Background: Introduced in 1994 as a 1995 model, the front-wheel drive Aurora set out to redefine General Motors' Oldsmobile Division. Oldsmobile was suffering from an identity crisis in the late 1980s and early 1990s and Aurora gave the struggling GM division some direction. With Aurora's introduction, Oldsmobile became the "import fighting" arm of the world's largest automaker, doing battle head on with the likes of Lexus, BMW, Infiniti and Audi. Since Aurora's debut, Oldsmobile added several new sedans to its lineup including the newly redesigned Cutlass and the new, 1998 mid-size Intrique. The all-new, compact 1999 Alero is due out June or July of 1998. The five-passenger Aurora is sold in one, well equipped trim level with a standard V-8 engine. General Motors assembles Aurora in Orion, Mich. The four-door Aurora shares the same automotive platform as the two-door Buick Riviera and four-door Buick Park Avenue, although styling cues and interior designs are strikingly different.
New for '97: The rear view mirror now has a digital compass in the upper corner, informing drivers what direction the car is headed. An in-dash compact disc player is now part of the optional Bose sound system. A new driver aid useful when backing out of the driveway is the tilt-down right side outer mirror. This system activates when the floor-mounted gear shifter is switched into reverse, and allows drivers to better see what items (or family pets), are near that side of the car. Exterior door handles now operate easier, with less upward movement necessary to open the door.
Safety features: Aurora includes a full boat of safety equipment. Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, traction control, daytime running lights, driver and passenger-side air bags, Pass-Key theft deterrent system, rear-door child security locks and remote keyless entry enhance the vehicle's overall safety.
Standard equipment: Aurora comes loaded with standard features and very few options. Automatic climate control with inside/outside temperature readouts, automatic transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, speed-sensitive steering, rear-window defroster, leather upholstery, power front bucket seats and two-position memory, power windows and door locks, intermittent windshield wipers, tilt steering wheel, stereo system and cruise control are included in the base price.
Optional equipment: Power sunroofs ($995), heated front passenger bucket seats ($295) chrome wheels ($800), 12-disc compact disc changer ($460) and updated sound system ($871) top the option list.
Price: Aurora's manufacturer's suggested retail price checks in at $35,735. With options including heated front seats, our bottom line totaled $36,695 including a $665 destination charge.
Engine: The lone Aurora engine packs a punch. The 4.0 liter, 32-valve double-overhead cam, V-8 engine delivers 250 horsepower and loads of passing strength. It's powerful and surprisingly quiet.
Seating comfort: Front leather bucket seats were very comfortable, even on long journeys. The driver's seat includes a two-position memory. Both front bucket seats feature power controls, and heated seat controls, conveniently located on the front doors. Aurora's rounded exterior design provides good head room inside. Leg room is adequate. Three adults have decent room in back. The back seat cushion includes a pass through window for transporting skis and other long items. Also featured for the comfort of back seat riders is a fold down arm rest complete with dual cup holders and storage pocket. Looking for the maintenance-free car battery? Check under the back seat cushion. Jump starting the car is still done through terminal hook ups found under the hood.
Interior: The wrap-around dashboard and large speedometer, fuel and tachometer displays make the driver feel like he/she is in command of the road. Once you set an interior temperature, the automatic climate control does the regulating. Dual climate zones in front lets the front seat passenger select their own temperature setting. Dual cup holders retract from the front of the center console, which doubles as an arm rest and compact disc/cassette tape storage bin. Both the fuel and trunk release buttons are conveniently located on the dashboard rather than the side of the driver's seat. Cruise control and headlight controls are found on the turn signal stalk. Windshield wipers operate from a right-hand side stalk. Power side view mirror controls are located on the dashboard. Another nice tough for the driver are secondary radio and temperature controls found on the steering wheel. Burl walnut wood-trim enhancements are found throughout the interior. An eleven-function, digital information center keeps drivers alerted to such items as fuel range and gallons of fuel remaining.
Dimensions: Wheelbase: 113.8 inches Overall length: 205.4 inches Overall width: 74.4 inches Overall height: 55.4 inches Front head room: 38.4 inches Front leg room 42.6 inches Curb weight: 3,967 lbs.
Fuel economy: Mileage estimates check in a 17 miles per gallon city and 26 mpg highway. With 12,000 odometer miles we averaged 21 mpg in combined driving; not bad for a potent V-8 engine. The fuel tank holds 20 gallons of premium unleaded fuel.
Exterior: Flush-mounted door handles and bumpers share the vehicle's body color. Both rear quarter panels have a rounded flair. Large, 16-inch alloy aluminum wheels add to Aurora's aerodynamic, road-hugging look. The radio antenna retracts from the rear right fender. Exterior color choices include: silver metallic, silver teal metallic, light blue metallic, medium green metallic, medium blue metallic, black, medium dark teal metallic, medium green-gray metallic, light beige metallic, dark red metallic, red metallic and white diamond metallic.
Final thoughts: Aurora's subtle ride and smooth shifting transmission rival those of its Lexus and Infiniti counterparts. Superb cornering and braking characteristics along with inspired handling give drivers the impression their behind the wheel of a two-door sports coupe. It's a great value in the increasingly crowed entry-luxury segment. |