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MOTOR TREND апрель 1993

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Auto Week 5 июля 1993

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Auto Week 13 февраля 1995

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Долговременный тест Авроры в Motor Trend - июнь 1996 года.
На момент написания статьи 27000 миль.



1995 Oldsmobile Aurora - Long-Term Wrap Up

An Import-Fighting, Value-Packed Sedan
From the June, 1996 issue of Motor Trend
/ By Jeff Bartlett
/ Photography by Wesley Allison

Read more:http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/oneyear/112_9606_1995_oldsmobile_aurora/index.html#ixzz1D4q0prwO<\/u><\/a>
Oldsmobile unveiled its import-sedan challenger, the Aurora, at the 1993 Detroit auto show, announcing that this new flagship would lead the renaissance of the faltering, stodgy GM division. With a pricing strategy in tune with near-luxury cars, Oldsmobile hoped to attract import shoppers by offering full-blown luxury features and V-8 power without mortgagelike payments.
In its first Motor Trend comparison test, the value-packed Aurora sparred against the formidable Lexus GS 300 and Mercedes-Benz C280, winning that bout by a technical knockout. While this new middleweight champ was basking in the glory of victory, we arranged a long-term test to see if the Aurora could go the distance.
As testimony to its many virtues, we added only one option to the $31,370 base price, the $395 Autobahn Package, which consists of Michelin MXV4 235/60VR16 tires and an aggressive 3.71:1 gear set, in place of the stock 3.48:1 ratio. Reading down the list of standard features is like looking over most cars' unmarked options sheet. To keep things safe, Oldsmobile included anti-lock brakes, traction control, remote keyless entry, Pass Key security system, and dual airbags. For a privileged driving experience, an electronic four-speed automatic transmission, AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo system, power front seats, automatic dual-zone climate-control system, leather upholstery, walnut wood trim, tilt steering wheel with redundant audio and climate controls, and power windows/locks/mirrors are all provided.
A relatively small percentage (14.4) of surveyed owners turned to the aftermarket to improve on the basic Aurora package. The most popular upgrade was a cellular phone, followed by an alarm system, window tint, and chromed wheels. These modifications are often available through the dealer and can therefore easily be factored in to the financing of the car.
One of the most attractive features of the Aurora is its Northstar-derived 4.0-liter/250-horsepower V-8 engine. Based on the Premium V family of General Motors' engines, the all-aluminum eight-cylinder shares the 100,000-mile tuneup interval and limp-home abilities of its Cadillac brethren. The power delivery is smooth, with the wide torque band providing 90 percent of its 260 pound-feet peak from 1700 all the way up to 5600 rpm. However, off-the-line acceleration isn't breakneck, and several editors expressed desire for increased midrange torque for passing maneuvers. Owner-survey respondents disagreed, with 97.3 percent rating acceleration above average, and only five percent wanting more power. At 8.2 seconds from zero to 60 mph, the Aurora compares favorably against many similarly priced imports, but the BMW 328i, Infiniti I30, Mazda Millenia S, and Mercedes-Benz C280 can still pull away from it.
Its distinct styling helps set the Aurora apart from its competitors, with its sharp nose spreading out to a steeply raked windshield, Coke-bottle-shape squeeze along the sides, and unique 16x7.0-inch six-spoke wheels. An overwhelming 90.8 percent of our survey respondents cited the Aurora's appearance as strongly influencing their purchase decision. Some owners stated they liked the Aurora's sleek surface without Oldsmobile badges; they received numerous inquiries about the car's identity. While these owners may have enjoyed the extra attention, we're not so sure that Oldsmobile's badge omission positively affected the perceived quality of the entire line. The Aurora dwarfs its import competition so much in length and wheelbase that it's rated a midsize rather than a compact by the EPA. That positions it alongside the likes of the Infiniti I30 and Lexus ES 300.


Abundant interior space offers comfortable quarters for five adults, provided the rear center passenger is of average or lesser stature. Up front, the driver is seated in a cockpit with the climate and stereo controls angled to within easy reach. Dual zones on the automatic climate-control system allow warm- and cold-blooded types to ride together in comfort. All the switchgear is intuitive and fluid-moving. A travel computer lurks behind a dash-mounted door, above the climate controls, allowing the driver to check on the current mileage, miles to destination, and outside temperature. The power front seats (driver-side with memory) are satisfying for long trips, as cited numerously in the logbook. Owners agreed, with 95.9 percent rating overall comfort above average. The integrated redundant audio and climate controls on the tilt steering wheel allow safe adjustment while driving; we particularly appreciated being able to scan radio channels during our arduous commutes.
From behind the wheel, the Aurora has a more isolated driving feel than you'll find in a BMW or Mercedes. The Magnasteer system uses hydraulics, electronics, and magnetics to provide speed-variable steering assistance, resulting in a seamless transition from minimal low-speed effort to tauter, heavier input at higher speeds. However, the steering lacks precision and transmits feedback through the column when the car is driven over rough surfaces. The Aurora's turning circle of 41 feet is five feet wider than its typical compact midluxury competition as a result of the long 113.8-inch wheelbase.
On the road, the softly sprung Aurora handles like a luxury liner, using the self-leveling suspension and upgraded tires to hold the road admirably. Over uneven surfaces, the suspension struggles to isolate the passengers from road harshness. Objective test data show the Aurora to be middle-of-the-pack: 0.81 g on the skidpad, 63.6 mph through the slalom, and 122 feet braking 60-0 mph. Its European and Japanese competitors earn similar marks, with few exceptions. As with other categories, the surveyed owners rated handling highly (97.6 percent above average) and they went so far as to make it their second most liked attribute (first being style).
The service history on our Aurora reads like a daily diary of a Wal-Mart greeter-uneventful, just the way we like it. Only a few incidents caused ripples in its otherwise placid service record; Just prior to its first oil change, the dash lights went dark due to a faulty fuse. Months later, the fuel-filler door was reluctant to open until an actuator was replaced under warranty. It took several inconvenient strandings to teach us that the fuel gauge was deceivingly optimistic. The quarter mark meant that the car was on borrowed time-a trait we've observed in other Auroras. Aside from these minor incidents, the Aurora has received only scheduled servicing at the local Oldsmobile dealer, with tire rotation and balance, wheel alignment, and transmission work contributing to the lion's share of the total $615.12 maintenance cost.
Olds was targeting 40-something professionals with the Aurora, but our randomly selected survey respondents are older, with over 40 percent having already seen their 60th birthday. (Only 22 percent were in their 40s.) The majority of surveyed owners expressed an overwhelming passion for the Aurora, despite that a full 29 percent claimed to have experienced "significant" problems, mechanical or otherwise. One excited owner wrote, "The only problem is my wife doesn't let me drive it enough." Numerous others shared similar sentiments, touting the Aurora as the best car they've owned. A gentleman from Illinois summed it up when he wrote, "It shows that a U.S. manufacturer, if it puts its mind and heart into the job, can compete very well in providing world-class transportation." This was just the message Oldsmobile wanted to convey, and after 12 months of trouble-free service and 27,325 miles, we can report that message came through loud and clear.


PERFORMANCE/CREATURE COMFORTS AS RATED BY OWNERS
Excellent Good Average Fair Poor
Performance rating 78.3% 18.7% 2.2% 0.7% 0.0%
Fun to drive 79.0 16.6 2.7 1.5 0.2
Acceleration 74.3 23.0 1.7 1.0 0.0
Braking 77.3 21.4 1.0 0.2 0.0
Handling 76.4 21.2 2.5 0.0 0.0
Overall comfort 72.7 23.2 3.4 0.5 0.2
Passenger,
rear-seat comfort 56.3 35.4 6.9 1.4 0.0
Overall quality 64.8 28.6 3.9 1.0 1.7

DEALER PRACTICES AS RATED BY OWNERS
Excellent Good Average Fair Poor
Sales practices 58.2% 32.7% 6.9% 1.5% 0.7%
Service practices 63.5 27.8 4.9 2.6 1.3

PRICE
Base price $31,370
Price as tested $32,390
Kelley Blue Book current value,
wholesale/retail $23,400/$27,820
Total operating cost $2364.84
Operating cost/mile 8.7¢
Total ownership cost* $11,354.84
Ownership cost/mile* 41.6¢


GENERAL/POWERTRAIN
Body style 4-door, 5-passenger
Vehicle configuration Front engine, front drive
Airbag Dual
Engine configuration V-8, DOHC,
4 valves/cylinder
Engine displacement, ci/cc 244/3995
Horsepower, hp @ rpm, SAE net 250 @ 5600
Torque, lb-ft @ rpm, SAE net 260 @ 4400
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Axle ratio 3.71:1

CHASSIS
Suspension, f/r MacPherson struts/
semi-trailing arm w/lateral links, coil springs
Steering Rack and pinion,
magnetic speed-variable assist
Brakes, f/r Vented discs/discs, ABS
Wheels 16 x 7.0, cast aluminum
Tires Michelin MXV4, 235/60VR16

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase, in./mm 113.8/2891
Length, in./mm 205.4/5217
Height, in./mm 55.4/1407
Ground clearance, in./mm 5.6/142
Curb weight, lb 3967
Weight distribution, f/r, % 55/45
Fuel capacity, gal 20.0
Fuel economy,
EPA, city/hwy., mpg 17/24

PERFORMANCE
Acceleration, 0-60 mph, sec 8.2
Quarter mile, sec/mph 16.3/87.1
Braking, 60-0 mph, ft 122
Lateral acceleration, g 0.81
Slalom, mph 63.6

MAINTENANCE
Total mileage 27,796
Test mileage 27,325
Fuel consumed, gal. 1458.1
Fuel cost $1749.72
Average mpg 18.7
Additional oil cost None
Total maintenance $615.12
Problem areas Fuel gauge


Total Ownership CostWith the assistance of the "Kelley Blue Book," the noted industry standard for used-car pricing, MT now will be presenting ownership costs on our long-term vehicles. Listed under the "Price" heading in our specifications chart, the total ownership cost and ownership cost per mile are calculated based on the vehicle's wholesale value in California. The following illustrates how our Aurora's total cost was figured.
MSRP $32,390.00
Current
wholesale value - $23,400.00
Depreciation $8990.00
Total operating cost + $2364.84
Total ownership cost $11,354.84

OWNERS’ PURCHASE
CONSIDERATIONS
What influenced you to consider an Aurora?
Looks/style 90.8%
American made 78.2
Comfort features 57.2
Performance 53.0
Safety features 50.8
Handling 47.8
I would buy another Oldsmobile vehicle
83.5%
I would recommend the Aurora to others 92.4

OWNER'S AFTERMARKET
MODIFICATIONS
I made aftermarket modifications 14.4%
Type of modification:
Cellular phone 19.6%
Alarm system 14.3
Window tint 8.9
Chromed wheels 5.4

OWNERS’ VITAL STATISTICS
Surveyed group, percentage M/F 55.5/44.5
Primary age group/average age 65+/56.2
Average purchase price $32,612
Average total mileage 12,169
Average fuel economy, mpg 20.3
Percentage buy/lease 90.8/9.2
Vehicles per household (majority) 2 (42.4%)
MT Thumbs UpFeature-laden valueEasy-to-use dials and switchesLow-maintenanceFour-year/50,000-mile warranty
MT Thumbs DownMidrange torque deficitEasily upset suspension



CONSUMER CHECKLIST
Yes No
Roadside assistance 3r r
Anti-lock brakes 3r r
Security system 3r r
Integrated child seats r 3r

Cupholders 4
Power outlets 4
Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles

OWNER-REPORTED
STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES
Mechanical problems
None 71.0%

Types of mechanical problems
Wind noise 2.7%
Transmission 2.5
Electrical 2.0
Oil leak 2.0
Window seals leak 2.0
Air conditioner 1.7

Specific complaints
Fuel economy 4.9%
Rear visibility 4.9
Cupholders 4.2
Trunk space 3.7
Wind noise 3.7
Comfort 3.4

Specific likes
Style 66.8%
Handling 31.8
Performance 25.1
Comfort 23.5
Power 14.6
Ride quality 10.0

What changes would you like?
Improved cupholders 8.0%
Increased rear visibility 5.3
More power 5.0
More trunk capacity 4.7
More headroom 4.4
Less wind noise 4.4

 Отправлено: 09.02.11 03:30. Заголовок: Тест 1995 Aurora в C..

Тест 1995 Aurora в Car and Driver - апрель 1995.

http://aurora40.dyndns.org/Hometown/aurora402002/articles/CandDclassic.pdf