The interior of the Aurora clearly indicates it is designed to be a driver's car, almost to the point of alienating the passenger.
The separate driver and passenger climate controls are a plus, however. Warm or cool air is distributed through large vents in the dash and door panels.
Instruments are large and few in number so they are easy to read at a glance. To supplement the four key gauges, the Aurora's instrument panel has 16 telltale lamps that require the driver's attention only when necessary. The information system, angled toward the driver, is quite discreet.
The interior clearly indicates this a luxury car, outfitted in leather and accented in burl walnut. Surfaces are soft and lines flowing. Fit-and-finish is good, and the quality of materials is high.
The Aurora is equipped with numerous luxury amenities. The steering wheel features touch controls for the climate control and audio systems. An extra power receptacle is located in the front ashtray, and four cupholders are disbursed throughout the vehicle. Also, door-mounted switches are illuminated for use in the dark.
The Aurora accommodates four passengers in comfort. The seats are firm and highly adjustable to varying body styles. The center-rear position, which has a lap belt, can seat the occasional fifth passenger. The Aurora is outfitted with dual airbags in front and 3-point belts for outboard seating positions.
Due to the sweeping exterior lines, the rake of the rear window is steep - so much so that it distorts the vehicles reflected in the rearview mirror. We found it annoying to look into the mirror and see vehicles that all looked like vintage Saabs, with squashed notes and horizontally elongated headlights. Otherwise, the inside rearview mirror dims, and the outside mirrors are heated.
For the size of this car, its trunk is small. However, the rear seat features a pass-through compartment for added cargo-carrying capacity.
The interior is extremely quiet. Oldsmobile engineers did a number of things to make it that way, including special attention to side-glass seals and the location of the climate control equipment. The latter is now inside the car, instead of under the hood, to avoid large openings into the dash.
The Aurora is the first automotive application of the Bose Acoustimass speaker technology. Similar to the Bose AM-5 speaker system for homes, the Bose Acoustimass launches sound into the cabin with a mass of air rather than a vibrating surface such as a speaker cone. The advantage is a purer and increased sound, using just a modest amount of electrical power.
The Aurora is more akin to the Cadillac Seville than to any Oldsmobile in terms of ride and drive. The base powerplant, a 250-hp 32-valve V8, is derived from the Cadillac Northstar engine, though it's a 4.0-liter, unlike the 4.6-liter Northstar.
The Aurora V8 delivers smooth power and makes expensive and sporty noises. The powerplant isn't loud or obtrusive, but under full throttle, as the tachometer needle swings upward, the engine note goes from a throaty V8 sound to a rushing, mechanized scream at the redline. In doing so, acceleration is respectable, but not what you would call brisk.
Despite the 250 horses, the Aurora's considerable bulk reigns in the power, resulting in less-than-stunning acceleration. That's not to say the Aurora is slow; it isn't, and there is always power on tap for quick passing on narrow 2-lane roads.
For us, the Aurora's ride was firm and well-controlled, with a decidedly European feel. This was accomplished, in part, because of a very rigid body structure.
The body didn't wallow atop the suspension, but there were times when the suspension felt a step behind the body, as though it didn't react as quickly as it should have and was scrambling to make it up.
In the same vein, the steering reacted with the same sluggishness. The Aurora's magnetic-speed variable-assist steering uses an electronic controller to sense vehicle speed and generate the electrical current that's most appropriate for that speed.
The system works, providing greater assist at low speeds and greater effort during freeway driving, but to us it felt unnaturally heavy at times, such as when cornering at moderate speeds.
In terms of safety, the Aurora is strong with anti-lock brakes and traction control as standard equipment.