Car Reviews: 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora

interior and 250-hp V8 engine. It's basically the same engine used in the Indy Racing League cars that compete

in the Indianapolis 500. For 1998, Oldsmobile's flagship sedan comes in three new exterior colors and one new

interior color. The suspension, steering and emissions controls have all been refined for 1998.

For the most part, however, the Aurora has remained unchanged since its introduction in 1994. With its

stunning design, the Aurora was a dramatic departure for a conservative nameplate when it was introduced,

but it's now a familiar face.

And that's not such a bad thing. The validity of the original concept has passed the test of time. Engineers

and assemblers alike have had a chance to work out any bugs that may have afflicted the earliest examples. And

people have had time to become accustomed to what was initially a radical design. It's a case of familiarity

breeding contentment.

But offering the same product for several years in a row brings some built-in challenges. As other manufacturers

have introduced new models in the mid-luxury class, the spotlight has shifted away from the Aurora. Many of the

recent arrivals offer features the Aurora doesn't have. And just by virtue of being new they have had the

opportunity to grab the headlines, relegating the Aurora to the inside pages.

The Aurora still has much to offer, but the competition has gotten much stiffer in the form of new import

contenders in the $40,000 range, including the Lexus GS300, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6.

sedans. Its smooth, grille-free nose and muscular flanks suggested performance and assertiveness in a manner

quite unlike that of existing Oldsmobiles. It looked good then, and it looks good now. Neither overdone nor

understated, the Aurora exterior is dynamic and fluid. The Aurora design has fulfilled the mission of revitalizing

Oldsmobile's visual identity so successfully that many of its design features have been adapted to the new,

smaller Intrigue.

But cat's-eye headlamps, pronounced bulges over the wheel openings, a wind-cheating form and thin roof pillars

are now more common. Some competitors are blazing new design trails as well, producing cars that are equally sleek

yet different enough to be noticed. Current Aurora owners will be buying because they like the car's looks, not

because heads swivel as they drive by.

All Auroras are created equal, with just a few extra-cost items available. A glance at the list of standard

features in the specifications suggests that there's not an absolute need for any of the options. But the optional

plated wheels, glass moonroof, and White Diamond metallic paint are definitely attractive, and the heated front

seats are a boon in cold weather. As good as the standard sound system is, true audiophiles may want to opt for

the seven-speaker Bose system, with or without the 12-disc CD changer. Also offered, and suggested for customers

who intend to cover lots of ground in their Auroras, is the Autobahn Package that provides a taller final-drive

ratio, which reduces engine rpm at cruising speeds for improved fuel economy. They may also want V-rated tires for

improved handling at higher speeds.

GM's optional OnStar system available this year uses a dedicated button on the cellular telephone putting drivers

in contact with an information center that can provide them with emergency assistance. The system uses GPS

(satellite) transmitters to determine the vehicle's location and provide route information to any destination.

A patented limp-home mode keeps the Aurora rolling even after total loss of all engine coolant. Four of the engine's eight cylinders continue working while the other four rest to keep internal temperatures below the point that would result in engine damage. Enhanced emission controls include a new quarter-turn fuel cap to reduce the escape of environmentally harmful vapors.

seats are especially comfortable, well-padded, clad in soft leather, and electrically adjustable to suit just

about anyone. Headroom is abundant, and the four doors are sufficiently wide to provide easy access to the

interior.

The driving position is very good as well. Audio and climate-control buttons are mounted on the wheel and are

backlit for easy use in the dark.

Dashboard and door panel shapes echo the Aurora's curvaceous exterior styling. The instruments and climate

controls are large and clearly marked. A comprehensive information display allows the driver to monitor vital

items not covered by the four analog gauges, and warns of malfunctions, low fluid levels and service needs. Icons

indicating problems that might affect the car's drivability are accompanied by a chime when lit.

Trunk space is generous, well-shaped and neatly trimmed. Heaving a heavy bag over the high sill is a bit difficult, however. The upside of this arrangement is that the solid rear panel below the trunk lid is a major contributor to the Aurora's exceptionally stiff body shell, which is one of the major reasons the Aurora is so quiet and rattle-free.

The Aurora's interior is luxurious and the visual, tactile and olfactory sensations are carefully calculated to coddle. Noticeably absent, however, are side-impact airbags, a feature some of its competitors are offering.

powerplant delivers excellent performance, good fuel economy and an authoritative exhaust note that will please

the kind of buyers Oldsmobile wants to attract.

Its four-speed automatic transmission shifts as smoothly as the best of them. Electronic traction control comes

standard and enhances control of this powerful front-wheel-drive car in slippery conditions.

Almost all of the changes made to the Aurora for 1998 are aimed at refining what was already a superb suspension

system. The balance between a smooth ride and precise handling is exemplary, allowing the driver to enjoy some

enthusiastic behind-the-wheel activity without upsetting the passengers.

Front control arms were redesigned to improve ride quality. Internal rebound springs were added to the front struts

for improved control. Wheel travel was increased slightly and shocks were revalved to improve ride quality on bumpy

roads.

The Autobahn Package is as valuable on twisty roads as it is on long highway cruises. A taller final-drive ratio improves fuel economy at cruising speeds and increases the top speed. But the real benefit is a set of high-performance tires that accompany the package. These V-speed-rated tires complement the Aurora's suspension when driving quickly through corners. Oldsmobile has further refined its Magnasteer electronic power steering system.

Overall, the Aurora scores high marks for its civilized road manners. It is very quiet, absorbs small bumps and ripples in the road effortlessly, and behaves exactly the way its designers intended. It should please anyone who buys this car.

Overall, it's an excellent package with a clean, attractive body design. Every Aurora we've seen reflects the pride

of the workers who assemble it.

Engineering features are clever and effective. The Aurora is comfortable and enjoyable to drive. The fact that the car has survived into a fourth year of production without major changes can be interpreted as an acknowledgement that Oldsmobile got the Aurora right the first time.

Style, a long list of standard equipment, quality materials and assembly, and fine road behavior make the Aurora as attractive as ever.