Originally introduced in 1982 as a sedan, the Ciera was a perennial best seller in the Oldsmobile lineup. Needless to say, cutting-edge technology and styling were not on the top of Ciera buyers' list of requirements. High value and traditional styling obviously were. With seating for five or six adults, this midsize car obviously served the needs of a large segment of the American public, especially those with families. A station wagon version was added in 1984.
Year-to-year changes[]
1994[]
For this model year, the lineup was streamlined to one model per body style (4-door sedan and station wagon). Standard engine was 2.0-liter sohc 120-hp, hitched to a simple 3-speed automatic transaxle. Specify the optional 160-hp 3.1-liter V6 and you would have a 4-speed automatic. All Ciera models were front-wheel drive.
1995[]
In 1995, the nameplate was SL instead of S and the "Cutlass" name disappeared from Oldsmobile literature. Also, there was a single model, designated SL, which permitted Oldsmobile to adopt a simplified pricing strategy. There were only two levels of standard equipment on the sedans (called Series I and Series II) and relatively few options. That's not to say that the Ciera was a Spartanly-equipped conveyance, standard equipment included air conditioning, tilt wheel, power door locks and antilock braking. New this year was a transmission-brake interlock, making it less likely that the car was put into gear inadvertently. There was also a redesign of the door panels and seats to freshen the interior appointments.
1996[]
Production of the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera ended before the Fall of 1996.
1997[]
When the car was redesigned for the 1997 model year, the name "Ciera" was dropped.
Retail prices[]
As of December 17, 1993:
- $16,070 (1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera S 4DR Sedan)
- $17,570 (1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera S 4DR Wagon)
As of mid-1994:
- $14,460 (1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Series I 4DR Sedan)
- $16,060 (1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Series II 4DR Sedan)
- $17,060 (1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 4DR Wagon)
As of August 1, 1995:
- $14,865 (1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Series I 4DR Sedan)
- $16,465 (1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Series II 4DR Sedan)
- $17,465 (1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 4DR Wagon)
- $14,455 (1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Series I 4DR Sedan)
- $16,455 (1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Series II 4DR Sedan)
- $17,455 (1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 4DR Wagon)
Shipping prices[]
- $525 (1994 models)
- $535 (1995 models)
- $540 (1996 models)
Gallery[]
