2001OldsmobileAuroraOldsmobile Aurora2001 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0SedanSedanFWDUSAOldsmobile has redesigned the Aurora, plopping its flagship sedan onto a more rigid but still front-drive platform. Remaining stylish and contemporary, Aurora is more conventional in appearance but overall, remains an enticing package. 3.5 V6 and 4.0 V8 versions are available, each equipped with a full load of luxury accoutrements.Sophisticated powerplants, sumptuous interior, understated style.Front-wheel drive results in heavy front end, not as exciting to behold as the original, less trunk space, tighter legroom.Aurora debuted to the public in 1994, a sensually shaped replacement for the Toronado coupe and a sign of things to come from Oldsmobile. At the time one of the stoutest sedans in the world, the car's delicious styling, smooth-revving overhead-cam V8, and emphasis on composed performance impressed critics. Now Oldsmobile introduces a completely redesigned 2001 Aurora flagship, in 3.5 and 4.0 versions. Like its predecessor, the new Aurora is quite rigid, providing a solid sense of quality. Unlike the old version, the new model is rather svelte, shedding weight due to a more compact body and the use of aluminum in key parts of the design. Improved performance should be the translation, especially since the DOHC 4.0-liter V8 engine makes more power while still delivering 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. It sends 250 horsepower to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5-liter twin-cam V6, which first appeared in the lower-priced Intrigue and gets a few additional miles per gallon, makes 215 horses, but is charged with moving 120 fewer pounds. Four-wheel disc ABS brakes and speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering that provides better feel and feedback are standard, and so are fat tires and attractive spoked aluminum wheels. The 3.5 is shod with 16-inch Goodyears while 4.0 models receive 17-inch Michelins. A precision control system (read: traction and stability control) keeps the 4.0 traveling the straight and narrow when it senses that a loss of control may be imminent. Since the Aurora is a luxury car, you should know about a few of the goodies. All Auroras are equipped with leather seats and real walnut trim in a two-tone interior. Driver-oriented with a beautifully swept arc of a control panel, the cabin includes a 27-function Driver Information Center. Chrome accents around the gated shifter and gauges lend a touch of class. Head, shoulder, and hip room have all been increased, but legroom is down slightly. Though the trunk is smaller, it's more accessible thanks to a larger opening and lower liftover height. Side airbags are mounted to the front seats, and two drivers can personalize the remote keyless entry system to their individual tastes. With a lower price point for the 3.5, Oldsmobile expects to double sales of the Aurora. The car's combination of style, luxury and value should ensure success. Audi A6Chrysler 300MLexus GSLincoln LS336,000336,000336,0006100,0009.0 sec.134.72 ft.NA84 litersV8250 hp @ 5600 rpm260 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm199.3 in.72.9 in.56.7 in.3803 lbs.112.2 in.38.6 in.37.7 in.58.9 in.58.4 in.55.4 in.56.1 in.42.5 in.38 in.14.9 cu.ft.StandardStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableRating = GoodRating = GoodAverageGoodNot TestedNot Tested17.5 gal.17 mpg / 25 mpg298 mi. / 438 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$31,699$34,6447.35%$670N/A3% of the Total MSRP3.5 (4A): 3.5L V6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine; 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; battery with run down protection; 105 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, 3.29 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust with powdercoated exhaust tip; sport ride suspension, auto-leveling suspension, front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; power rack-and-pinion steering with vehicle speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 18.5 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers; body-colored bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; projector beam halogen fully auto headlamps with daytime running lights; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated folding outside mirrors; 16" x 7" silver alloy wheels; P225/60HR16 touring A/S BSW tires; compactsteel spare wheel; air conditioning with climate control, air filter, rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan, cassette player, single CD player, 6 speakers, auto equalizer, and window grid diversity antenna, radio steering wheel controls; cruise control; power door locks with 2 stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child safety rear door locks, power remote hatch/trunk release, power remote fuel release; 2 power accessory outlets, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, systems monitor, trip computer, trip odometer, exterior temp; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp, battery, low oil level, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, door ajar, trunk ajar, service interval, brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's seat mounted side airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system, valet key, emergency"S.O.S."(OnStar); tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's and passenger's 1-touch down; variable intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable tilt headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's seat includes 6-way power adjustment, passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment; rear bench seat with fixed headrests, center pass-thru armrest; leather seats, leatherette door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, genuine wood trim on instrument panel, leather-wrapped gearshift knob; interior lights include dome light with fade, front and rear reading lights, 4 door curb lights, illuminated entry, ignition switch; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console with storage, instrument panel covered binstorage, audio media storage, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, 2 seat back storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, carpeted trunk lid, cargo net, cargo light; chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.
4.0 (4A) (in addition to or instead of 3.5 (4A) equipment): 4.0L V8 DOHC SMPI 32-valve engine (requires premium unleaded fuel); traction control, 3.71 axle ratio; electronic stability; 17.5 gal. capacity fuel tank; body-colored heated folding driver's power remote outside mirror, passenger's power remote with tilt down outside mirror; 17" x 7.5" polished alloy wheels; P235/55HR17 touring A/S BSW tires; dual zone front air conditioning with climate control; garage door opener; instrumentation display includes compass; variable intermittent front rain detecting wipers; passenger's seat includes 6-way power adjustment; rear bench seat with fixed headrests, center pass-thru armrest with storage and memory on driver's seat with 2 memory setting(s) includes settings for exterior mirrors and auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror.