What company makes Cutlass?
The Cutlass was produced by Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors (GM).
From its introduction in the 1960s, the Cutlass nameplate became a staple of Oldsmobile’s lineup, evolving through several generations and variants until GM retired the Oldsmobile brand in 2004. Today, the Cutlass is remembered as a classic GM badge rather than a current model.
Origins of the Cutlass and its maker
The Cutlass began as a mid-size car produced by Oldsmobile, one of GM’s long-running divisions. Over the years, it expanded into multiple body styles and became one of Oldsmobile’s best-known nameplates, reflecting GM’s broader strategy of branding different models under distinct divisions.
Key points in its early history
Below are essential facts that help frame who made the Cutlass and how it developed over time.
- Manufacturer: Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors (GM).
- Launch: Introduced in 1964 as a mid-size model for Oldsmobile.
- Variants: Included notable versions such as the sporty Cutlass Supreme, the family-oriented Cutlass Ciera, and the entry-level Cutlass Calais.
- End of an era: GM retired the Oldsmobile brand in 2004; the Cutlass name lives on as part of automotive history rather than a current model.
- Legacy: The Cutlass remains a symbol of mid-20th-century American car design and GM branding strategies.
These points illustrate the Cutlass' place in GM's lineup and the broader arc of Oldsmobile's history.
Associated variants and configurations
To illustrate how the Cutlass badge evolved, here are some of the key variations that carried the name over the years.
- Cutlass (base): The standard mid-size sedan or coupe variant used across generations.
- Cutlass Supreme: A sportier, higher-performance version introduced to appeal to buyers seeking more styling and power.
- Cutlass Ciera: A more family-oriented sedan variant with practical equipment and comfort-focused options.
- Cutlass Calais: An entry-level, more modern trim offered during the late 1980s and 1990s as part of the lineup.
Together, these variants show how the Cutlass name evolved to meet different market segments while remaining under Oldsmobile's umbrella.
Legacy and current status
Despite no longer being produced, the Cutlass remains a notable chapter in GM's history. Oldsmobile was phased out in 2004, and the Cutlass badge is now appreciated by collectors and classic-car enthusiasts, serving as a reminder of a bygone era of American automotive design.
Summary
The Cutlass was a longtime Oldsmobile nameplate produced by General Motors. Oldsmobile's brand was discontinued in 2004, ending the Cutlass' run as a current model, but leaving a lasting legacy in automotive history and among collectors.
