Although the sales performance of General Motors' GM-10 cars - the
Oldsmobile Cut-lass Supreme,
Pontiac Grand Prix and
Buick Re-gal - hasn't been the success the company may have hoped for, these midsize front-drive sedans and coupes do represent an attractive blend of roominess, comfort, performance and value.
Thanks to Oldsmobile's value pricing programs, this has been particularly true of the Cutlass Supreme - and it's truer still with the Supreme's updates for 1995.
When we mention the Supreme, Grand Prix and Regal in the same breath, we do not mean to suggest that they're identical cars with different emblems. Although the basic unibody structure and layout are the same, each car has its own exterior, its own suspension package and its own character.
Consistent with Pontiac's overall marketing strategy, the Grand Prix is the sportiest of the bunch. The Regal emphasizes traditional comfort and the Cutlass Supreme takes an international approach. The latter's ride and handling qualities are comparable with the Grand Prix's, but its exterior styling is more subdued.
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 is also several inches longer than the Honda Accord, the all new Chrysler Cirrus and the Toyota Camry, and several inches shorter than the redesigned Chevrolet 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 do not 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 greatest in this body style.
