Oldsmobile Series 98 Twelfth Generation 1991–1996
| Twelfth generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1991–1996 |
| Assembly | United States: Lake Orion, Michigan (Orion Assembly) |
| Designer | Chuck Jordan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | GM C platform |
| Related |
|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in (2,814 mm) |
| Length | 205.7 in (5,225 mm) 1991–93 Touring: 205.8 in (5,227 mm) |
| Width | 74.6 in (1,895 mm) |
| Height | 54.8 in (1,392 mm) |
The final generation of the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight coincided with its 50th anniversary in 1991.
The added length, rear fender skirts, wide tail, low nose, and split-grille with wraparound headlights gave this generation Ninety-Eight a more distinctive appearance than its predecessor.
Although wheelbase was unchanged from the previous generation, overall length increased by over 9 inches (229 mm). Most of this extra space was added to the rear of the car, resulting in a larger trunk.
The final generation Ninety-Eight was available in two main trim levels: the traditional luxury-oriented Regency models and the performance-oriented Touring models. Engine choices included normally aspirated (all years) and supercharged (1992-1995) versions of the 3.8 L V6.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Ninety-Eight, Oldsmobile offered a "50th Anniversary" package in 1991. This limited edition model was available only in black or white and featured cloisonné front fender anniversary emblems, gold nameplate badging, gold striping, and unique gold accent alloy wheels. The interior was trimmed in burl walnut with gold accents.
In 1992, a new supercharged V6 engine became available on the Touring edition. Also that year, a new entry Regency trim model was added. On upper level Regency Elite models, a PGA edition package was offered which included gold PGA emblems, gold nameplate badging, gold striping, and unique gold accent alloy wheels.
In 1993, a new value priced Special Edition model was added to the lineup and Ninety-Eight received an improved 3.8 L V6 engine offering better performance and fuel efficiency.
In 1994, the Touring edition was discontinued but many of the features of that model became standard or available on Regency Elite including the supercharged engine. Additionally, the Ninety-Eight added standard front passenger-side airbag plus new instrument panel, steering wheel, and door panel designs. The exterior received a new cross-hatch grille as well as redesigned head- and side-marker lamps.
In 1995, Oldsmobile further simplified the Ninety-Eight lineup by offering just two levels of Regency Elite (Series I and Series II). Each was offered with a high level of standard equipment and only a short list of extra cost options. Also that year, the standard 3.8 L V6 engine was again reengineered to improve performance and fuel efficiency.
Changes were minimal to the Ninety-Eight for 1996, its final year. The most notable was the removal of the supercharged engine from the option list. That engine, however, remained available on Oldsmobile's performance LSS model.
Engines:
- 1991–1996 3.8 L (231 in³) V6
- 1992–1995 3.8 L (231 in³) supercharged V6
Trim levels:
- Touring - 1991–1993
- Regency Elite - 1991–1994
- Regency - 1992–1994
- Regency Special Edition - 1993–1994
- Regency Elite Series I - 1995–1996
- Regency Elite Series II - 1995–1996
Discontinuation
The Ninety-Eight was discontinued in 1996, ending production on May 31, 1996. To fill the void, a new Eighty-Eight relative – the Regency – was introduced, joining the sportier LSS model introduced a year earlier. The LSS featured steel front fenders, while the more stately and traditional Regency had the carryover GTX-composite fenders from the 1996 Ninety-Eight. The LSS model proved more popular to buyers than the Regency during the 1997-1998 model years.