On August 21, 1997, General Motors' Oldsmobile division becomes the first American auto manufacturer to celebrate its 100th birthday. In the meantime, this once mighty automaker is actively reshaping itself. In the early 1990s, rumors circulated that GM was contemplating doing away with Oldsmobile because of factors including corporate downsizing and mediocre-at-best sales. That was then, but this is now. Oldsmobile is reinventing itself as GM's import-fighting division, battling the likes of Lexus, Acura and Infiniti. Large, rear-wheel drive cars are out, and well-equipped, roomy, front-wheel drive, vehicles are in. Oldsmobile launched its new, flagship, four-door Aurora in 1994. The full-size, front-wheel drive Eighty-Eight is marketed a notch below Aurora. Eighty-Eight trim levels include Base, LS and LSS, although Oldsmobile is promoting the LSS as a stand-alone entry. LSS is marketed with precious few options, but loads of standard equipment. One of the few options available is a new supercharged, V-6 engine, delivering 240 horsepower, 15 more than last year's supercharged version. A power sunroof and compact disc player are also optional. Base price for our LSS test model was $26,010. Our light beige, LSS included the optional supercharged engine ($1,022). With the destination charge ($590) factored in, the bottom line added up to $27,622. The supercharged V-6 engine was powerful, yet quiet; providing peppy acceleration from a standing start. Cruising on the highway, there's plenty of passing power. Standard safety equipment includes, anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, traction control and rear door child security locks. Daytime running headlights, which stay illuminated whenever the engine is started, are also included. Other standard equipment includes four-speed automatic transmission, cruise control, air conditioning rear window defogger and six speaker AM/FM cassette stereo . Dual climate control is also standard. This feature lets the front-seat passenger control the interior temperature of their area. Speed-variable power steering is also included. This feature makes parallel parking easier by providing the driver with more steering-wheel feedback. When cursing at highway speeds, less feedback is needed since steering wheel movement is at a minimum. Inside, LSS has a large, roomy, friendly feel, without being cluttered. Leather seats are firm and supportive. Standard eight-way power seat levers are found on the door, along with power locks and power window controls. The stereo has large pre-set buttons and is easy to reach by both front-seat travelers. Temperature settings and fan speed are adjusted by rotating dashboard knobs. Of course, some of these settings also can be controlled from the steering wheel . This handy set up allows hands to be kept on the wheel while adjusting volume, station preference, fan speed and temperature. A bi-level, center storage compartment is located between front bucket seats, as is a single cupholder. Cruise controls are found and the left-had side turn signal stalk. Headlines are activated from the dashboard. A handy digital compass is built into the rearview mirror. The rear bench seat accommodates three adults comfortably, with plenty of head and leg room for everybody. When less than three people occupy the back, a center console folds down complete with dual cup holder and storage box. A new component for 1996 is a trunk pass-through design allowing access from the cabin area to the trunk . This is convenient for toting skis or other long items. The trunk release button is found in the glove box. There's not fuel tank release lever since the gas tank latch does not lock. Exterior styling is modern, without offending conservative tastes. Its smooth ride, powerful engine, wide doors and roomy interior appeal to consumers who have never felt comfortable in small or mid-size economy vehicles. Since this is a front-wheel drive car, it handles well in snowy road conditions where good front-wheel traction is needed. With a bottom line of $27,622, the LSS has many amenities of luxury vehicles costing thousands of dollars more. The LSS fuel tank holds 18 gallons of gasoline. Premium fuel is recommended for the supercharged V-6 engine. Mileage estimates are 18 miles per gallon city, and 27 mpg highway. We registered 22 mpg combined city and highway driving. GM assembles LSS in Flint and Orion Mich. |