Compact car; Built in USA
  • 2-door coupe
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $1,000 – $1,800*


1993 Oldsmobile Achieva 2-door coupe


1992 Oldsmobile Achieva 4-door sedan


1996 Oldsmobile Achieva 4-door sedan


1992 Oldsmobile Achieva interior


1992 Oldsmobile Achieva interior

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Antilock brakes (optional)
  • Steering/handling
Cons:
  • Entry/exit
  • Ride

While the Achieva is much more competitive than the previous Calais, it has no “stand out” features that make it exceptional. On the plus side, fully equipped Achievas cost hundreds, even thousands, less than comparable versions of Japanese rivals.

Overview

Oldsmobile replaced the Calais with a model it called Achieva–sharing the same front-drive, 103.4-inch-wheelbase platform as the Buick Skylark and Pontiac Grand Am. Achieva was offered in four levels: S and SL in both 2- and 4-door models, plus sporty SC and SCX coupes. Standard on the S was a 120-horsepower 2.3-liter OHC 4-cylinder. Optional for the S and standard on the SL was a 160-horsepower four. Optional on SL was a 160-horsepower 3.3-liter V6. The SC coupe had a High Output 180-horsepower four, paired with a 5-speed manual. A 3-speed automatic was provided as an optional gearbox for both the 160-horsepower four and the V6. All Achievas featured standard antilock brakes.

Yearly Updates

1993 Achieva
Achieva loses a little horsepower to stricter emission controls for 1993, but otherwise enters its second year with few changes. The Quad OHC, basic Quad 4, and the two High Output Quad 4 engines all lose 5 horsepower when paired with the automatic transmission.
1994 Achieva
A driver-side airbag is a new standard feature, and a 160-horsepower 3.1-liter V6 replaces the previous 3.3-liter unit. It came only with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
1995 Achieva
The lineup is trimmed from three models to just one–the S, available as both a coupe and sedan. There are two equipment groups, however, Series I and Series II. A driver-side airbag, antilock brakes, and an air conditioner are standard on all versions. In addition, two engines are available instead of four. Both the Quad OHC and the High Output version of the Quad 4 are dropped, leaving only the extensively revised Quad 4 and 3.1-liter V6. Horsepower outputs change to 150 and 155, respectively.
1996 Achieva
A host of new features are added for 1996, including a new standard engine, a new dash panel featuring revised gauges and passenger-side airbag, an all-new interior, standard air conditioning, and daytime running lights. The new base engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, called the Twin Cam, which replaces the 2.3-liter Quad 4.
1997 Achieva
Only minor equipment changes were made in Achevia’s final year.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

Oldsmobile started out with very aggressive plans for the Achieva, providing a smorgasbord of engine options, including a 190-horsepower Quad 4 for its 1992 SCX version. But mediocre sales and the high cost of keeping all those choices on the assembly line led to a simpler and more logical powertrain lineup by 1996. The Quad 4 engine, an early powertrain building block for the Achieva proved potent and economical, but lacked truly smooth and quiet performance until major changes were made in 1995. The following year the engine was dropped for a smoother 2.4-liter unit. Achieva loses a little horsepower to stricter emission controls for 1993. The Quad OHC, basic Quad 4, and the two High Output Quad 4 engines all lost 5 horsepower when paired with the automatic transmission, resulting in 115-, 155-, 175-, and 185-horsepower outputs, respectively. Both the Quad OHC and the High Output version of the Quad 4 were dropped in 1995, with the two remaining powerplants for the Achieva being a greatly revised, 150-horsepower Quad 4 and the optional 155-horsepower 3.1-liter V6. Balance shafts are installed in the Quad 4 for 1995 to address the most common complaints–excess noise and lack of smoothness. The new engine for 1996 is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, called the Twin Cam. It replaces the 2.3-liter Quad 4. The new Twin Cam and optional V6 both come with new 100,000-mile spark plugs, plus the 100,000-mile coolant.

ohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.3/138
Engine HP 115-120
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 140
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
23/35
24/32
22/31
dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/146
Engine HP 150
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 150
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
23/33
22/32
ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.3/204
Engine HP 150
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 185
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
3-speed automatic

20/29

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.3/138
Engine HP 150-190
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 145-160
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
21/30
23/29
21/30
25.1

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.1/191
Engine HP 155-160
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 185
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

20/29

23.6

Road Test

Ever since its introduction in 1992, Oldsmobile has been striving to provide a 4-cylinder engine that matches the refinement of its Japanese rivals. The early versions delivered brisk acceleration and strong off-the-line performance, but were noisy and generated annoying vibrations that could be felt through the steering column. So up until 1995 and 1996, the V6 engines are a better choice, providing lots of torque at low speeds and delivering the best all-around performance.

Achieva’s suspension feels crude compared to Japanese rivals, banging and clanking over bumps that others absorb easily. The Computer Command Ride exhibits little noticeable difference between the soft and sport modes. In either setting, handling and stability were commendable, without any severe impact harshness.

Inside, gauges are grouped into four round pods in a concave “wraparound” instrument panel. A center panel holds the radio and climate-control switches, which are clearly marked and easy to reach. Overall, interior appointments are a cut above previous Oldsmobile compacts. Thick rear C-pillars and a smaller rear window tend to restrict visibility rearward on the 4-doors, but interior comfort is generally good, with adequate head room and leg room to go around. Rear doors on 4-door models are narrow at the bottom, so you might have to bend and twist to slip inside.

Ratings

Model Tested: 1995 Oldsmobile Achieva 4-door 3.1-liter

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 4
40%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 4
40%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 3
30%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Front - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Rear - 3
30%
Cargo Room - 3
30%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 39

Specifications

2-door coupe
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
103.4 187.9 67.5 53.4
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
14.0 15.2 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.8 36.5 43.3 30.9
4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
103.4 187.9 67.5 53.4
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
14.0 15.2 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.8 37.0 43.3 35.0
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1997 Achieva 2-door coupe

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 88
Injury 98
Theft 40

Trouble Spots

Automatic transmission
Description: 4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, have no third or fourth gear, or no second and third gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1994)
Automatic transmission
Description: TH-125 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1991-94)
Dashboard lights
Description: The Enhanced Traction Control (ETC) warning light “ETC OFF” may glow and the cruise control stop working. No current fix. (1996)
Engine noise
Description: A tick or rattle when the engine is started cold may be due to too much wrist pin-to-piston clearance. (1994-95)
Engine noise
Description: Bearing knock was common on many 3.3-liter engines due to too much clearance on the number-one main bearing. (1992-93)
Engine noise
Description: A rattling noise from the engine that lasts less than a minute when the car is started is often caused by automatic transmission-pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1994-95)
Engine noise
Description: Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1994-97)
Ignition switch
Description: The ignition switch may not return from the start to the run position and the accessories such as the radio, wipers, cruise control, power windows, rear defroster, or heater may not work because the screws that hold the switch in place were overtightened. (1992-94)
Radiator
Description: Some cars mysteriously lose coolant. The common problem is a bad seal on the pressure cap on the surge tank that is connected to the radiator. (1992-94)
Transaxle leak
Description: The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak and GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
Valve cover leaks
Description: The plastic valve covers on the 3.1-liter engine were prone to leaks and should be replaced with redesigned aluminum valve covers. (1994-95)

Recall History

1994
Description: Welds in rear assembly of fuel tank may be insufficient to prevent leakage in certain rear-impact collisions, increasing risk of fire.
1996
Description: Front and/or rear hazard warning lamps might not work.
1996
Description: During deployment of the passenger airbag, the airbag can snag on a reinforcement inside the instrument panel. This might cause the airbag to not deploy properly.
1996
Description: Interior lamps might come on unexpectedly while vehicle is being driven.
1996
Description: If the key is held in the “start” position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch can melt internal switch parts.
1997
Description: Omitted fuse cover could result in short circuit and possible fire.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

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