags, daytime running lights, rear door child locks and five-mile-per hour bumpers are standard. Traction control is not offered.
Standard equipment: Cutlass comes nicely equipped with many popular features standard. Air conditioning, four-speed automatic transmission, cruise control, power door locks, dual outside break-away mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent wipers and tilt steering column are standard in both trim levels. The upscale GLS editions adds leather upholstery, power windows, six-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry and power side mirrors. These are all optional in Base editions. A Sunroof is a $595 GLS option .
Seating comfort: The upgraded leather seats in our GLS Cutlass provided a pleasant cushion. Very few mid-size offerings can actually fit three rear-world adults in back without feeling like sardines. Cutlass does just about as good as any mid-size competitor of providing enough head, leg and width room for three post teenagers. The rear seat backrest has a 60/40 split, enhancing cargo carrying options. Unlatching the backrest is accomplished by pulling two straps located in the trunk.
Interior: The stereo, along with its conveniently large preset buttons, situates above the climate control center, with three large, easy-to-grab dials monitoring fans speed, direction and temperature. This set up is one of the most driver-friendly in the business. Cutlass also offers a driver-exclusive cupholder, which retracts from the dashboard, left of the steering wheel. There is also a second front cup holder between the bucket seats. The center armrest doubles as a bi-level storage compartment. The ignition switch is found on the instrument panel, not the steering column. Headlights operate from the turn signal stalk while windshield wipers monitor from a right-hand side steering column stalk.
Exterior: The conservatively-styled, four-door exterior is not flashy, but appealing. It has a stiffer body structure than the previous-generation Cutlass, reducing squeaks and rattles. Flush-mounted door handles, a radio antenna found on the rear right fender, kidney-shaped front headlights and 15-inch tires enhance the overall package. Exterior styling cues are similar to many Japanese mid-size offerings, including the Nissan Altima and previous-generation Toyota Camry. Color choices include: bright white, black, medium green, medium beige, green, dark red, blue metallic and silver metallic.
Engine: The sole powertrain is a 160 horsepower, 3.1-liter, V6 engine with sequential fuel injection, platinum-tipped spark plugs and distributorless ignition.
Dimensions: Wheelbase: 107.0 inches Overall length: 192 inches Overall width: 69.4 inches Overall height: 56.9 inches Front head room: 39.4 inches Front leg room 42.2 inches Weight: 2,982 lbs.
Fuel economy: Mileage estimates check in at 20 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg highway for Cutlass' six-cylinder engine. With 9,500 odometer miles, we averaged 25 mpg in combined driving. The fuel tank holds 15.2 gallons of regular unleaded gasoline. The outside fuel tank door does not lock, but the fuel cap is conveniently attached to a tether cord.
Final thoughts: For a mid-size offering Cutlass has more head and interior room than a majority of its competitors. The passenger compartment is remarkably airy and spacious. It's priced thousands of dollars less than comparably equipped Accords or Camrys. However, engine refinement and handling characteristics may be a tad lower than its Japanese rivals. Still, Cutlass offers good value for the bucks. |