rocketman77

Just want to rant for a minute...I must confess when the late 1988 (for model year 1989) front wheel drive cutlasses made their appearance at our local Olds dealer, I was not overly impressed with its futuristic look. But, I was fascinated with the hidden door handles in the B pillar, and its weird top lifting glove box door. I saw those cars evolve over the next 5 years, and must confess, I bought one just a few years ago because they are kind of cool. These cars may not be everyone's favorite, but do give them a chance. They are cool and did allow drivers at the time a chance to still buy an Olds that adorned the name of a Cutlass

oldcutlass

One persons junk is another's treasure. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That's why there are many body styles to choose from.

rocketraider

They've grown on me a lot too, but their survival rate doesn't appear to have been too good. Can't tell you the last time I saw a really nice one. The first one I ever saw, I thought WTF?

Looking back it's now obvious they were the Oldsmobile of the W-platform- very distinctive styling and appointments compared to the GP, Lumina and Regal. Shame they couldn't have had a more "distinctive" drivetrain.

66-3X2 442

Warren Johnson told me that the 88 up FWD Cutlass was the most aerodynamic car he had ever had until recently. He said the way the bumpers were designed gave them very low drag and that it didn't have any sharp corners,every panel was rounded. I just last week bought the last three pairs of magnesium valve covers from the 83/84 Hurst Olds cars he raced.

OLD SKL 69

Yeah, today they definitely stand out when you see one, but it is very unusual to see one in really mint condition. Every so often I see an oldtimer driving one, probably the original owner.

I remember when the news of the new front drive ones were coming out, the perception was that this was a serious downgrade from the chrome bumpered rear drive cars. At that time, no one I knew was going to trade in their rear drive Cutlass on a new one.

If I can make the space, I wouldn't mind getting a Cutlass convertible from the 90's.

rocketman77

My 93 vert is truly a nice car. I love it. Yes those cars had head gasket dilemmas and did not fare too well with abusive owners but they did stand out for the W cars

rocketman77

Oh, and the front wheel drive convertible just flies down the road effortlessly like its big block predecessor!!!

Redog

Never liked the 2 doors from that era, but that engine is the same engine in my Alero.

Not the 2.3 HO or the 3.4 DOHC, but the other 60* V6. It's a very good motor

OLD SKL 69

I agree. I had the 3.1 V6 in my wife's Grand Prix and that was a great engine. No issues, pretty peppy, and got close to 30mpg on the highway. I wouldn't mind finding a Cutlass conv with that motor in it.

1970cs

I had the Chevy version, and liked the 92 Lumina euro 3.1 was decent with good mpg also had a 93 Z34 with dohc 3.4 very stought performer only problem was that both were accident maganets both were wrecked 3 times each in one calander year. Not me, the other drivers are fault.

There is an older gent that comes to the Olds homecoming he has a 94 Cutlass convertable aqua blue, white top and leather seats ultra low miles I would love to have it.

Pat

Redog

^^ Seen that car

Indy_68_S

The W bodies came out in '88. I had an '88 Int'l Series Indy 500 Pace Car replicar... Bought it used in early '89 w/ ~ 12K mi on it. Previous owner had removed the big Indy 500 door decals.



clicky for big...

Great car. Pretty under powered (had the 2.8 with what ? like 135 HP ??), but handled very good for its time. Its FWD pulled me through some serious weather related (near) disasters. Other than it eating brakes like tic-tacs, it was pretty reliable. I put 140K on it over 5 years with no major failures.

Was very comfortable and had that oh-so-80's-cool digital dash...
1988CutlassDashFlour.gif

Boldsmobile

I dont know how something not visually appealing to someone equates to being junk.

Im happy to own one from 4 different decades - none of which are junk.

94.jpg