Model year guide

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva at a glance

Owner complaints49
Combined21–24 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva common problems

Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva MPG & running costs

Combined21–24 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,967
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume88 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,833 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,835
Fuel only$14,835
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva trims & engines on record

Trims
SL
Engines
3.1L 6-cyl

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva vehicles on record

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva SL1G3NL52MXWM317652

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva — frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva?

Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine and engine cooling, engine.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva get?

The 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.