Market Position:
Flagship luxury sedan for Oldsmobile, competing with established domestic and import luxury marques.
Key Competitors:
Lincoln Continental, Cadillac DeVille, Chrysler LHS, Buick Park Avenue, Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series.
Design Philosophy:
Designed to offer European-inspired styling and driving dynamics with American comfort and value.
Luxury Appointments:
Standard leather seating, premium sound systems, and advanced climate control.
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, starting and charging system.
Chassis:
Brakes (ABS, traction control), steering, suspension (adaptive), wheels, and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting, instruments, gauges, infotainment system, climate control, power accessories, airbags, battery, fuses, and relays.
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, locks, seats, interior trim, exterior features, body panels, paint care.
Basic Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, using controls and features, dashboard indicators and warnings.
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, light bulb replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Interpreting warning lights, basic checks for common issues (e.g., starting problems, overheating).
Technical Depth:
Designed for the owner, focusing on understanding vehicle operation, routine checks, and safe usage. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions found in service manuals.
File Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
PDF Quality:
High-resolution scans for clear text and image reproduction. Searchable text for efficient information retrieval.
Print Quality:
Optimized for printing at home or professional print shops. Clear legibility of all diagrams and text.
Binding Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Engine Code 1:
L32 (3.5L V8)
Engine Description 1:
3.5L (3500 cc) Naturally Aspirated V8 (Northstar LH2)
Horsepower 1:
215 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 1:
232 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine Code 2:
L37 (4.0L V8)
Engine Description 2:
4.0L (3990 cc) Naturally Aspirated V8 (Northstar LH3)
Horsepower 2:
275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery 1:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type 1:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Transmission Type 1:
4-Speed Automatic (4T80-E)
Drivetrain 1:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission Type 2:
4-Speed Automatic (4T80-E)
Drivetrain 2:
Not Applicable (FWD standard for all models)
Transmission Features:
Driver-selectable modes (e.g., Normal, Performance), electronic control.
NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:
4 Stars (1998 model, may vary by year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:
4 Stars (1998 model, may vary by year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags (may be standard on later models/trims)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, front pretensioners.
Infotainment System:
Factory-installed premium audio system with cassette and CD player, AM/FM radio. Optional navigation system available on some models.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter.
Suspension System:
Optional Real-Time Damping suspension system providing adaptive ride control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional parking assist sensors (rear).
Connectivity Features:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity as standard. Auxiliary input for audio may be present on some aftermarket or optional premium systems.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system.
Memory Seats:
Optional driver's seat memory function.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 100,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first (Dex-Cool coolant).
Engine Oil Specification 1:
SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic Recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity 1:
4.5 quarts (with filter, 3.5L V8)
Engine Oil Capacity 2:
4.5 quarts (with filter, 4.0L V8)
Coolant Specification:
GM P/N 12378393 (Dex-Cool Orange Long-Life Coolant)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Common Issue 1:
Northstar engine head gasket failures (pre-2000 models, less common but possible). Check for coolant leaks or white smoke.
Common Issue 2:
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system issues, leading to rough idle or check engine light.
Common Issue 3:
Condensation issues in the headlight assemblies.
Common Issue 4:
Power steering pump leaks.
Common Issue 5:
Climate control system malfunctions (e.g., blend door actuators).
Brand Heritage Summary:
Oldsmobile, a pioneering American automotive brand, aimed the Aurora at the premium segment, leveraging the advanced technology of GM's Northstar V8 engine.
Generation 1 Years:
1995-1997
Generation 2 Years:
1998-2003
Generation 2 Updates:
Styling refinements, improved interior features, engine updates for the 4.0L Northstar (275hp), introduction of the 3.5L V8 (215hp).
Assembly Location:
Hamtramck, Michigan, USA (GM Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly)
Production End Date:
2003
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 1995.
Ward Auto Worlds 10 Best Engines:
Northstar V8 engine recognized multiple times by Ward's AutoWorld.
Initial Reviews:
Praised for its powerful engines, sophisticated styling, and comfortable ride, though some noted premature wear or complexity compared to competitors.
