Class:
Full-size luxury sedan
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a comfortable, powerful, and well-appointed American luxury vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Cadillac DeVille, Lincoln Continental, Chrysler LHS, Mercury Grand Marquis, and import luxury sedans like Lexus LS/GS and Infiniti Q45.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on comfort, quietness, smooth ride, and a distinctive American luxury aesthetic.
Platform:
G-body platform (shared with Buick Riviera)
Primary Focus:
Owner operation and basic maintenance
Secondary Focus:
Safety features, controls, and vehicle systems overview
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 250-350 pages (typical for this era and vehicle class)
Format:
Printed (original equipment)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrument panel and controls, audio system, climate control system, power accessories, battery and starting system
Body:
Doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior features, locks and security
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking, using climate control, operating audio system, adjusting seats and mirrors
Safety Features:
Seat belt operation, airbag system explanation, child restraint system installation guidance
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights explanation, basic symptom diagnosis (e.g., unusual noises, performance issues)
Depth:
Operational and user-level information; does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions.
Digital Format Availability:
Original manual is printed; digital reproductions (PDF) are commonly available through third-party sellers.
Original Print Quality:
High quality, glossy paper with clear diagrams and text.
Binding:
Typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound for durability.
Paper Type:
Durable, coated paper designed for long-term use in a vehicle.
Type:
V8, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
4.6 Liters (280.7 cubic inches)
Engine Code:
LD8 (Northstar V8)
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 32 Valves
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 5600 RPM
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
Induction:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
18.0 gallons (68 L)
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool Extended Life Antifreeze (Orange)
Oil Type Specification:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (GM Specification GM6094M)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (Good)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (Good)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable
Braking System:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, Side-impact airbags (optional on some trims)
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with front pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) not standard, but provisions for child seats exist.
Audio System:
Premium AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, optional Bose sound system.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with dual-zone temperature settings.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Security:
Remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system.
Phone Integration:
No factory integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Check condition at 60,000 miles, replace as needed or every 100,000 miles if under severe conditions (refer to manual for specific checks).
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (platinum-tipped spark plugs)
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid (GM P/N 1050017 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 (SAE J1703) Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid
Engine Component:
Northstar V8 engine: Potential for head gasket leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, and coolant crossover failures. Regular coolant maintenance is critical.
Transmission Component:
4T80-E transmission: Can be sensitive to fluid condition; proper fluid level and quality are essential to prevent premature wear.
Suspension Component:
Struts and control arm bushings can wear over time, leading to noise and poor handling.
Electrical Component:
Water pump leaks (especially the electric coolant pump for the rear cylinder bank on some Northstars), and occasional issues with climate control actuators or window regulators.
Brand Legacy:
Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors, was known for innovation and comfort-focused vehicles, aiming to bridge the gap between mainstream and luxury brands.
First Generation Introduction:
1995
Second Generation Introduction:
1998 (this model year represents the start of the second generation)
Key Changes Gen 2:
Revised styling, improved chassis dynamics, more standard features, updated engine output.
Production Location:
Delta Township, Michigan, USA (GM Lansing Automotive Plant)
Production Years:
1995-1999
