Review Car

2011 Oldsmobile

2011 Oldsmobile has got a pleasing face-lift, with sleeker sheet metal and a sophisticated new look. Since its introduction over a decade ago, it has managed to haul itself up from low-rung status and begin to hold its own in the very competitive midsize SUV segment. Unfortunately, with the Oldsmobile brand heading toward retirement after this year, The 2011 Oldsmobile days are numbered. Standard features on both models include 17-inch wheels, privacy glass, leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, dual-zone climate control, a CD player, full power accessories and On Star telemetric. The feisty inline six hustles the ‘ute along with authority, bestowing it with phenomenal passing power and the ability to effortlessly mount even the steepest of inclines. On pavement, The 2011 Oldsmobile delivers a quiet, near-sedan-smooth ride. But push it hard into a corner, and its soft setup gets out of sorts quickly. Additionally, the steering offers little in the way of road feel.

Since its introduction in 1991, The 2011 Oldsmobile has undergone a couple of redesigns, one in 1996 and another in 2002. The more recent of its overhauls left The 2011 Oldsmobile with many attractive new features.

The 2011 Oldsmobile also experienced something of a growth spurt, expanding to become 10 inches longer and five inches taller than its predecessor, and offering an additional nine cubic feet of cargo volume. And, best of all, it got a new 4.2-liter inline six that increased horsepower from the previous generation’s 190 to a scathing 270. For 2011, the engine got a small boost to 275. All this makes The 2011 Oldsmobile a good choice — but not a great one. Ride quality is soft and comfortable, but handling around corners is sloppy. Some of the interior materials are noticeably low in quality. And resale values are likely to plummet following Oldsmobile’s impending demise. In a segment that boasts more universally appealing contenders like the Acura MDX, Mercury Mountaineer, Toyota 4Runner, Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC90, The 2011 Oldsmobile is no better than average.

The 2011 Oldsmobile is available in one four-door body style in both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The Oldsmobile is powered by a potent 4.2-liter inline six generating 275 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.

A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. Towing capacity is 6,200 pounds for the 2WD Oldsmobile; the AWD iteration can trailer up to 6,100 pounds. EPA mileage ratings are 16 city/22 highway on 2WD models and 15/21 on AWD models. On the options list are goodies such as a driver-seat memory system, heated front seats, an upgraded Bose stereo, XM Satellite Radio, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and polished aluminum wheels. On AWD models, you can also get a load-leveling rear air suspension that improves ride and handling characteristics when The 2011 Oldsmobile is carrying heavy loads of passengers and cargo. The 2011 2011 Oldsmobile’s interior is more welcoming than the cabins of its Chevrolet and GMC counterparts. Leather and restrained touches of wood trim add tasteful, low-key opulence to its cabin; there’s a fair amount of plastic in evidence, but it has a pleasingly textured feel. Some of the materials used are low in quality, though, particularly the switchgear. Maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded is 83 cubic feet.