Too bad it had the poorly designed northstar * engine . If Cadillac would’ve just used steel bolts and thread . The northstar engine would’ve been wonderful
I'm still driving my black 2002 V8 Aurora that my dad bought me when I was 19. It's my daily driver and has 129,500 miles. Great, fun, very nice and reliable car. Great V8 sound.
@@roberteye7197 yah v6 version is far superior,. Much more reliable way better on gas, handles better due to a lighter engine. V8 feels extremely heavy when turning the wheel and the weight makes the suspension components go out quicker.
@@oldsmobileaurora7418 You’re actually wrong the V-6 is way less reliable than the VA the VA is more reliable especially with the transmission set up those V sixes burn through transmissions like water I know a person on their third transmission already they blow the splines in them repeatedly the V8 transmission is bulletproof pretty much like the engine.
We've owned a '99 Aurora for 20+ years. This was the last year for the original design. It has been driven 93K miles. Same (iridescent) green color as this one, with tan interior. We have thoroughly enjoyed it. The most significant repair has been replacement of the alternator recently. As Bill said, it drives and handles superbly. The seats are top notch. I think that it is as tight as the day it was built. Neither rattles nor squeaks. In addition to the racing reference Bill mentioned, Aurora-derived engines were used as the spec engine in the Indy Car series for quite a few years. Probably even less well known is the fact that Carroll Shelby used Aurora engines (hopped up of course) in the sports car that he built from scratch -- the Series One. Thanks for the review, Bill.
@@bobgilbert7362 i Daily drive a 99 Oldsmobile Aurora with 88,000 miles still going just flush your coolant system soon to avoid the notorious head gasket issue
He has GOT to be from Chicagoland. He sounds 100% identical to my old neighbor. I even sent one of Bill’s videos to his wife and she laughed hysterically.
The Aurora was an amazing car. Back in 1999 my Father and I leased Matching Auroras. It was the best looking GM I ever owned. The style still holds up today. The night I picked it up I pulled up in front of a friend's house and she said when she looked out the window she thought a spaceship pulled up in front of her house. My Father has the autobahn package and it would do 140 mph. Of course, mine was a lemon and blew its motor at 65,000 miles.
@@thethomasj1795 that’s crazy . Oldsmobile could’ve used any engine besides the North Star , great engine but poorly designed heads . Should’ve made the steel thread bolts and steel heads .
@@rickybobbydastar6534 the mechanic said that the AC compressor seized Instead of free wheeling like it should have it froze and broke the motor. I had to put a new AC compressor on when they put the motor in. Years later I was bored and jumped on an Auora forum and apparently this was a common issue with the first year of these cars. Only the first year.
"Goats, birds, rabbits, infants, Canadians, Glock-pockets, Corona whiskey." Bill is living his own personal Hitchcock movie, and I am chipper for that.
Northstar hurt Oldsmobile Aurora , Pontiac Bonneville & Cadillac. This Aurora for sale would be nice if the price is right. But always felt GM tried to hard to compete with the European autos BMW, Mercedes, etc. The Warranty work was absolutely too much for GM to absorb. Brand new Eldorado's were discontinued by 2002. was one of the best looking cars by G M .. all of these cars were on the same platform and changing out the engines, were just too much to redesign. So i definitely feel the N.S shortened Pontiac & Oldsmobile future .They were nice to drive when running .
My first new car was a 1987 Olds Calais GT I wanted the two year old Carriage top Eldo next row over for the same money but dad wasn't having it even though I was paying
Bill, you are freaking hilarious! Your videos are always a highlight to my day. And it isn't that my days suck so bad, it's that you are genuinely so entertaining.
Great video, had me LOL several times, thanks, Bill. My old man bought this car new right when it came out, late '94, in dark metallic plum with a gray interior. Gorgeous inside and out. First thing he did was take my mom on a road trip 10 hours to visit my wife and I in Cincy. He pulled up in front of our home and what a cool surprise! He somehow managed to keep it a secret from me (we talked cars all the time). Wow, it was quite an amazing ride for the era. He replaced his '91 Legend with it, and was excited to be back in an American car again. He gave me the rundown of all the cool features, and I was super impressed with the Aurora. Not ostentatious, but just the perfect combo of luxury and badass sedan. He was an Olds fan, having owned an '82 Regency Brougham with every option. We called that one the Pimpmobile, it was pretty plush. Aurora was a post-modern, innovative and unique (really, nothing else looked like that first gen) take on that luxo yacht, but also with some sport sedan cred. He showed me how the word Oldsmobile was sparsely on it; the sales lizards had told him that the car was actually meant to be a Caddy, but Olds nabbed it instead. That was of course BS, but they took care of him - he had a recurring sunroof problem that first year and GM GAVE HIM A BRAND NEW AURORA. They said this car was Olds' dedicated effort to "Get it right." He didn't have to bitch or anything, they just said okay sorry about that, "Here's a brand new one, exactly like your old one but the roof works." Pretty damn amazing on GM's part! I thought the second gen looked like typical, warmed over corporate GM schlock...I just read that it was slated to be a different model, Antares, to replace the Delta 88 or something. Antares got canned so they just stuck an Aurora badge on it. Ugh. Figures.
Hmm Bill isn't going to knock off Doug with his fake humor and his over drama personality. I only watch because he reviews most of the cars I grew up with.
Bill is not a knock off that's a made up lie because Bill works at a car dealership and that's whats most of the car reviews are based on cars for sale Doug will just review any car.
Regular Car Reviews meets Doug DeMuro with a touch of a snarkier classic MotorWeek & saabkyle. Curious Classics is absolutely a top-tier car channel imo
My mother bought a 2000 Intrigue Before she passed. When it got to the point of her no longer being able to drive because of her treatment I would drive her to her appointments in her car so she could enjoy her car in some way. Driving a stick shift all of my life it becomes muscle memory to use the e-brake. Every time we got in the car to go I would reach down on my left, you know where the e-brake release is supposed to be located and has been since before I was born. I would pop the damn hood. Every Time!! Getting in the car buckling up getting settled and then POP! Rain or shine get out close the hood. She would laugh and at this point that was rare so it was nice to hear. Push down the pedal with your foot to disengage was how you release the e-brake. When I see the last of the Old's this is what comes to mind. Her Intrigue was the same green as your Aurora. Very nice car and video.
Yep. Not a huge fan of the Intrigue's interior but I saw one the other day and it made my similar era Maxima look like an antique, the Intrigue has great styling.
Watching these videos from Australia, this channel is becoming a favourite especially with the 60's - 80's car's I think it's about time to start bringing Dalton into the reviews, would be funny to see you two together
You are truly entertaining to watch. I’ve driven some Olds Auroras and always liked them. The problem was that the traditional Oldsmobile buyer wanted a traditional styled car. They didn’t want a European styled car.
in 2008 Car & Driver's April Fool's article was about how Toyota was buying & resurrecting the Oldsmobile brand. they actually had to temporarily open a new call-receiving dept. solely to handle all the calls they got about it. everyone knew it was a joke article, but were so excited by the idea (myself included).
@@casualsuede or wound up Holden rebadges in the 2000’s. Don’t get me wrong, those Holden’s were nice but what’s the point of a rebadge in the first place?
Bill, idk what I enjoy more between your adventures with the goats, chickens, birds, weather or review of the car but don’t change a thing. I look forward to your reviews!
jim here from so. cal. been watching you for some time now.you really know your cars and the history behind them well done! your comentary makes me laugh! love the olds aroura vudeo with the goats running around.i was cracking up.i use to live in orlando fla. hated the f------ weather! so i can relate! anyway please keep doing videos.you know your cars and the history!👍 w
i drove one of these brand new in grey with red leather when i was 17 . Mom had an 80 Cutless and i was flabbergasted at how quick this car was at the time . Comfy and rides like a cloud . I drove the later body style doing a dealer trade sometime later and knew instantly they took a step back . There`s alot of car review channels on here but hands down this one is my fav . Keep up the good work sir !
I worked at avis rent a car back in 2002, And we used to have a fleet of these. From what I remember they held up pretty good even under rental car use and abuse.
My mother's name is Aurora, so she actually had the Gen 1 and Gen 2 versions. As much as I hated to admit it when I drove it, in terms of styling, comfort and features, it was a pretty impressive car.
@@Forge17 I bought mine with 267 miles on the clock, was a "dealer promo" car, and mine is gold with the tan interior, only major issues ive had with it is the driver's side axle leak at 136k miles, and it currently needs struts and shocks
@@mattcat231 wow sweet combo! Im surprised you’ve had no other issues given their reliability reputation on forums, is yours a 3.5 v6? If they had the low ownership costs of an equivalent Buick I’d be looking for one too!
@@Forge17 mine is the 4.0 V8, and as far as the engine goes, the Northstar wasn't meant to be babied, so both my Aurora and my 04 Deville are driven with gusto
Bill, that opening was classic!! Haha Thanks for reviewing this one. This one is beautiful. I'm sure some would be turned off by that interior color but wow I'd drive this car in a heartbeat. It always did puzzle me why GM refused to put the Oldsmobile name on it.
@@jseals90 Nice, man. Did it have those 225s tires?. Have a 96 lumina base with those bigger tires and alloys. What is rarely seen especially now is the ltz version. If I remember correctly didn't they have a 220 horse?
I am a Huge Aurora fan, currently on #3 . First was a 1997 green/blue (depending upon angle and lighting), Had 148k when it was laid to rest. The salt from Northern winter roads eating away at the frame/sub-frame was it’s demise. Second was a 1999 Pearl White, 128K "Florida car", had a great frame and body, ran perfectly until a fill-up of BJ’s so-called Premium gas literally and immediately seized a cylinder before I could get home (less than 5 miles). I currently still have the car, as a parts car. Last but certainly not least is #3, a 1998 in Bright White, 84K when purchased 2 years ago, 89K now, is Amazing! Perfectly maintained and taken care of, has that “fresh out of the wrapper” new car look and feel, which I plan on preserving as long as possible. These cars were way ahead of their time and I love the conversation provoking history telling that it brings from quite a lot of people that have either owned one, (almost every one regretting letting it go in hindsight), driven one, or just being a passenger in one, has something good to say to me about the car. I’m hoping that this car will last for a very long time as I cannot see myself driving anything else, especially these new overdone, technology overloaded, autonomous aspiring, “big brother” infested vehicles in production today. The Aurora is a perfectly appointed, luxury sports car that has more than enough speed, technology and comfort for me. My other car for driving in Spring/Summer weather is a 1991 Mercedes Benz 350SDL Turbo. Excellent-Original Condition. Why? My only answer is “Why not” it’s an Amazing car on a whole different level! btw, is that triple green car still available? Lol
I took on my first car payment at 20 for a 1996 Green/Tan. I goddamn LOVED that car...until it broke on the highway in VA, 200 miles from home after 6 months. 2 days in a hotel room and $800 later, I got home + 2 weeks later another $960 bill. This was at 47,000 miles. Bose sound system was GREAT.. Great in the snow. Didnt have it long after that. I've ALWAYS wanted another...always wanted to do some serious performance mods like the Shelby. The potential was there...Now youre lucky to find one that hasn't had the cat knocked out and Walmart wheels. This ones gorgeous. I sooo want another.
My weed dealer had this car back in 96'. He was later raided by the DEA and the car was seized. Back in 96' you felt real special in this car. Thanks for listening to my heart warming story ❤
The last Olds 98 with Body on frame construction was the 1984 model that also was equipped with rear wheel drive and a 5.0L V-8 engine. From 1985 through 1996 the Olds 98 was a unibody construction with a 3.8L V6 engine and front wheel drive. The rear wheel drive C body From general motors in its last form was produced from 1977 through 1984. C body cars included the Cadillac Deville the Buick Electra Park Avenue and the Oldsmobile 98 Regency.
Best. Video. Ever. I can smell that interior. I was a lot rat at an Olds dealer when these came out. I had to show the old sales guys that the battery was under the back seat. I loved driving these on deliveries, lunch runs and fuel trips.
IKR! You described him perfectly. Oh man, I hear 🕊️!!I can't believe he didn't say anything. 😆 Oh, and I kinda want to see a pic of Bill but I'm trying to resist the urge. Enjoy his voice, hilarious commentary and of course the cars... 😁 Bill, you are one of a kind! Please keep making videos😊
If memory serves, the original 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado showcased in this same color with matching interior. The interior quality of this car rivals the contemporary Lexus LS ..... I enjoy your videos so much! The gift of laughter is priceless these days! Thanks!
Sales went down starting after 85 due to Olds pretty much stopped making large mostly RWD cars. 98 Regency was downsized for 85, 88 and Toro got downsized for 86, then the Cutlass in 88 and they didn't sell anywhere near what their predecessors did. People didn't want smaller cars!
Love watching these videos not only for some interesting old cars but for Bill's sarcasm and complaining about the weather and Florida in general. Would he be happier to be dealing with a foot of snow?
What a cream puff. This car is so pampered! GM always have nice thick carpet, supple leather, and great stereo! This car does not disappoint. Ty for capturing this legacy!
I remember wanting one of these when they were nearly new. This is a super clean example, with original stereo, tape AND CD, nice! I'd have one of these before any European car. I also wanted a Olds 98 Touring Sedan real badly! Bill, If you can find one of those, I'll just go nuts
@@Jag-leaper i daily drive mine its 99 Oldsmobile aurora 88,000 miles the problem is people need to maintain the coolant system flush out the old dexcool which will cause head gasket issues
I own a 96 with 138k on it, i had to replace the converter and while I had the power train out and resealed the bottom of the engine and rebuilt the transmission even though it had almost no wear on it. only problem was the converter, I've put 5,000 since I have done the work and just added new tires, and rebuilt the air ride compressor. drives like a dream.
Had a 96, metallic blue with blue interior. When it wasn't in the shop due to some myriad weird ass electrical issue this car drove absolutely wonderful. But it did have its issues that are pretty well documented. Was a poor man's STS Caddie.
I have a nice low mileage 1995 and love it; you either hate em or love em! Very adequate power & great highway MPG. If you weren’t so far away I’d be sniffing around that ultra low mileage specimen!
Your videos and comments about the goats and killer birds crack me up. BTW... Aurora is also the name of the Princess in Walt Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" from the year I was born... 1959
I live in a trailer park in Va. My neighbor had one, nice exhaust note....nice car, until he was rear ended....which ended it. Sad. This is why I drive my 88 Eldorado very little. The drivers in the 757 are crazy. Just a great and entertaining review Bill. Stay safe! Lo e, Gerard Mills, Carrollton Va
As a kid I thought this (and the Buick Riviera) were hideous. Looked like a normal car started melting in the sun. As an adult I love them. Just wish this came with the 3800 Supercharged like the Riviera.
My mother has a 1999 Oldsmobile aurora with 220,000 miles on it and it is still in good shape besides the mechanical issues lately but nothing has gotten bad for the head gaskets yet
This would be the perfect opening to a murder mystery movie. Bill is going to become a matinee idol! The first gen Aurora is one of the best looking cars ever by GM. The second generation is dull in comparison. These were breathtaking when they came out.
I’ve got a 2001 Aurora, and we has 30k miles and garage kept, formally my grandfathers. These days I just use it for going to the grocery store and running some errands nearby the house, drives like a dream and it’s like floating on a cloud
LOL! “A buncha fuckin’ goats!” That should be the name of your off-shoot nature documentary series, Bill! And trust me, I get it, with the goats. My wife always raised goats for 4H, and I gotta hide when I go over to her folks place where they still have some. Terrifying animals.
Entertaining video lol..and in my opinion, this first gen Aurora was and is still a beautiful car. I graduated high school in 94 and still remember these being a big deal. These were great looking cars, ran beautifully, and were reliable. And Carroll Shelby thought enough of that 4 liter to put one in his supercar.
Wonderful review, Bill. Very nostalgic. I love this car-love the color combo. Oliver Queen (ol' skool Green Arrow)-your car is ready, good sir. :) JV Johnny
I used to own a 96 Oldsmobile Aurora and I absolutely loved that car, but it became to costly for me to keep it maintained , so I ended up selling it unfortunately. I still miss that car to this day. If I could find another one in good shape, I would totally buy another one again. 🤗
I remember seeing this car when it came out at the New York International Auto Show way back when. I probably have some photos of it, on film, in an album...... Cool, Bill.
