Oldsmobile entered the luxury segment in 1995 when it introduced the Aurora, a car designed to compete with European and Japanese imports and attract their younger, more affluent buyers to the Oldsmobile fold. The long list of standard features is accompanied by a very short list of options, and the Aurora's specifications match cars of similar size from Lexus and Infiniti, but at a much lower price. In 1997, the Aurora wore an Oldsmobile nameplate for the first time. That nameplate had been conspicuously missing since the car's introduction, a decision made by Oldsmobile marketing executives aimed at giving the new car "breathing space" as it entered the fray against its European and Japanese competitors. For 1998, the Aurora receives a number of chassis enhancements to improve sound isolation and ride quality.
The 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora is available as a single trim. Standard safety equipment includes dual airbags, an anti-lock brake system (ABS), daytime running lights and traction control. Power on this luxury model comes from a 4.0-liter 250-horsepower V8 engine teamed with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard features are numerous and include automatic dual-zone climate control, leather trim, burl walnut trim, power front bucket seats, power windows and door locks, and remote keyless entry. Options include an upgraded stereo system with CD changer, a power sunroof, heated seats and chrome wheels.