1996 Oldsmobile Ciera Consumer Reviews

As a college student, I brought this car back during the pandemic and I can assure you that I have driven it every day for school and work, back-to-back trips. I've taken it out of state and back with no problem. Bought it with 65,000 ODO and still running strong with 81,000 ODO. Have not had a single problem with the engine at all. Other reviews are right through. Small things begin to fail after a while like window motors and such but they are extremely cheap to fix considering it's a GM vehicle and you don't even have to fix them. Transmission is strong, feels smooth, and doesn't have a single issue. The biggest concern is the alternator which is cheap to replace, it's a GM vehicle. If you are looking to buy, I can tell you this car with low miles, under 100,000 ODO, is the biggest bang for your buck.

Used six months of the year and have had no trouble with it!!

I bought my 1996 Cierra used with 78,000 miles on her. I replaced the exhaust system from the catalytic converter back, also replaced the fuel tank and sending unit cause the original was leaking. The rocker panels need replaced on both driver and passenger side because they have wroughted 3/8 away from the front fenders. The paint also could use touched up here and there. I'm not exactly satisfied with the steering. Seems when you hit a bump in the road you can feel a slight steering column jump. I also wish the steering seemed tighter. I noticed these new cars today with electric power steering seem tighter. From my experience you get a better ride with a tighter fit. To help on the rocker panel wrought debacle I had mud flaps put on around the car. I realize she's old and decrepid tho with some "TLC" there's a possibility to restore her some what. I still would recommend purchasing these old relic CIERA'S. There a good value at the right price if you know what your looking for.

If you are in the market for a car that for less than or right at $1500 Dollars.....This is the best car for you. I have owned 3. 3 Ciera's that I paid between $900 and $1500. They all started everyday. They all were reasonable to maintain. Never seen this car on the side of the road because it broke down. The style is boxy and very plain but those old GM engines? They will run 250,000 miles. So in other words....everything else will fall apart, but the car will still start.

Car has been serviced every 3000 miles or less

My late grandfather owned a 1996 Ciera SL and he loved it. I drove it for him when he was unable to drive anymore and I also fell in love with the quietness and handling. Typical of these car bodies though, they are very prone to rust, especially around the wheel wells. When my grandfather passed away, my mother restored the vehicle but it sure did not need much work. Having only 50,000 miles, it was garaged and only needed minor body work. Still runs as smooth as the day my grandfather bought it in 1996. With the proper maintenance and care it continues to get, it should continue to run for a very very long time.

I bought this car brand new from the dealer lot in 1996. If GM was still selling the mid size Oldsmobile today, I would not hesitate to trade in mine on a new one. Not only is it very comfortable to ride in but the engine is very reliable. My car has a V-6 with fuel injection giving the car V-8 performance. The power steering makes the car easy to handle in all types of traffic. The ABS braking system is extremely reliable preventing the car from swerving when hard braking is necessary. There is plenty of leg room and the tilt steering wheel is a real joy. There is also plenty of room in the back seat for three people and plenty of trunk space. After all these years,my 1996 Oldsmobile still runs great. I always recommend regular maintenance to fix any small problems before they become major ones.

its my favorite car ive ever owned and very easy to repair when it needs it