2002 Oldsmobile Aurora Review
2002 Oldsmobile Aurora Review
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Used Aurora for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sophisticated powerplants, sumptuous interior, understated style.
Cons
- Front-wheel drive results in heavy handling, not as exciting to behold as the original, dead car walking.
What’s new
A navigation radio supplements the OnStar system for easy-to-follow driving directions. Three new exterior colors debut along with chrome exhaust tips.
Edmunds says
The best soon-to-be-discontinued sedan on the market.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$209/mo for Aurora 3.5
Aurora 3.5
vs
$213/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Introduced just last year as an all-new 2001 model, the Aurora was one of Oldsmobile's best chances for staying afloat. With a shapely, slimmed-down exterior and two solid powerplants available under the hood, the Aurora was one of the most well-rounded sedans to come out of GM in quite a while. Of course, by now, you probably know that the bean counters took over and permanently ended the Aurora's hopes of ever becoming a best-seller, but lucky for you it makes for a good chance to get a great deal on a solid American sedan.
One reason for the Aurora's initial popularity when it debuted seven years ago was its stout powerplant. The second-generation model continues that philosophy by giving buyers a choice of either a solid 215-horsepower V6, or an even healthier 250-hp 4.0-liter V8. Both engines route their power through a four-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth upshifts and quick downshifts.
Standard four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS provide the stopping power while a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system offers a well-connected feel for the road. Auroras equipped with the V6 get 16-inch Goodyear performance tires, while V8-equipped models get upgraded to 17-inch Michelins. A Precision Control System (read: traction and stability control) keeps V8-equipped Auroras traveling the straight and narrow during inclement weather or when it senses an imminent loss of control.
Like most sedans in its class, the Aurora features a luxurious two-tone leather interior with real walnut trim and chrome accents. Driver-oriented with a beautifully swept arc of a control panel, the cabin includes a 27-function Driver Information Center and a straightforward control layout with minimal dashboard clutter. Front- and side-impact airbags are standard for both the driver and front passenger in addition to the OnStar communications system that will alert a 24-hour response center in the event of an airbag deployment.
As Oldsmobile dealers begin to wind down their operations, you can expect to negotiate a very favorable deal on their remaining Auroras. With continued warranty and parts service through GM, buying an Oldsmobile isn't the dicey proposition it might seem to be. So if you're looking for a sleek, luxurious American sedan and would like to get a great deal in the process, drop by a remaining Olds dealer and check out the Aurora. You might find yourself driving home in a piece of American history.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora.
5 star(61%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(4%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I'm very happy with my Aurora!
Jay, 11/22/2008
2002 Oldsmobile Aurora 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I've owned my Olds for 3 years and I have to say it's the best car I've ever had! It's very comfortable to drive, especially on 3 day road trips. I get 33mpg (highway driving). Amazing what high octane fuel and K&N air filters can do for mileage and passing power! It's very safe/stable driving on highways or in the city in all whether conditions be it be rain, ice or blizzard. I can't … even tell the roads are bad it handles so well! Here in Canada we have extreme road conditions and I have no problem passing other cars/trucks (good or poor road conditions). There has been no work done to the car except regular maintenance. No breakdowns or problems. Car has 77,400 miles on it so far.
5 out of 5 stars
Fun to drive
Mac Aipperspach, 08/28/2009
2002 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 4A)
An excellent car to drive and with the interior extras very comfortable for long distance trips. The vehicle was purchased used with 43,000 miles and after 10,000 miles the only trouble so far will be to replace the original rear shocks which are rather pricey due to computer linkage. Plenty of power and for a V-8 on the open highway I can get 25 miles to the gallon.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Borealis
jdavid, 04/12/2003
2002 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 4A)
This is the highest value luxury
car on the road. It is
a thrill to drive for short utility
trips, fun cruises, & road hauls.
Comfort is terrific, especially for
such a sporty handling machine. It
tracks like a smart bomb -- even white
out, ice blizzards, at night. I've
never driven such a roadworthy machine.
It's wonderful -- & I generally cannot
tolerate GM … vehicles! (P.S. Avoid the
3.5 model; it's underpowered; only buy
the 4.0)
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great ride
JDavid, 05/04/2005
2002 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 4A)
Best driver's cockpit available. Fun ride, extraordinary comfort with sporty handling & great responsiveness. Outstanding drive train. Good build. Bottom line: I wish GM still made this car!
2002 Aurora Highlights
3.5
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $31,615 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $209/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Aurora include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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