OLDSMOBILE

The Oldsmobile Division of General Motors, oldest existing marque in the automotive industry, has been marked for extension following model-year 2004. Until that date, however, the brand will continue to produce vehicles bearing the Oldsmobile badge with updated features. And for the final 500 vehicles off the assembly line for each Oldsmobile model, special editions will be made with unique ornaments, colors and graphics for collectors. This process began before the outset of the 2004 model-year with the final 500 units of Oldsmobile's mid-size Intrigue sedan commencing in June of 2002. Oldsmobile also discards the V6 version of the Aurora sedan, leaving the V8-powered Aurora as flagship of the Oldsmobile fleet for 2004, its final year. Three other Oldsmobiles -- compact-class Alero in sedan and coupe variations, the Bravada sport-utility wagon and a Silhouette minivan -- extend for two more years and each gains gear. A new palette of paint colors applies to all, with options for XM satellite radio service slated for Alero, a DVD-based entertainment kit available for Bravada and Silhouette adding a traction controller as standard equipment on the two-wheel-drive (2WD) version.

ALERO: Alero, smallest car from Oldsmobile, conforms as either a two-door coupe or four-door sedan in the compact class with four trim grades supporting either four-cylinder or V6 engine. The EcoTec 2.2-liter four-pack engine, which appeared in 2002, musters a hardy 140 hp and drops into Alero's base GX and GL1 models with a four-speed automatic transaxle or a manual five-speed. The General's workhorse 3.4-liter V6, primed to 170 hp, becomes a low-cost option for Alero GL1, although it's standard for GL2 and deluxe GLS with the four-speed automatic. Alero's 2004 models gain the option of XM satellite radio service.

AURORA: Flagship sedan from Oldsmobile feels tight and precise like sophisticated European touring sedans. Inside, a single layout works with five-person seating. Front buckets, firm and supportive like seats found on deluxe German sedans, are covered in leather and move in multiple ways to adapt to body contours. A traction control system (TCS) and vehicle stability system labeled Precision Control System (PCS) score among standard equipment. Sole issue for 2004 is the Aurora 4.0, outfitted with a 4.0-liter V8 that hits 250 hp. In the middle of 2004, Oldsmobile will cast Aurora V8 Collector Edition for the final 500 Aurora vehicles. Each will carry commemorative badges on seats and wheels, plus a Collector Edition certificate of authenticity.

BRAVADA: Oldmobile's four-door SUV earned a new platform, engines and sleek sheetmetal styling in 2002. With wheelbase stretched six inches further, the 2002 version measured larger than previous iterations in an expansion that elevated Bravada to the mid-size wagon class and carved out cabin space for five plus a cargo bay with 40 cubic feet. Bravada's cabin carries two rows of leather-clad seats with two plush buckets in front of a bench for three. Front seats adjust in eight directions with power controls, while the rear seatback splits 40/60 and folds to double the cargo space of a flat-floored bay. Deluxe amenities include perforated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate controls, a deluxe audio kit, auxiliary air compressor that also feeds the rear air suspension, and OnStar telecommunications link. Power is derived from an in-line-six producing 270 hp through a four-speed automatic. For 2004, a DVD-based passenger entertainment system will be available late in the model-year. Also, a coil-spring suspension is offered on the AWD Bravada and a traction controller with locking rear axle becomes standard on the 2WD Bravada.

SILHOUETTE: The minivan from Oldsmobile provides two rear sliding passenger doors and seats for as many as seven. Entry-level GL holds twin front bucket seats, a center bench split 60/40 and a back bench with 50/50 split. Silhouette GLS gets modular captain's chairs in the second row, with deluxe leather upholstery available, as the Premiere edition adds a DVD-based video entertainment system. A 3.4-liter V6 in every Silhouette delivers 185 hp as translated through a four-speed automatic. Optional is the Versatrak all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for sure-grip traction in any weather, while TCS becomes standard on the 2WD Silhouette, along with 16-inch wheels. Olympic White and Galaxy Silver are two new exterior shades available.