Between 1973 and 1998, Oldsmobile released four distinct compact car models: the Omega (1973-1984), the Firenza (1982-1988), the Cutlass Calais (1983-1991), and the Achieva (1992-1998).

For over a century, Oldsmobile remained a beloved staple of the American car scene, producing

dozens of top-notch vehicles

. Incorporated into General Motors (GM) in 1908, the Oldsmobile brand remained at the forefront of cutting-edge automotive tech until its discontinuation in 2004.

During that time, Oldsmobile released four distinct compact car models that continue to be remembered today by automotive historians and car enthusiasts alike. Here’s a closer look at Oldsmobile’s most famous compact cars.

MORE:

How to save on Oldsmobile car insurance costs

Find out if you can reduce your monthly car payments in minutes

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Check your rate

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Oldsmobile compact car models

When you think of the brand Oldsmobile, your brain may conjure images of original

muscle cars

like the Rocket 88 and Tornado. But Oldsmobile didn’t just make well-loved lowriders for the classic car enthusiast—in their heyday, the Oldsmobile lineup also consisted of compacts and everyday commuters.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at the last four compact car models released by Oldsmobile over their century-long reign.

Oldsmobile Achieva (1992-1998)

Most well-remembered of Oldsmobile’s compacts is the Achieva, which debuted in 1992—replacing the smaller Cutlass Calais as the brand’s prime compact model. The model shared the same aerodynamic frame as the Buick Skylark and Pontiac Grand-Am, and its base models sported a single-cam Quad OHC engine, which was later replaced by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

During its six-year run, over 300,000 Achievas were produced. While the base S and mid-level SC trims were available as sedans, the upper-level Achieva SL and SCX were coupes built for performance—and the SCX was widely regarded as the most powerful “W-Machine” among Oldsmobile’s lineup. It would also be Oldsmobile’s last.

Originally designed with a five-speed manual transmission, later years of the Achieva saw an optional three- or four-speed automatic transaxle. In 1999, the Achieva was replaced by the

Alero

Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais (1983-1991)

Prior to the Achieva, the Cutlass Calais held the compact car slot in Oldsmobile’s lineup. The top version of the Cutlass Calais is colloquially remembered as the 442 (or Quad 442).

Truer to a compact in nature, the Cutlass Calais sported a wheelbase of just 103 inches (compared to the Achieva’s 107.2-inch wheelbase) and a total length of just 178.8 inches—eight inches shorter than its successor.

It was also Oldsmobile’s least-expensive model, making it a budget-friendly commuter. But that doesn’t mean the Cutlass Calais was boring—in 1987, the limited-edition GMO Quad 4 was released, featuring the infamous twin camshaft inline-4 engine that remained available even after the discontinuation of the limited model.

Oldsmobile Firenza (1982-1988)

Before the French-inspired Cutlass Calais, there was the Italian-esque Firenza—a less popular predecessor that was often overshadowed at the time by the brand’s high-performing muscle cars.

Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Firenza shared a platform with the Buick Skyhawk, Pontiac Sunbird, and

Chevy Cavalier

—a GM J that featured front-wheel drive.

Oldsmobile Omega (1973-1984)

As the brand’s entry-level compact car, the Oldsmobile Omega debuted in 1973 and remained a staple of the lineup for nearly a decade. Available as a two-door coupe, three-door hatchback, or four-door sedan, the Omega shared a body with the Chevrolet Nova—although its nose and tail were distinctly Oldsmobile, with a trademark split grille and squarer trunk.

In its original iterations, the Omega came equipped with a standard 4.1-liter inline-6 engine coupled to a three-speed manual transmission—although an enhanced manual transmission, as well as two separate automatic transmissions, were also available. In the Omega, drivers could even upgrade to a 5.7-liter V8 Oldsmobile engine (commonly called the “Rocket” V8) which produced greater power and promised better handling.

Throughout its ten-year run, the Omega saw two redesigns: first in 1976 and again in 1980. In 1976, it departed from its Nova roots in favor of an X-Body style and further distanced itself from the Chevy classic by adding luxurious touches like noise insulation and anti-roll bars.

In 1980, the Omega gained front-wheel drive and new engine options: Pontiac’s Iron Duke inline-4 engine, and the specially-designed 2.8-liter LE2 V6 engine.

MORE:

Are Oldsmobiles expensive to maintain?

“I used
Jerry
to switch from my old insurer to Progressive. I’m now paying half of what I used to! It’s nice to know Jerry will continue to monitor my account and alert me to new rates.” —Keilah S.

RECOMMENDED