Sharing its bodystyle with the Buick Sport Wagon, Pontiac Tempest Safari and Chevrolet Chevelle Greenbrier, the Vista Cruiser was introduced on February 4, 1964, as a 1964 model, based on the Oldsmobile Cutlass/F-85 Series.

[1] Prior to the 1973 model year the Vista Cruiser utilized a wheelbase which was 5 inches (127 mm) longer than that of the Cutlass/F-85 sedan.

The first-generation Vista Cruiser pioneered a standard[1] raised roof with split skylight that began over the second-row seating, with lateral glass panels over the rear cargo area that was earlier introduced in 1954 on the GMC Scenicruiser Bus.

[1] From 1965 Oldsmobile discontinued the full-sized Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 wagon, making the Vista Cruiser the division's longer model; the shorter-wheelbase F-85 station wagon became the entry-level trim package of the Vista Cruiser and was not offered the raised roof skylights.

[1] Engines in the Vista Cruiser paralleled other Olds intermediates, with a 330 cu in (5.4 L) Rocket V8 offered from 1964 to 1967 producing from 210 to 320 horsepower (160 to 240 kW) depending on year and carburetion.

Beginning in 1966 it revived the long-standing tradition offering optional simulated woodgrain using DI-NOC vinyl wrap appearance.

Additional optional items included power brakes, power steering, air conditioning, power extending radio antenna, electric clock, cruise control, wire wheel hubcaps, tissue dispenser, courtesy interior lighting, GuideMatic headlamp control, Twilight Sentinel automatic headlights, rooftop luggage carrier, floor mats, several AM/FM radio selections including an 8 track tape player, and decorative door edge guards.

[1] Standard equipment was updated to include a 350 cu in (5.7 L) Rocket V8, the three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, power brakes with front discs instead of drums, power steering, cigarette lighter, windshield-embedded radio antenna, interior hood release, fiberglass noise insulation installed on the inside of the engine hood cover, and the availability of Morocceen vinyl upholstery.

[1] The model's distinctive skylights gave way to boxy "Colonnade" styling, including the loss of the front door vent windows.

In 2016, Rod Authority named Eric's Vista Cruiser #22 on their list of the 50 greatest television automobiles.