Oldsmobile Achieva

Overview

The Oldsmobile Achieva was introduced in 1992 and was a front-wheel drive compact car based on the GM N platform with Pontiac Grand Am, Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Chevrolet Malibu. The Achieva replaced the Cutlass Calais during its final model year in 1991, which was also on the GM N platform. The Achieva was available as a sedan and a coupe. It also had 4 trim levels; S, SC, SL, and SCX. The SCX was a high performance version of the SC. It came equipped with the highest output naturally aspirated four cylinder engine GM has ever produced, the W41. This engine was complimented by a specially built Getrag 5-speed with a special differential that transferred torque to the wheel with the most traction. The engines available were the high output version of the 2.3 L Quad 4 (LGO), low output version of the Quad 4 2.3 L Quad 4 (LD2) and the 3.1 L V6. The Achieva was last sold to dealerships in 1997, with leftover '97 sedans being sold to rental fleets for 1998, until being replaced by the Alero in 1999.

Through the years

The Achieva was first seen as a concept car at the 1991 Chicago Auto Show that was said to replace the Calais because they both share the same front wheel drive and same wheelbase of platform. The following year, the Achieva was part of the production line of the Oldsmobile. It was offered in four different trims: S and SL that were both available in two and four-door model, and the sporty SC and SCX coupe. The S as the standard model has a 120-horsepower 2.3-liter OHC 4-cylinder. The SL on the other hand houses the engine that is made optional to the S model. 160-horsepower 3.3 L V6 engine was optional for the SL. The SC coupe has the with 5-speed manual transmission or a 3 speed automatic. An interesting feature, exclusive to the Acheiva sedan, was the presence of rear fender skirts. While still a common design element at the time, they were usually only on larger cars, not compacts. The similar Buick Skylark sedan and coupe also had rear fender skirts. After a year, the Achieva reduces its power due to the stricter emission controls. All trims were lower at automatic transmission. The next year gave the entry of the driver-side airbag as one of the standard features. The 3.3 L version was reduced to a 3.1 L V6. All 1994 models are automatic transmissions. In 1995 all Achieva trims are reduced to one: S coupe and sedan, which is divided into two groups according to equipment: Series I and Series II. Driver-side airbag, antilock brakes, and an air conditioner are standard to every version. Quad 4 with and 3.1-liter V6 with are only available engines for the 1995 model, the other two from the previews years are dropped. The 1996 models add more features including an all-new interior, standard air conditioning, daytime running lamps, and a new dash panel featuring revised gauges with passenger-side airbag. The new base engine is the 2.4 L 4-cylinder (Twin Cam) that replaces the 2.3-liter Quad 4. The final year of the Achieva came as soon as its entry. In 1997, its last production was made. The Oldsmobile Achieva was soon replaced by the Oldsmobile Alero.

Trim levels

4-Door Sedan (1992-1998):

• S - 1992-1995
• SL - 1992-1994; 1996-1998

2-Door Coupe (1992-1997):

• S - 1992-1995
• SL - 1992-1993
• SCX - 1992-1993

Engines

• 1992-1994 Quad OHC 2.3 L (140 in³) I4, and
• 1992-1995 Quad-4 2.3 L (140 in³) I4, 155-160 hp and
• 1992-1994 Quad-4 2.3 L (140 pin³) I4, 175-180 hp and
• 1992-1993 Quad-4 2.3 L (140 in³) I4, 185-190 hp and 160 ft·lbf (SCX W41)
• 1992-1999 3300 3.3 L (204 in³) V6, and
• 1994-1998 3100 3.1 L (191 in³) V6 and
• 1996-1998 LD9 2.4 L (146 in³) "Twin Cam" I4, and