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.
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.
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
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
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?
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.
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
"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 .
@@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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
@@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?
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!
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!
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.
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.
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😊
@@TheAlexisReign Aah okay then. Probably why most modern cars have dampened gauges then, to keep people from freaking out over every tiny change in the coolant temp lol
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
@@aarongranda7825 yep have a 1999 Cadillac with 40k miles blown head gasket, car looks new pulled it out of garage and not going to spend the thousands to repair it ! Loved it when it ran well . Most don't get a 100k before head gasket failure.
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
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.
31:20 is the temp gauge running a little high or is that just normal for that car? Generally they sit in the middle. It’s not in the red or anything but it’s definitely 3/4 up the gauge?
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?
Anyone who can get me to watch and entire review of a 4 door bar of soap and come away laughing and more informed about said soap as well as the hidden dangers of wildlife is a true talent. Hats off to you sir! Thanks for the videos and keep your head down, those winged monsters sound angry.
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 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!
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.
Regarding the goats, have some fun. Tie one up in a hidden place, bring out a table, and start eating a steak, pork chop, etc. When he asks about his missing goat, reply, "you know, I have never eaten goat before. It's better than I thought..." 😄
I LOVED the first gen Aurora! It was waaaay ahead of its time. I was blown away that GM produced this.
I love my my 95 Aurora. Too bad that GM killed Olds when the company produced a flagship product like this.
I wish they would bring Oldsmobile back
Those seats look very nice
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
@@rickybobbydastar6534 Do they still have that problem in 2001?
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.
We drive a LX5 V6 version and its GREAT!
@@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 Yeah but upgrade the suspension components and problem solved.
@@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.
@@B0xlife1 what year ? Northstar engine Bulletproof ? Most don’t make it past 150k miles without the threads ripping out causing a blown head gasket
I started the video and was laughing immediately. “Holy shit” right at the start. 😅
Ong😂😂😂
Meeeee toooo
Yes, right from the start I said to myself “this one’s going to be gooood!”
Bill never disappoints!
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.
Same here loll
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.
You will be due for head gaskets soon mine made it to 125 k
@@Jag-leaper Do you also prognosticate about the stock market and ponies at the track?
@@bobgilbert7362you were warned...suit yourself...
@@Jag-leaper hopefully he flushes the coolant and he will not have a issue
@@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
Giving Doug DeMuro a run for his money!
Yeah. This guy is actually funny. His exaggerated good morning and his sighs. Make me chuckle everytime..
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.
He was around long before Doug was a thing.
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
Those goats were thinking the same thing as I am... 'Daaaaamn; That 25 year old Olds looks better than any of the crap currently being made.'
Really? There was one kid at my highschool who’s dad had one, and it was the laughing stock of 2005. Such a weird looking car.
This car looks like if you melted a Kraft single over a Ford Taurus.
ur joking right
@@sunnohh so sad todays generation have no clue about history
It really doesn’t but ok
We need Oldsmobile back who’s with me?
Not GM, unfortunately.
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).
Uh, no. GM RUINED their brands in the 1980's/1990's. Many Pontiac and Olds models were just copies of a Chevy design and not a very good copy at that.
@@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?
And Saturn, but the original Design!
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.
Damn 65k Geesh
@@rickybobbydastar6534 yep. One of the cams broke
@@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.
@@thethomasj1795 wow ! I remember my ac was ice cold . It’s a pain to change the alternator on these cars lol
I am so glad I discovered Bill's channel. Genuinely makes my day better listening to this man grumble and complain 😂
Just wandered in last night and I'm with you 100%
I feel the same way! His videos make me laugh and have a great day.
My first car was an '82 Oldsmobile Toronado. I hated to see this brand disappear.
Me too - a damn shame.
Me too as well. Oldsmobile rocked!!!!
My first car was a 2 tone silver over black 1984 Oldsmobile cutlass Supreme with the diesel v6.
84 toro triple white. loved that car
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
"Goats, birds, rabbits, infants, Canadians, Glock-pockets, Corona whiskey." Bill is living his own personal Hitchcock movie, and I am chipper for that.
The goats were so cute, you had me rolling on the floor laughing with your opening narrative. The birds and the goats are out to get us Bill. 🤣
You put your life on the line to bring us these great reviews. Some sort of commendation is in order 🎖
The goats are thinking , “ Oh sure, it’s him again”.
LOVE the overlay photos, Bill. So helpful to see the context - and news articles hahaha. Great work as always, keep it up.
Thanks - having a bit of fun with it.
@@curiouscars9282 very professional Bill! Keep it up
Love to bring Oldsmobile back. Too bad that brand was cut.
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 .
The start had me dying laughing 🤣
It didn't feel funny at the time, I can tell you.
@@curiouscars9282 I don't blame you pal. I've been there..
@@curiouscars9282 what the hell does he use those things for? So he doesn't have to mow the grass?
@@curiouscars9282 Goats are bit spooky I met one and even though it was chained I kept my distance.
@@V8_screw_electric_cars they have those dead eyes that just stare through your soul...creeps me out
9:56
“It was way out there in terms of styli…
LOOK AT THE CAT! LOOK AT THIS INSANE CAT!”
lmao I love you Bill
Bill is growing on me, just two videos in. He's quite enjoyable
The Aurora should be a modern classic some day, a last unique offering from a once iconic brand 😕 hope you get a 2nd gen too!
i love my 03, #556 from the end of production, missed the "final 500" by 55 cars
@@mattcat231 perhaps for the best, personally I’m not a fan of the maroon color they came in. Did you buy it new in 03? In what color?
@@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, 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.
I love the fact that I get to see beautiful cars and laugh my ass off at the same time! Keep the great content coming.
Is this the Curious Cars channel or Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom?
Only us boomers remember that show!!
@@dm5374
And older!
Hey, I'm Gen X, I'm not that old. Okay, maybe I am.
I always really liked the exterior styling of this car.
I don't care if anyone disagrees with me,but this and even the intrigue are such under rated cars
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.
skorpiius your absolutely right the interior wasn't the nicest but the exterior design has held up over time
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.
Its Aurora, by Oldsmobile. Didn't know it had a Northstar derived V8. Super advanced styling and over engineering for 1996. Good job GM!
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.
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
Your panic at the man-eating goats was hilarious!
This man hilarious. We need more content
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
Bill is the new Don Lafontaine! :D
"Holy sh.t, they´re out...they look pissed off...they´re staring at me...this is terrifying!" :D
It was terrifying. Did you see the way that one was sizing me up?
@@curiouscars9282 what does "rouse" mean
@@raymondcannon8427 He kind of meant : Raus von hier!’ (‘Get out of here!’)
@@curiouscars9282 yeah, especially the Cujo! Dangerous and unpredictable monsters...
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.
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.
This car always reminded me of a cross between a 2nd gen. Chevy Lumina, a 2nd gen. Chrysler LHS and a 3rd gen. Mercury Sable.
Great comment!
😂😂
Yes very reminiscent of the lumina front end style. Love to see those peppy cars revive again
I had a 95 lumina LS with the center shift. It was my first car and it was awesome 😎
@@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?
The Aurora looks great over 25 years later! Great design.
0:30 You really needed a CD loaded up to play the Jaws theme when you were approaching those vicious hoofed & horned creatures
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!
At first they did then Buick had a lot as well similar
alotta tech and quality in that car... 32valve v8 way back then in a compact chassis..wraparound interior.. nice stuff
i had a 99..it was a great car. rode like a dream . mine was white diamond with tan leather and chrome wheels
That's a really nice car. I remember ads for it at the time had this overtone that it was going to change the world.
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!
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.
I owned one, put 300,000 miles on it, best domestic made car.... I'm a retired import car dealer..
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.
I love the teal. It was the color of the 90's!
The Oldsmobile badge went on the taillamps in 1997.
BTW This guy is smug, Dry, Rude, And overly sarcastic. FREAKIN AWESOME!!! IDK what he looks like but I'm strangely picturing Bea Arthur
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😊
The opening had me cracking up! "They looked pissed off too!" LOL!
Another beautiful front fascia sullied by a front license plate bracket.
Brutally ugly car, though.
“Like a small, disabled child did it”. I’m dead.
That coolant temp gauge is giving me anxiety. Creeping up a bit when its idling
I had the same thought!
They all do that. The first gen has a legitimate gauge. The second gen is more dampened to fluctuations.
@@TheAlexisReign Aah okay then. Probably why most modern cars have dampened gauges then, to keep people from freaking out over every tiny change in the coolant temp lol
I’m sure it’s sold by now but DAMN whoever had that car took baby care of that car!
One of my favorite 90s car!!! The Riviera from the 90s; the MX-6 too and MX-3 from Mazda; the Nissan 240SX, and NX; All great designed cars!
The part at the beginning with the goats had me laughing.
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.
god I love your preambles, and animal commentary.
A great looking car. Period.
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.
When these first were introduced, my neighbor had one, they drove it for about 12 years until buying Hyundai Azera. Now, they have a Buick Enclave.
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
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.
Lol! Can you picture bill doing a PBS. Nature documentary? What's with all these fucking bear? This is terrifying.
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 !
Damn that car looks brand new.
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.
Good for another 30 years!
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 owned one...and hated the damn unreliable thing...but whenever I get the rare chance to seen one...I have to stop and stare every time💗
OMG I lost it at "Gender fluid shift juice" LOL
I'm glad you're back. You make the best TH-cam videos. 👍👍👍
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.
Reminds me a lot of my 95 Rivera. Loved that car. Wish it would’ve had a North Star
It should: They were built on the same platform.
The deathstar engine was known for bad computers and blown head gaskets.
@@aarongranda7825 yep have a 1999 Cadillac with 40k miles blown head gasket, car looks new pulled it out of garage and not going to spend the thousands to repair it ! Loved it when it ran well . Most don't get a 100k before head gasket failure.
No I don't think you want the North Star engine it was garbage although it had a lot of horsepower and torque.. just not reliable..
@@sushirollusa my dad's 96 sdv never blew the head gasket but the crap bcm shut the car down I hate computers
Is this the guy from the winnebago commercial?
Also, thanks for the shoutout about the trailer park line, Bill!
Glad you jumped in. (clapping) That was brilliant.
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
Alfred Hitchcock’s ... “ The GOATS” ??
I always loved that car. I was always too poor to afford one!
Now is your chance! They’re definitely overlooked in today’s market
BILL U TELL HISTORY OF EVERY CAR U SHOW,
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.
$36K was a shocking price for an Oldsmobile in 96. But it's a hell of a car!
A beautiful example of this somewhat rare automobile. Nice review and find on this one, Bill!
I can tell you from experience that you can absolutely peg that speedometer.
Yes he can. If it has the autobahn package that moves the factory limiter from 110 up to 150.
31:20 is the temp gauge running a little high or is that just normal for that car? Generally they sit in the middle. It’s not in the red or anything but it’s definitely 3/4 up the gauge?
One of your best video Brother. Love your work. Your longest videos are usually the best ones. Im one of your chipper Canadians
brings back memories, my fist car was 94 Arorua, with the Bose, sunroof....
the trick sunvisor was done on the 88 cutlass supreme too
Oh dear, they must be fierce Pontiac Goats 😄
The worst kind.
I bought a brand new Aurora in 84 , loaded , was the best car on the road in the day ...Hands Down
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?
hey Bill, can you please upload a short clip by night, with the interior lights of this Aurora?
Second this!
Anyone who can get me to watch and entire review of a 4 door bar of soap and come away laughing and more informed about said soap as well as the hidden dangers of wildlife is a true talent. Hats off to you sir! Thanks for the videos and keep your head down, those winged monsters sound angry.
Best comment on TH-cam ever. EVER!!
😂😂 Bar of soap
Love the color in and out. So very nice.
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 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!
Good looking car. The taillights are very sharp.
I loved that car. I opted for a 1998 Intregue I was 25 at the time.
I see Bill learned a bit about video editing! Love the picture over lays, keep it up!
I never rode in an Aurora. I did ride in an Alero coupe. That was nice. This was GM showing off. 😎
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.
The AC vents in the doors was the thing that set it apart but I still bought a SHO
Imagine the 2022 Aurora
Could've been awesome.
Regarding the goats, have some fun. Tie one up in a hidden place, bring out a table, and start eating a steak, pork chop, etc. When he asks about his missing goat, reply, "you know, I have never eaten goat before. It's better than I thought..." 😄
Bro, the opening was pure FFC Apocalypse Now. You’re the shit!
I had a steal blue one in 2007 I loved that car. The 95-99 is my favorite bodystyle