1968 - 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass

The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a mid-size car produced by the American automaker Oldsmobile from 1961 to 1999. Throughout its production run, the Cutlass went through several generations and redesigns, becoming one of the brand's most popular and longest-running models.

The first generation of the Cutlass was introduced in 1961 as a compact car. It featured a simple yet stylish design with rounded lines and chrome detailing. It offered a range of engine options, from inline-six cylinders to V8 engines.

In the 1970s, the Cutlass underwent a significant redesign and became larger and more luxurious. It was available in various body styles, including sedan, coupe, and station wagon. The second generation Cutlass became known for its muscular look with wide, squared-off bodies and aggressive grille styling.

In the 1980s, the Cutlass received another redesign and entered its third generation. It adopted a more aerodynamic and streamlined appearance, featuring smoother lines and integrated bumpers. The third-generation Cutlass offered improved fuel efficiency and performance, thanks to the introduction of fuel-injected engines and front-wheel drive.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass gained further popularity in the 1980s and 1990s when it became one of the best-selling cars in the United States. It was praised for its comfort, reliability, and smooth ride. It also came with various innovative features for its time, such as digital dashboard displays, electronic climate control, and touchscreen controls.

In 1997, Oldsmobile introduced the final generation of the Cutlass, known as the Cutlass Intrigue. This version had a more modern design and advanced features, including traction control, antilock brakes, and a powerful V6 engine.

Despite its popularity, the Oldsmobile Cutlass was discontinued in 1999 along with the discontinuation of the entire Oldsmobile brand. The Cutlass is remembered as a classic American car that symbolized quality and dependability. It remains a popular choice among car enthusiasts and collectors.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a popular mid-size car produced by General Motors under the Oldsmobile brand. The Cutlass went through several generations, redesigns, and model variations throughout its production history. Here are some of the notable models, generations, and redesigns of the Oldsmobile Cutlass:

1. First Generation (1961-1964): The first-generation Oldsmobile Cutlass was introduced in 1961 as a compact car. It was available in various body styles, including a two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and station wagon. The Cutlass nameplate was used as a trim level within the F-85 model line.

2. Second Generation (1965-1967): The second-generation Oldsmobile Cutlass was introduced in 1965 and received a major redesign. It became a mid-size car and was available in various body styles, including a two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and convertible. The Cutlass line expanded to include performance-oriented variants like the Cutlass 4-4-2.

3. Third Generation (1968-1972): The third-generation Oldsmobile Cutlass was introduced in 1968 and featured a more aerodynamic design. It was available in various body styles, including a two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and convertible. The Cutlass 4-4-2 remained a performance-oriented variant.

4. Fourth Generation (1973-1977): The fourth-generation Oldsmobile Cutlass was introduced in 1973 and featured a larger, more luxurious design. It was available in various body styles, including a two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and station wagon. The Cutlass Supreme became a separate model within the Cutlass lineup.

5. Fifth Generation (1978-1988): The fifth-generation Oldsmobile Cutlass was introduced in 1978 and featured a downsized design. It was available in various body styles, including a two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and station wagon. The Cutlass Supreme remained a separate model and became the flagship of the Cutlass lineup.

6. Sixth Generation (1988-1997): The sixth-generation Oldsmobile Cutlass was introduced in 1988 and featured a more aerodynamic design. It was available in various body styles, including a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. The Cutlass Supreme continued as the flagship model, while the Cutlass Ciera and Cutlass Calais were also part of the lineup.

7. Seventh Generation (1997-1999): The seventh-generation Oldsmobile Cutlass was introduced in 1997 and featured a minor redesign. It was available only as a four-door sedan and was part of the Cutlass Supreme lineup.

In addition to these generations and redesigns, there were also various special editions, performance variants, and limited production models of the Oldsmobile Cutlass throughout its production history.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass was produced between 1961 and 1999, and over the course of its production, it underwent several changes in its engine, transmission, and performance features. Here is an overview of the different generations and their specifications:

1st Generation (1961-1964):

• Engine options: The Cutlass came with a range of engine options, including a 215-cubic-inch V8 engine, a 330-cubic-inch V8 engine, and a 394-cubic-inch V8 engine.
• Transmission options: The Cutlass was primarily equipped with a 2-speed automatic transmission, though a 3-speed manual transmission was also available.
• Performance: The performance of the 1st generation Cutlass varied depending on the engine option chosen. The 394-cubic-inch V8 engine was the most powerful, producing up to 345 horsepower.

2nd Generation (1968-1972):

• Engine options: The second generation Cutlass offered a variety of engine options, including a range of V6 and V8 engines. The most notable engine was the Rocket 455-cubic-inch V8 engine, which produced up to 365 horsepower.
• Transmission options: The Cutlass had various transmission options, including 3-speed and 4-speed manual transmissions and a 3-speed automatic transmission.
• Performance: The performance of the second generation Cutlass was improved compared to the previous generation, thanks to the availability of more powerful engines. The Rocket 455 engine provided impressive acceleration and overall performance.

3rd Generation (1973-1977):

• Engine options: The third generation Cutlass was offered with a range of V8 engines, including a 260-cubic-inch V8, a 350-cubic-inch V8, and a 455-cubic-inch V8. The engines varied in power output, with the 455 V8 being the most powerful at 270 horsepower.
• Transmission options: The Cutlass was primarily equipped with a 3-speed automatic transmission, though a 4-speed manual transmission was also available.
• Performance: The performance of the third generation Cutlass was decent, with good acceleration and power, especially with the larger engine options.

4th Generation (1978-1988):

• Engine options: The fourth generation Cutlass featured a variety of engine options, including a range of V6 and V8 engines. The most notable engine was the 350-cubic-inch V8 engine, which produced up to 180 horsepower.
• Transmission options: The Cutlass had various transmission options, including a 3-speed automatic transmission and a 4-speed automatic transmission.
• Performance: The performance of the fourth generation Cutlass varied depending on the engine option chosen. The V8 engines offered good acceleration and power, while the V6 engines provided more fuel efficiency.

5th Generation (1989-1999):

• Engine options: The fifth generation Cutlass offered a range of engine options, including a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, and a 3.1-liter V6 engine. The engines varied in power output, with the V6 option offering up to 160 horsepower.
• Transmission options: The Cutlass was primarily equipped with a 3-speed automatic transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
• Performance: The performance of the fifth generation Cutlass was less focused on power and more on fuel efficiency and comfort. The V6 engine provided sufficient power for daily driving, but the emphasis was on a smooth and comfortable ride.

In summary, the Oldsmobile Cutlass offered a range of engine and transmission options throughout its production, varying in power output and performance characteristics. From powerful V8 engines in the earlier generations to more fuel-efficient options in later generations, the Cutlass provided a range of choices for buyers in terms of performance and driving experience.

The fuel economy, measured in miles per gallon (MPG), of an Oldsmobile Cutlass can vary depending on the specific model, engine size, and driving conditions. However, on average, the MPG for an Oldsmobile Cutlass ranges from 15 to 25 MPG.

The interior of the Oldsmobile Cutlass is relatively simple, with straightforward controls and a functional layout. The seats are comfortable and offer decent support, although they may lack some of the plushness and adjustability found in more modern cars. The upholstery is typically cloth or vinyl, and while it may not feel as luxurious as leather, it is durable and easy to clean.

The exterior of the Oldsmobile Cutlass has a classic and timeless design. The sleek lines and chrome accents give it a stylish and elegant look. The paint quality is generally good, although it may show signs of wear and oxidation due to its age. The windows are large, providing good visibility, and the doors open and close smoothly.

In terms of comfort, the Oldsmobile Cutlass offers a decent ride quality. The suspension is tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, although it may feel a bit floaty at times. The cabin is spacious, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The trunk is also spacious, providing ample cargo space for luggage or other items.

Overall, the Oldsmobile Cutlass offers a comfortable and functional interior, a stylish exterior design, and a decent ride quality. While it may not have all the luxurious features and advanced technology found in more modern cars, it still provides a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass is a classic American car that was first introduced in 1961 and continued to be produced until 1999. While it may not have the same level of infotainment and connectivity features as modern cars, there are still options available to upgrade the technology in older models.

One of the simplest upgrades you can make to improve the infotainment system in an Oldsmobile Cutlass is to install a new head unit. This will allow you to connect your smartphone via Bluetooth or USB to play music and make hands-free calls. Many aftermarket head units also offer features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allow you to access apps and navigation on your phone through the car's display.

If you're looking for a more integrated solution, you can also consider installing a full infotainment system. These systems typically include a touchscreen display, GPS navigation, and a variety of connectivity options like Bluetooth, USB, and even Wi-Fi. Some models also offer features like rearview cameras and parking sensors, which can be helpful for older vehicles that may not have these built-in.

In terms of connectivity, there are options to add features like Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless charging pads to an Oldsmobile Cutlass. These can be especially useful for long road trips or for keeping your devices charged on the go.

While the Oldsmobile Cutlass may not have the same level of infotainment and connectivity features as newer cars, there are still plenty of options available to upgrade the technology. Whether you're looking for a simple head unit upgrade or a full infotainment system, there are aftermarket solutions that can bring your car into the 21st century.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass, a popular mid-sized car produced by General Motors from 1961 to 1999, offered a variety of safety and driver-assistance features throughout its various generations. While not as advanced as modern-day technology, these features were designed to enhance driver and passenger safety during the time in which they were produced. Here are some of the safety and driver-assistance features that were available on various models of the Oldsmobile Cutlass:

1. Anti-lock Brakes (ABS): Some later models of the Cutlass, particularly those produced in the 1990s, were equipped with anti-lock braking systems. ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control while coming to a stop.

2. Airbags: Depending on the year and trim level, the Cutlass was available with driver-side airbags and, in later years, passenger-side airbags as well. These airbags were designed to provide supplemental protection to the driver and front passenger in the event of a frontal collision.

3. 3-Point Seat Belts: The Cutlass was equipped with 3-point seat belts for both the driver and front passenger. These seat belts feature a shoulder strap and lap belt, providing better restraint and reducing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

4. Collapsible Steering Column: The Cutlass featured a collapsible steering column, designed to absorb energy in the event of a frontal impact. This reduces the risk of injury to the driver in a collision.

5. Rearview Mirror: The Cutlass came with a traditional rearview mirror, allowing the driver to see vehicles behind them without turning their head. Some models also had an automatic day/night feature that automatically dimmed the mirror at night to reduce glare.

6. Head Restraints: Many models of the Cutlass were equipped with adjustable head restraints in the front seats. These restraints help prevent whiplash injuries by limiting the movement of the head and neck during a rear-end collision.

7. Power-Operated Windows and Door Locks: While not directly related to safety, power-operated windows and door locks provided convenience and could potentially enhance security by allowing the driver to quickly lock and unlock the vehicle.

8. Electronic Cruise Control: Some models of the Cutlass were equipped with electronic cruise control. This feature allowed the driver to set a desired speed and maintain it without constantly having to press the accelerator pedal. While not a safety feature itself, it can contribute to driver comfort and reduce fatigue, indirectly affecting safety.

It's important to note that the availability of these features varied depending on the specific year and trim level of the Oldsmobile Cutlass. Additionally, the advancement of safety technology has improved significantly since the time the Cutlass was in production. Therefore, while these features were considered state-of-the-art at the time, they may not meet the same safety standards as modern vehicles.