1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham Sedan: The Oppo Review (repost)

"G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3" (gbodyman) 01/27/2015 at 11:18 • Filed to: Oldsmoboat Gutbus Extreme

5

19

This is my first car. Nuff said.

(Full Disclosure: GM wanted me to review this car so badly that they gave it to two careful owners before it ended up in my hands. The previous owner kindly supplied half a tank of gas, and allowed me to eat lots of homemade cookies during the purchase of the vehicle).

Exterior: 7/10

One simply cannot deny the appeal of a Brougham. This particular Brougham is a slick-top. It is 200.4 inches long, and it is extremely well proportioned. The hood is long and arrow-straight, the decklid is short and curved, and the exquisite tan pinstripes perfectly offset the Dark Autumn Maple Metallic paint. Of course, it is not without it's downsides. There is a fair amount of rust, and the factory wire hubcaps leave something to be desired. Overall, however, it is a great-looking car.

Interior: 6/10

What you're looking at here is burgundy velour. This interior is made for "special activities" at the drive-in theatre. The seats are more comfortable than any Volvo's, and the condition is immaculate. You get a bench seat in the front, three ashtrays, and deluxe woodgrain trim. Points are deducted for two reasons. Firstly, Roger Smith was concerned that children would wriggle out of the rear lap belts and fling themselves out of the window and onto the freeway, while doing their best impersonation of a lemming caught in a bowling ball return. What was the solution? to make the rear windows not go down, and instead install tiny vent windows that feel like they may fall out. Secondly, due to a long-ago anus-puckering moment, the center front seat belt anchor had been ripped off it's housing. But overall, the interior is pretty good.

Acceleration: 6/10.

It's got a 305 Chevrolet V8, which was exclusive to the Canadian market for the Cutlass. It provides very decent motivation, mainly because it's very torquey. However, wind it out and all it will do is make noise. However, it does get surprisingly good gas mileage, so I'll give it that.

Braking: 6/10

It has disc front brakes. It stops better than a Toyota Echo. Power assist is good. Moving on.

Ride: 10/10

That old GM suspension float. I've been in Benzes and Lexuses that weren't as comfortable as this thing. It is smooooooooooooooth. Pothole? No problem, it'll just soak it up and move along. Same goes for any road imperfection smaller than a Smart Fortwo. This thing will rock if you move about vigorously inside it. It is the perfect representation of cushiness.

Handling: 4/10

This thing rolls. It rolls over harder than a 10-year-old black lab. It is fun. Safe? That's debatable. All I know is, you don't want to push this thing too hard.

Gearbox: 6/10.

It's got a three speed. But it does have an awesome column shift. It shifts smoothly and with authority. Not bad.

Audio: 8/10

This thing puts new cars to shame. For a very basic system with four speakers, at least two of which are 4x10s, it sounds spectacular. Bass is crisp and clear, treble is high without pushing the limits of the speakers. From Rage Against The Machine to Dr. Dre, to Reel Big Fish, this thing keeps cranking out the tunes as good as from day 1. I was at the junkyard a little while ago, and saw the same head unit in a Cadillac. Proof that you can have a good system in an old car.

Toys: 7/10

It's got the funny vent windows, but it also has a bunch of other toys. Ice cold A/C, cruise control, intermittent wipers, a good stereo, power windows and more. It has amenities that are found in basic cars nowadays, but were extraordinary back then. It's proof that you can have your classic and enjoy it, too.

Value: 10/10

For $1000, it's difficult to get a better car.

70/100

Engine: 5.0L Chevrolet 305 V8

Power: 150 HP, 240 lb-ft

Transmission: Three-speed automatic column-shift.

0-60: A bit over 8 seconds.

Top Speed: Over 85 MPH

Drivetrain: RWD

Curb Weight: 3600lbs

Seating: 6

MPG: 15 City, 19 Highway

Price: $1000

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/27/2015 at 11:19

0

This is a great picture.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/27/2015 at 11:20

0

Does it have one of those fantastic multi-note ship horns?

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 01/27/2015 at 11:21

1

I believe so. I accidentally fired it off in the garage, and my grandad could hear it in the basement.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 01/27/2015 at 11:21

1

Yes, yes it is.

thebigbossyboss > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/27/2015 at 11:31

0

You done well kid.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/27/2015 at 11:35

0

Great review, by the way. Hope you make the front page!

DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/27/2015 at 11:36

0

The seats are more comfortable than any Volvo's

I, sir, take issue with this. My old, Canuckistan-spec '85 740 with blue velour seats could put anything to shame... Unfortunately, the leather ones in my current 740 leave much to be desired, both in comfort (because leather hardens) and style (because it cracks).

That said, I love old G-bodies.

Justin Hughes > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/27/2015 at 11:38

0

My parents had a 1983 Cutlass Supreme when I was growing up. This brings back memories, especially those stupid back windows that didn't move. Thanks for sharing!

Justin Hughes > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 01/27/2015 at 11:40

2

Wow - that's even more lean than I got out of my E21. Impressive.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully 01/27/2015 at 11:51

0

I've been in an 86 740 wagon with the cloth seats, and it just wasn't as comfortable. But with all reviews, YMMV.

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/27/2015 at 12:05

0

That's a sharp looking car. Having owned two Oldsmobiles (one being a '98 Cutlass, and the other a '99 Intrigue), I can say they are pretty good cars, and those old velour GM seats are extremely comfortable. My uncle had a 1990 Buick Electra with blue velour and it was so plush and cushy, it was amazing. I still prefer leather, but those seats are awesome.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 01/27/2015 at 12:05

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Thanks!

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > thebigbossyboss 01/27/2015 at 12:05

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Thanks.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Justin Hughes 01/27/2015 at 12:06

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You're welcome!

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 01/27/2015 at 12:07

0

Thanks!

DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/27/2015 at 12:17

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Hey, I'm not saying it's uncomfortable in an old G-body, by any means. At that level of comfort, you're in a completely different playing field than the rest of the world...

Big cars like this are interstate cruise missiles, though, and they're awesome at long-distance, high speed travel. I want one.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully 01/27/2015 at 12:34

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They're cheap enough to use as winter beaters. I suggest you pick one up.

DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/27/2015 at 12:58

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I will, but only after I get a Volvo 960 wagon... Then, I'll look for a G-body wagon.

desertdog5051 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/27/2015 at 13:59

0

I had an '84 Olds 98. It was a luxurious barge as well. It had a 403 so it would get right with the program. Loved that car/ship.