Four years ago, the Aurora was a fashion leader, sporting a rounded, organic appearance long before other GM
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.
Though officially rated a five-passenger sedan, the Aurora provides superb accommodations for four. The front
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.
One of Aurora's class-leading elements is its sophisticated V8 engine. This four-camshaft 32-valve light-alloy
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.