1994 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS Review
Introduction
Those anxious for the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme to break out of its stylistic cruise control will have to wait a little longer: There are no significant exterior improvements to this car for 1994. However, this year's addition of a driver-side air bag, a 3.1 -liter V6 engine and four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) improve an already impressive package of standard features--air conditioning, side- and rear-window defoggers, power rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel independent front and rear suspension.
Our test vehicle was the Cutlass Supreme SL Special Edition sedan, which boasted power mirrors, cruise control, an AM/FM stereo with cassette player, aluminum wheels and special molding. These features were all standard on the Special Edition model-a bonus because they're are offered as options on comparable vehicles.
The MSRP base price of the '94 Cutlass Supreme SL Special Edition is $16,995, putting this well-equipped midsize sedan in the same price range as the Ford Taurus, Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler Concorde, Nissan Maxima and Toyota Camrry.
Interior
The front bucket seats were manually adjustable and very comfortable. The front seat belts were set into the door and were easy to use, but they inhibited our test driver's visibility to the left rear, forcing him to his neck to look back. Aside from not being able to see precisely where the front and rear bumpers ended, visibility was fine.
The instrument panel-complete with speedometer, voltmeter, tachometer, and temperature and oil pressure gauges-was easily visible through the steering wheel of our Cutlass Supreme; it provided customary data in clear white analog figures on a dark background. The cruise control, washer/wiper and bright light switches were all on the stalk to the left of the steering column, and stereo and temperature controls were on the dashboard to the right. There were four adjustable dashboard vents for heat and air.
The gear shifter was on the console, which also held a storage bin for tapes and coins. The power window and side-view mirror controls were on the driver's door panel. We found all the controls to be very easy to reach and to operate.
The automatic power door lock system was activated when our test driver took the gear shift out of ark. This nifty little system could also be programmed to automatically unlock the doors when the ignition was turned off. Another thoughtful feature Oldsmobile added was a courtesy interior night-light, activated by lifting the door handle upon entry.
The rear seat of our test Cutlass Supreme SL held three passengers adequately for short hops and two people comfortably for longer trips. Reading lights were mounted above the windows in the back seat for just such excursions.
Other inside amenities included mirrors on the visors, a tilt steering wheel, the ever-popular cupholders and a pass key security system.
The Cutlass Supreme's large front and rear doors provided easy entry and exit. Contents of the more-than-adequate 15.5-cubic-foot trunk could be seen even at night thanks to a newfor-'94 trunk light.
Walk-Around
We suspect that most loyal customers of the Cutlass Supreme will be pleased with the familiar, handsome, classic look exhibited again this year. Although it's not exactly elegant, the lines of this car are neat and clean.
The headlights of our test Cutlass Supreme were grouped in a slender horizontal panel of three compartments, and the fog lamps were set low in the fascia. Equally restrained was the assembly of taillights and backup lights. The center high-mounted brake light was in the rear window for optimal visibility.
The bodyside cladding was made of a durable plastic that extended from mid-door down, providing ample parking lot protection. A protective plastic band wrapped around the wheel housings, and the side molding motif extended around the lower body, to repeat the same design on the front and rear bumpers. The result was graceful and unified.
Impressions
Our Cutlass Supreme was equipped with a 3.1 -liter V6, and although a more powerful 3.4-1iter V6 is also available, we thought that the smaller engine provided plenty of power. Acceleration from a standing start to 60 mph was quick despite a slight hesitation at 40 mph. When cruising at 55 mph, we pushed the accelerator sharply to the floor and noticed a faint torque steering lurch to the left as we approached 70 mph.
We found our test car's engine to be reasonably quiet. On request, the Cutlass Supreme accelerated from 65 to 80 mph with relative ease and smoothness. When we varied our cruising speeds to 62 mph at 1,950 rpm and later to 71 mph at 2,400 rpm, we noted that the response and handling were sure and the car was remarkably quiet. Handling was so smooth that we completed a 110-degree turn at moderate speed with a barely noticeable rolling sensation.
To test the suspension, we drove the Cutlass Supreme over a variety of road surfaces, including bumpy city streets and uneven, cracked expressways. The four-wheel independent suspension was impervious to all of those potential disturbances of the peace, gliding over them smoothly.
The standard four-wheel ABS was particularly impressive there wasn't any reactive vibration or pulsing sensation, even when we briskly applied the brakes.
Summary
Although some may find the latest Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL somewhat lacking in glamour, few will find fault with the considerable range of options available with the Special Edition package. For a midsize sedan, there is ample room for four and enough space for five in a pinch. This car's overall performance and handling are in the well-established Oldsmobile tradition.
Style-wise, there probably isn't enough pizzazz to attract a rush of new buyers. However, nothing about the '94 model will turn off those already loyal to the Cutlass Supreme, and the broad option package will probably bring in some new customers as well.
Find more reviews at New Car Test Drive. The wolrd's leading provider of Automotive Reviews.
|