1995 Oldsmobile Aurora Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com
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Oldsmobile
Aurora
1995

1995 Oldsmobile Aurora Review: Road Test

Below is a full, detailed 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora review and road test from New Car Test Drive. A full evaluation of price, equipment, the driving experience, and specs are all here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with limitless ...     read more
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1995 Oldsmobile Aurora Review

Competitive performer leads division into the future
Driving Impressions
The Aurora is more akin to the Cadillac Seville than to any Oldsmobile in terms of ride and drive. The base powerplant, a 250-hp 32-valve V8, is derived from the Cadillac Northstar engine, though it's a 4.0-liter, unlike the 4.6-liter Northstar.

The Aurora V8 delivers smooth power and makes expensive and sporty noises. The powerplant isn't loud or obtrusive, but under full throttle, as the tachometer needle swings upward, the engine note goes from a throaty V8 sound to a rushing, mechanized scream at the redline. In doing so, acceleration is respectable, but not what you would call brisk.

Despite the 250 horses, the Aurora's considerable bulk reigns in the power, resulting in less-than-stunning acceleration. That's not to say the Aurora is slow; it isn't, and there is always power on tap for quick passing on narrow 2-lane roads.

For us, the Aurora's ride was firm and well-controlled, with a decidedly European feel. This was accomplished, in part, because of a very rigid body structure.

The body didn't wallow atop the suspension, but there were times when the suspension felt a step behind the body, as though it didn't react as quickly as it should have and was scrambling to make it up.

In the same vein, the steering reacted with the same sluggishness. The Aurora's magnetic-speed variable-assist steering uses an electronic controller to sense vehicle speed and generate the electrical current that's most appropriate for that speed.

The system works, providing greater assist at low speeds and greater effort during freeway driving, but to us it felt unnaturally heavy at times, such as when cornering at moderate speeds.

In terms of safety, the Aurora is strong with anti-lock brakes and traction control as standard equipment. Next Page


1995 Oldsmobile Aurora