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Walkaround
All the GM-10 cars fall into the upper range of the broad and ill-defined midsize class, and their general dimensions are essentially the same. However, the Cutlass Supreme is the only member of the GM-10 family that's available as a convertible.To put a finer point on dimensional definition, the Cutlass Supreme sedan is a little bigger than the Mercury Sable, one of its key competitors. It's also several inches longer than the Honda Accord, the new Chrysler Cirrus and the Toyota Camry, and several inches shorter than the redesigned Chevy Lumina. As a result of Oldsmobile's efforts to simplify pricing, the Cutlass Supreme coupes and sedans will all be SL models, with two trim levels: Series I (base) and Series II. Prices start at $17,995 for the Series I coupe and sedan; $18,995 for the better-equipped Series II cars. The series designations don't apply to the Cutlass Supreme convertible, which starts at $24,895. The standard engine in all three body styles is GM's 3.1-liter 3100 V6, which was extensively redesigned last year. The standard transmission is one of GM's latest computer-controlled 4-speed automatics. All Cutlass Supremes are essentially package deals - there aren't many free-standing options - which makes shopping easier. The short list of add-ons includes two audio system upgrades, steering-wheel touch switches for radio and climate controls (Series II models only), an engine block heater and a much more powerful 3.4-liter V6 engine. Our test car was a Series II Cutlass Supreme coupe, powered by the 3.4-liter V6, which added $1223 to the bottom line. All the GM-10 cars made their market debut in 1988 as coupes, and we think the Cutlass Supreme looks best in this body style.
Interior Features
Although the Cutlass Supreme and its cousins are only two years from a complete redesign, GM made a pretty big investment in this car's interior for 1995 - and it shows to good effect.The greatest improvement is the long-overdue addition of a passenger airbag to the Cutlass Supreme's inventory of passive safety features. Adding that second airbag has allowed Oldsmobile to replace the Cutlass Supreme's passive seat belt setup. This marginal system was designed to meet federal passive safety regulations without the added expense of airbags. The old system had its outboard anchors in the doors, rather than the central roof pillar, which limited effectiveness. The new system fastens conventional three-point belts with adjustable upper anchors up front and is a much better arrangement. Better also applies to the new instrument panel. The major instruments, which are analog dials, are grouped under a curved cowling that creates more of a command-center impression than the old panel. It's much more attractive and also a little easier to take in at a glance. We do wish the climate controls had been redesigned along with the rest of the layout. The small buttons and sliders are difficult to adjust when the car is moving. Another Cutlass Supreme strong suit is interior roominess. This is a particularly appealing trait in a moderately sporty coupe because rear-seat roominess is usually conspicuous by its absence in vehicles of this type. Then there's the issue of standard equipment - what you get for your basic-model money. In a Cutlass Supreme, basic is far from basic. Series I coupes and sedans include anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, power mirrors/locks/windows, an AM/FM/cassette sound system, cruise control, tilt steering, full carpeting, map pockets and 16-in. alloy wheels. Roominess and luxury features equate pretty closely with comfort in any car, and the Cutlass Supreme measures up very well on this index.
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