14 Old-School Oldsmobiles No One Remembers Anymore

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During its long history, Oldsmobile manufactured more than 35 million vehicles. When General Motors (GM) owned the brand in 1908, Oldsmobile became part of the GM family, producing iconic rides that left their mark on American roads. Remember those classic muscle cars and comfy daily cruisers? Yes, Oldsmobile made them all. 

From the powerful 4-4-2, the all-around Cutlass, to the game-changing Toronado, they were a household name on American roads. However, with all the new cars around, some of these once-famous Oldsmobiles started to fade from the memory. So, let’s time-travel to the past and rediscover old-school Oldsmobiles that deserve a second look – for once, at least!

Oldsmobile Aerotech

Image Credit: Oldsmobile.

Produced in the late 1980s, the Aerotech looked more like a rocket ship than a car. It was designed to go fast, and that’s what it did.  Thanks to the turbocharged Quad 4 engine, it shattered 47 endurance speed records in over a week. At one point, it even reached an astounding speed of 267 mph. 

If you don’t remember this rocket ship driving around town, it’s not your fault, as the car was never put into production. It was a concept car meant to change the old mobile’s image from an old man’s car to one targeting the future generation. However, it didn’t quite work, and the car remained a concept. 

Oldsmobile Intrigue

Image Credit: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

In 1998, Oldsmobile launched the Intrigue, a midsize sedan with a practical design. It was Oldsmobile’s answer to popular Japanese sedans like the Camry and Accord. The car used a 3.5-liter V6 engine pushing out 215 hp. Moreover, it also came with some needed safety features, like the Precision Control System (PCS).

However, the Intrigue wasn’t perfect. It had a few reliability problems, which held it back. Sadly, the Intrigue was one of Oldsmobile’s promising products that faded into obscurity. Even though it’s mostly forgotten now, driving one felt more like handling an exotic car than your typical Oldsmobile.

Oldsmobile Alero

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The 1999 Oldsmobile Alero was a nice mix of looks, a decent engine, and many standard features. It had an excellent two-tone dashboard, comfy front seats, and user-friendly controls. But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows—some downsides like cheap interior quality, a bad crash test score, and steering felt disconnected.

In its final year of production, the car underwent minor changes, including a new exterior color and a downgraded stereo system. While it wasn’t a superstar, it offered solid performance and good value for its time.

Oldsmobile Achieva

Image Credit: The Oldsmobile Edge, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Oldsmobile Achieva was launched in 1992. It is an underrated car with a smooth V6 engine, a quiet ride, and a classy cabin. However, the design was old-fashioned, with its high cowl and low seating. The handling was okay.

The overall car was good, but the cramped interior, noisy engine, and upholstery materials left a lot to be desired. It was decent for its value, but cars like the Mercury Mystique, Volkswagen Jetta, and Honda Civic were probably better alternatives. The Achieva has since become a forgotten part of Oldsmobile’s story.

Oldsmobile Calais

Image Credit: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Oldsmobile Calais emerged in the mid-1980s as part of GM’s N-body lineup. It was supposed to bring some luxury to the table but missed the mark. The mid-1980s were tough for Oldsmobile, and people wondered if their customers would stick around. Sadly, the Calais didn’t help with that.

Unlike the much-loved Cutlass Supreme, it didn’t have the same charm. The design was pretty forgettable. It handled well enough but couldn’t keep up with newer, more modern cars. These days, collectors usually skip over this little Oldsmobile, but it is a bit of a cautionary tale for automakers about trying to cut corners.

Oldsmobile Omega

Image Credit: order_242 from Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Oldsmobile Omega hit the scene in the 1970s. It was a close cousin to the Chevrolet Nova since it shared a lot. However, the Omega had a unique style and interior touches. You could get it as a two-door coupe, three-door hatchback, or four-door sedan. Also, it had some cool features like woodgrain trim and a distinctive split-waterfall grille. 

Some even came with a powerful 350cid Rocket V8 engine. Even though the Nova often overshadowed it, the Omega holds a special place in automotive history. The 1973 model, with its shiny red paint and dual exhaust, recaptures the nostalgia of Oldsmobile’s compact cars.

Oldsmobile Starfire

Image Credit: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Oldsmobile Starfire hit the market in 1962. This car stands out from others in the list since it was Oldsmobile’s take on the personal luxury car, going up against the Ford Thunderbird. However, it wasn’t the first time the company had tried going the luxury car route, as it had already released the Oldsmobile 98 in 1941 and would also manufacture the Tornado five years after Starfire’s production.

Since the company wasn’t primarily known for manufacturing luxury cars, it was a valuable addition to their list. The Starfire used a 330-horsepower Rocket V-8 engine, had comfy leather Strato bucket seats, and flashy looks that turned heads. It wasn’t a bargain classic, but it’s still within reach for fans who want a piece of the action. Sadly, many people today don’t give this gem from Oldsmobile’s glory days the attention it deserves. 

Oldsmobile Rallye 350

Image Credit: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Oldsmobile Rallye 350 hit the market in 1970 as a bold, budget-friendly car. Its eye-popping Sebring Yellow paint job gave it a unique look. However, the vehicle ran into issues with insurance costs and emissions rules. 

Equipped with a 350 V-8 engine, it could go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and tear through the quarter mile in the mid-15s. Despite its beefed-up performance and tempting price tag, dealers had a tough time moving this flashy coupe. Today, this car serves as a reminder of how quickly things changed in the car world back then.

Oldsmobile Jetfire

Image Credit: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Jetfire is one of the earliest turbocharged production cars worldwide. If you couldn’t guess from its name, the car was pretty fast!  Its “Turbo Rocket” V8 was a game-changer, teaming up a Garrett AiResearch turbocharger with a special Rochester carburetor to crank out 215 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. It’s not bad for a car produced in 1962.

Jim Noel, the founder of oldsjetfire.com, has dedicated himself to reviving their intricate turbocharger systems. Despite its groundbreaking tech, the Jetfire’s story has faded into the archives of Oldsmobile history.

Oldsmobile Firenza

Image Credit: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Oldsmobile Firenza from the 1980s tends to fly under the radar when it comes to classic old cars. It was part of GM’s J-body crew, sharing its guts with vehicles like the Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunbird. You could get it with different engines, even a 2.8-liter V6.

It might not be the first car you think of when you hear “Oldsmobile,” but it’s still a piece of their history worth remembering. It shows that even the less famous models add to an automaker’s story.

Oldsmobile Toronado Troféo

Image Credit: dave_7, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Oldsmobile Toronado Troféo was introduced in 1990 and produced until 1992. It is a real hidden treasure. Its sleek looks and cutting-edge features put it way ahead of the time. 

Under the hood, it packed a 3800 V6 engine, handled sharp corners like a pro with 4-wheel disc brakes, and even sported a firmer suspension for better turns. Even with all these perks, the Troféo doesn’t get the spotlight like some other classics do

Oldsmobile Regency

Image Credit: order_242 from Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Oldsmobile Regency was produced in 1990. It has an 800 V6 engine, giving it plenty of power. It’s known for being reliable, and the parts are pretty easy to come by. Nowadays, you won’t see these cars as much in scrapyards. 

Hence, finding Oldsmobile-specific parts may take more hunting. The Regency had the classic American luxury vibe, all with chrome and whitewall tires. However, it didn’t quite fit in with Oldsmobile’s lineup aim, which was produced to compete with Honda and Lexus.

Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Classic

Image Credit: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Classic arrived on the market in 1966. Inside, it was plush with bench seats and fancy full-wheel covers, putting it in the same league as rivals like the LTD and Caprice. Back in ’67, they even expanded the lineup to include coupes, sedans, and convertibles.

Under the hood, it was no slouch either, packing a 330 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engine that could provide a solid 320 hp. But by ’88, Oldsmobile downsized the Supreme to a front-wheel-drive setup. Even though it was a hit back then, the Cutlass Supreme Classic has faded into the background of car history. Newer models came along, and people’s tastes changed.

Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser

Image Credit: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser was released in 1971. It was a tribute to the classic American station wagon. The car was powered by a smooth Rocket V-8 engine. You can’t miss its unmistakable full-sized design and the attractive grille that has remained the same throughout the production years.

With a comfy ride on a 115.9-inch wheelbase, this wagon was all about space and comfort. Sure, it might not have grabbed all the headlines like some other models, but for people who like more free space, dependability, and that timeless Oldsmobile vibe, the Custom Cruiser is a gem worth collecting.

Madison Cates
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