Among the cars I’ve always been curious to own but have never taken the leap on is this beautiful 90s coupe we see right here: the elusive Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo. In addition to what I consider very handsome styling, this last-ditch attempt to prop up the struggling Toronado also incorporated the desirable FE3 suspension system and gave it a rather advanced driver control center in the cockpit. Overall, it didn’t do much to delay the model’s retirement from the lineup, but they still seem underappreciated to me. Find this clean coupe here on Facebook Marketplace for $7,000 in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
The Toronado was marketed as a desirable replacement for the big-bodied and V8-powered predecessor, but it represented a fairly strong hedge that the market would continue drifting towards more fuel-efficient vehicles. It’s incredible to look back and see that throughout history, Americans have repeatedly dipped a toe into the pool of more fuel-conscious vehicles only to recoil as soon as whatever economic pressure was slated to occur began to ease. It must drive automakers bananas to have to predict which way consumer sentiment will blow and see otherwise decent cars like this Toronado left at the altar. Oldsmobile tried hard to make this Trofeo line a seriously compelling package, with striking styling and a hefty options list for ’91.
The interior remained mostly consistent, but the later years of this model saw the automaker through the proverbial kitchen sink at it: keyless entry, a driver’s side airbag, steering wheel controls, a power moon roof, and of course, the touchscreen CRT system we more often associate with the Reatta. The 3800-series V6 was a corporate go-to for multiple models across GM lineups, and while it had its shortcomings, it made good power and a great noise. The quad exhaust tips out the back were sadly decorative-only, but the growl from this motor more than made up for it. As you can see with our subject car, the interior remains in phenomenal shape.
The CRT system was very advanced for its time, and it could be argued that it set the stage for modern-day driver command units. The fact that this one still works with crystal clear graphics and buttons that retain all of their various control language is nothing short of amazing. While the seller has undoubtedly got what may be one of the best Toronado Trofeos left in existence, the market for this car is small and growing more limited by the day. While many cars and trucks from the ’80s and ’90s have become popular with GenXers and millennials, the verdict remains out if these intriguing small-body and FWD GM products will ever hit their stride in retirement.
This is very nice. I like it. The fact its so well preserved speaks volumes of the previous owner(s). The 3.8 in the front drive ” full size” Buicks and Olds 98s had plenty of oomph to move them around, in this smaller Toronado I’m sure ( in its day) it was very quick. Wish I had a chance to enjoy and drive one when they were new. Always liked them.
Always liked these. They look good from almost every angle.
There are repair services out there for these CRT-based Driver Info Center. Nice that this DIC is still working. Even nicer if it’s been rebuilt recently.
I had one years ago in white it was quick and never any problems,I gave it to a friend who owned a car lot he sold it to this guy who liked it so much he came back and bought another car off my friend!
Usually I would say that’s a lot of miles, but man just look at the condition of this car. $7k isn’t bad for a really unique weekend cruiser.
One of the times that I preferred the Toro over the Riviera. Good looking car.
VIC/CRT=no way I’m interested
NICE find !
nicer than a Caddy, just beautiful.
That interior .. gasp , wow.
Im thinkin these cars cost alot to build, like Olds didnt make much per, probably offset by other models.
The one i knew of in the neighborhood had an exceptionally beautiful paint color, like a rosé.
The owners son told me it was sitting due to an electrical issue that they were struggling to resolve.
As another here mentioned, this was a good effort by Olds to try to get ‘back on the map’, but too many “americans” were selling out buying Accords and Camrys; really hurt our domestic economy. RIP Oldsmobile
An acquaintance and former manager of mine had one of these, Red over Black Leather. It was beautiful. The dash was “busy,” as was that of the Ninety-Eight Touring sedan of the same year.
Being “Mr. Practical,” later in life, I picked up a later model 98 Regency Elite sedan (whose dash had been simplified) and wondered “what if?” about an updated Toronado Troféo with a simplified dash and the Bullet-Proof 3800 Series II V6. But Oldsmobile was dying. I still have that 98 Regency Elite (although I upgraded the suspension to the FE3), it’s still a great daily driver car, with the best build quality I’ve ever had in a GM car, making me wonder if GM could have continued making great cars?
I had two an 87’ Trofeo and a 90’ Brougham. The 90’ had same color and wheels as this one but gray suede interior and the 87’ was that crimson color red and it had the FE3 suspension. Both were a blast but the 90’ was a little bigger. The 87’ had the horseshoe shifter. Whoever gets this car is gonna be happy.