The difference one letter makes is apparent here on this woodgrain-less 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser S. The SL was a step up, at least as far as stick-on woodgrain goes, but it’s hard to argue with the crisp, clean look of this Bright White seven or eight-passenger wagon. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Syracuse, New York, and they’re asking $5,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Zen for the tip!
Is this car really 32 years old already? Weren’t they just everywhere? I haven’t seen one on the street in years, but man, in the ’90s and 2000s, they were like mosquitoes in northern Minnesota. The Cutlass Ciera morphed into the plain ol’ Ciera in 1995, but this is a 1993 Cutlass Cruiser S and it didn’t receive the Ciera name in this era, nor did the fancy SL with woodgrain.
Oldsmobile sold the Ciera from 1982 through 1996, and the Cutlass Cruiser (wagon) was available from 1984 through ’96. Luckily, just about every body style was available, so I finally don’t have to spend an hour creating a Photoshop version. Wait, there wasn’t a two-door wagon, sigh… (Jeopardy music in the background). Ok, here’s one. As a 32-year-old car, this one isn’t perfect; you can see some nicks and other glitches on the exterior. The biggest one I see is that the rear bumper filler material has started to deteriorate.
Inside, things look outstanding, and this car is showing just 83,477 miles on the odometer, so it should have a lot of life left in it. The classic velour seats appear perfect, both front and rear, and the rear-facing third seat also looks perfect. You can squeeze two kids or shorter adults back there, three in the back seat, and at least two in front, or three in a pinch. By 1993, even Oldsmobile was in the minivan game with their Silhouette model, and wagons were definitely on the way out, sadly. There aren’t many available today, as you’ve noticed.
The engine is GM’s Buick-sourced 3.3-liter OHV V6 with 160 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. It’s backed by a Turbo-Hydramatic 125, or 3T40, sending power to the front wheels. The seller says this car was brought to New York from out of state in 2016 and parked in a garage for almost a decade, and was recently revived. It’s got a smooth ride, cold AC, and is ready to go. Have any of you owned a Cutlass Cruiser wagon from this era?
Boy you’re right on the money Scotty, these, the Chevy Celebrity, Buick Century, and Pontiac were everywhere. And while its a stretch it is technically an 8 passenger wagon. This one is in very good condition and really not very many miles considering the years its been in service, and that this was an every day grocery getter.
I liked your 2 door version there too Scotty, its a shame they stopped making them.
Dr Olds went to Buick for the 3.3. Don’t know anything about these motors, are they an improved version of the 2.8, then 3.1 ?
The 3300 was a 90 degree V6, and a very good engine. As Driveinstile mentioned the 3300 is a version of the 3800. I prefer these to either the 2.8 or 3100, which were 60 degree V6s.
They share construction with the near-bulletproof 3.8L V6.
Hey stan. I think the 3.3 V6 was actually more related to the 3.8 V6 ( both were good motors I think).
What stands out about these today (besides the whitewalls, already on their way out in 1993) is the lowness.
I had an 86 Celebrity wagon with the 2.5 Iron Duke. Mom’s hand me down.
It was a functional car, and relatively comfortable. It was NOT fast. And IIRC, the AC would really sap the power from the car.
But overall, it was a decent car. I don’t remember any build quality issues, or thinking “Geez, this thing is CHEAP.” It was more than servicable.
The add is deleted by the seller. I would guess he has already sold it.
Thank you, sir!
Had a Buick Century version, great car until my father in law left a watermelon in the rear “trunk”. Found it a week later, and the Buick became the watermelon wagon…..
I have a 1995. Still a joy to own and drive.
Loved my ’86 Celebrity CL Estate. Had the 2.8 MPFI V6 and o/d automatic so this should be an improvement. The only thing that is not an improvement is the driver seat. Mine had the raised front cushion that offered excellent leg support. Later air bag cars had that cushion scooped out so the seat was more level allowing you to slide into the air bag rather than under it in a crash. Buy this one and enjoy the heck out of it.
We had the sedan version with the identical engine and transmission. We’d still be driving it today if the dreaded structural rust hadn’t killed it. I was a wonderfully practical car, fairly economical to run, and it required very few repairs. If I had this one, likely it would be then last car I’d ever purchase. Good, reliable, utilitarian vehicles are hard to find these days, and this one would fit the bill nicely for folks like us.
I’ve owned them all – Pontiac 6000, Chevy Celebrity, Buick Century (?) and Olds Cutlass Ciera. Most of them were wagons, as I drove a mail route at the time. I loved them all (except the Celebrity with the “iron Duke” -that was a pig). My favorite was a Pontiac 6000 SE wagon, which I bought new. My last two were both Cutlasses.
great cars. had the buick version with the same motor. great mpgs and plenty of power. same as the 3800 just a bit smaller and less power. it will still smoke the tires. my car came from upstate ny. i got 2yrs out of it before the rust made unsafe to drive. an in-person inspection on this 1 is advised especially the underside. price a bit high i would like it better @3500.00