Who builds Oldsmobile cars?
Oldsmobile cars are built by General Motors (GM).
Historically, Oldsmobile was founded in 1897 by Ransom E. Olds and became part of General Motors in 1908. The brand produced a wide range of vehicles for most of the 20th century, but GM retired Oldsmobile in 2004 as part of a broader restructuring. Since then, no new Oldsmobiles have been built, and the name lives on primarily in the memories of enthusiasts and in GM's historical portfolio.
Historical context
The following milestones outline Oldsmobile's journey as a GM brand and its eventual discontinuation.
- 1897 — Ransom E. Olds founds the Olds Motor Vehicle Company, which becomes Oldsmobile.
- 1908 — General Motors acquires Oldsmobile, making it GM's oldest operating division.
- Mid-20th century to late 20th century — Oldsmobile serves as a mainstream GM brand, producing a broad range of models across various segments.
- 2004 — GM retires the Oldsmobile brand; the last Oldsmobiles are produced in the early 2000s, with production ending in 2004.
GM did not revive the Oldsmobile brand after its discontinuation. The manufacturing network now focuses on GM’s other divisions such as Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
Current status and what this means for buyers
Today, there are no new Oldsmobile vehicles in production. The Oldsmobile brand closed in 2004, and GM has not reintroduced a standalone Oldsmobile lineup. Buyers seeking Oldsmobile options today must look to the used-car market, where surviving examples—especially iconic models like certain Cutlass and 88/98 variants—remain sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Notes for collectors
For collectors, value in Oldsmobiles often hinges on historical significance, rarity, condition, and originality. While official parts and support for new Oldsmobiles are no longer available, aftermarket parts and independent specialists can provide maintenance options for well-preserved examples.
Summary
Oldsmobile was a historic GM brand whose cars were built by General Motors’ manufacturing network. The brand was retired in 2004, and no new Oldsmobiles are produced today. Its legacy endures in the classic car community and in GM’s corporate history.
