Oldsmobile Intrigue

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Comments

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,395
    I thought it would be called the Cadavada... because it was dead. :)

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • delrickdelrick Member Posts: 105
    STG...

    Not the defogger, but sometimes on 99GL,AM reception would break up and would only clear up by engaging the brake pedal far enough to illuminate the tail lights.
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    There was a lot of reports about this problem on Impala and Regal boards.

    Not sure, if the Intrigue antena is embedded in the rear window. It is so with most of older Regal and Impala. The window develops microcracks sometimes, or came with the defect from factory. The cracks are widening when heated and are breaking contacts to parts of antena. Can make noise, when switching contact on and off.

    Dealers are replacing the window under warranty.
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    Hey all, haven't posted in a while. Was in Chi-town week before last and extremely busy last week. I haven't noticed the flicker lately, but I still plan on taking the car to a different dealer soon as it will still do it from time to time. Also, the K&N is still in the box in the trunk as I haven't had a chance to install it. It's been cold here lately and the seat heaters are wonderful.
  • one2oneone2one Member Posts: 626
    My bad :-)... didn't mean to sound so militant. LOL!
  • winter9winter9 Member Posts: 98
    Vcjumper said K&N part # is 33-2086. I assume this is for the 3.5-equipped Intrigues? What is the part # that fits the 3.8-equipped Intrigues? Thanks
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    My driver's side left amber DRL/signal light combo is again not signalling for the second time in 7 months, will have to replace the bulb again, I'll pick up a couple at the dealer this time. I guess I could have worse and more expensive problems with the car.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    It would seem GM Canada is doing a final push on the Intrigue. Full page ads in the Toronto papers almost daily advertising the many features and a cash price of C$23998. What a great deal. Also has a 0.9% lease rate for 4 years.

    The ads are very respectable and do not mention list or anything that would lead you to think it was Intrigue's last year. Wish I could buy one. I could get 0.9% for 60 months which is basically free money.
  • winter9winter9 Member Posts: 98
    Wondering if you have had a chance to install STB/brackets and if it clears PS line and hood. What year is your Intrigue?
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    I have not done it yet, still waiting on RSM to finish the custom Intrigue one. I'll call them Monday if I don't hear anything by then, it will be 3 weeks since I was there.
  • ian18ian18 Member Posts: 133
    The annual CR car issue showed up in my mail box today. I see that Oldsmobile in general did poorly in their evaluations. The Intrigue was rated worse than average for reliability, average for satisfaction and much worse than average for depreciation. The '99 and '01 Intrigues made the "used cars to avoid" list. The '98, which was on the list last year, managed to get off it this year.

    For my part, at more than 60K miles, I am very happy with the Intrigue. The steering problem is completely fixed after the lube job, brakes are great, not a single rattle (ever), very nice interior, and good low end power from the 3.8. I wish that GM had something else similar to offer, as I am still looking looking for a replacement for my '93 Mazda 626 (which is also running ver well!).
  • swagledswagled Member Posts: 195
    I suppose the '98 could deserve to be on the "avoid" list. Maybe even a really discriminating analyst might lump the 1998-2000 models all together. (I think that's extreme, but it would at least fit together logically.) But why only 99 and 01?

    Just makes me more suspicious of their data gathering!
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    While one might not agree with the CR findings based on their own personal experience or anecdotal evidence, CR does draw on a fairly large population. I've read their ratings are based on responses from over 300,000 owners so just that should lend some credibility.

    OTOH, it is clearly not a random sample from the overall population. People with complaints are more like to respond than satisfied owners. Assuming that applies to Toyota owners as well as Intrigue owners, the trends are still valid.

    I guess I should be happy I own a 2000;-)
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Does that mean my 99 will only be worth 4 bucks instead of 5 in a few years the 00's are worth or $8 for a Sonata?
  • tandertander Member Posts: 21
    I went to the Cleveland Auto show last night courtesy of those fine folks at Oldsmobile who graciously afforded me free passes. It was heartbreaking to see the sign by the Final 500 Intrigue that production will stop in June. Ive still love my 99 GL 3.5 in Crimson, best car Ive ever owned.
  • delrickdelrick Member Posts: 105
    going to be cult cars.

    Don't know what the total production run was, but these cars are unique.

    Having owned dozens of different makes and models over the years, nothing has been as satisfying on so many levels as the Intrigue.

    That includes the diminsion of cost, so don't come in here with your Bimmer crap.

    And nothing out of Japan other than Lexus or Infiniti can match up to Intrigue panache either....
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Just proves how inconsistent CR is with their data, testing and reporting. They recommended the car in 1998 and then again in 2001 when "reliability" moved back to "average". In 1999/2000 they said they liked the car but thought reliability and crash tests were not as good as they could be. Now the 2002 book doesn't recommend due to reliability and depreciation.

    The 2002 models will likely be the best (as with any car that's been in production for a few years) and 98 that they "recommended" is definitely the worst. What a joke.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Well, believe it or not, I've had my Intrigue for 2 years now. For anyone shopping, move fast as production dies in 3 months. I still recommend the car to people as a long term buy and hold. The deals are great (0.9% for 60 months I think) and the 5-year power train warranty is a nice bonus.

    So far I have about 45000 kms on the car. My only major issue was the erratic temperature gauge which was finally fixed after three trips to the dealer. I do have a slight headlight dimming problem in very cold temperatures which I will be closely watching this last year of my warranty. Otherwise, this has been the most trouble free car I've owned. It is our family's main hauler and it's nice to know I can rely on it.

    It's sad to see the car die this year but I'll still be enjoying this car for many years to come. I never regret my purchase and that speaks volumes after 2 years.
  • swagledswagled Member Posts: 195
    must be something like governmental data on inflation and unemployment. It's massaged and adjusted for "descrepancies", and they go back and "correct" previously reported numbers.
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    I've owned several that made the list and they turned out to be pretty good cars. I've never trusted CR reviews anyway. When I buy a car, I use my senses. If I like the way the car drives and if it seems financially responsible, I buy it. To heck with what CR(or C&D, MT, etc) say. BTW, just why does CR consider the Intrigue a "used car to avoid" ??
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    Anyone know total production numbers for 2001 models? Better yet, anyone break it down my trim level(GX,GL,GLS)?
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Well I was side by side at ~45mph with a 330 today on the highway and both our lanes open up. He had seen me gun it a minute or so previous, and had come up on me pretty fast. We both gunned it and he walked away from me so fast it wasn't even funny, I had to concentrate to see the model number since all threes pretty much look the same. My excuse is he was probably driving stick and had it ready to pounce at the right rpm range(or had mods), and I had a full tank of gas. Not that he wouldn't have walked me anyways, it was just embarassingly bad!
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Maybach interior

    Maybach 1


    Maybach 2

  • rjs200240rjs200240 Member Posts: 1,277
    For Calendar Year 2001, the Kansas plant produced 38,504 Intrigue's (Kansas is the only Intrigue production plant, in case this sentence isn't clear). For comparison there were 19,420 Aurora's produced, 119,752 Alero's, 131,105 Grand Prix's, 49,510 Regal's, 141,200 Century's, and 200,761 Impala's. There were even 65,293 Monte Carlo's made.

    To show what qualifies as small production, there were 17,147 Lumina's (not Impala's) made, and 8,171 Eldorado's. In fact, there were over 57,000 Camaro/Firebirds made and they're getting yanked for low production.

    CY 2001 production includes some 2001 and some 2002 models. I haven't found numbers for the model years instead of calender years. However, examining the CY production is certainly a reasonable indicator of model year production, especially for comparisons between models.
  • winter9winter9 Member Posts: 98
    There is no question that a big advantage goes to the one who initiates the race. He has the right gear and the momentum. Had you had the 3.5 in the "turbo boost" range, you may have at least had a little more time read the model number on his rear ;-)
  • winter9winter9 Member Posts: 98
    Thanks for the interesting data. Where did you get this from? Do you work for GM? Any idea what the 1998-2000 production numbers were for the Intrigue? How about number of 3.8-equipped models vs. 3.5-equipped? I bet there are a disproportionately large number of 3.8-equipped models out there for only being in production for a year and a half (I believe 98 and 99 production numbers are significantly higher than later years). For a model nearing the end of production, it would be nice to know what's out there.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    At 45 mph the intrigue is not in its power range.
    At 35 mph it is and at 55 mph it is.
    A 45 mph kickdown in my intrigue meant that it was going into second gear not first.
    By the way, i got creamed several months ago by a 330i in my impala.
  • rjs200240rjs200240 Member Posts: 1,277
    The production numbers can be found at media.gm.com and then under "About GM" click on "GM Facilities". You have to know where the car is made, but that can be found under "Vehicle Media Sites" and then going to the respective brand and model. I'm not sure where you could find production numbers for previous years. www.autosite.com has some production numbers, but I believe they are only for the previous year as well.

    I'm sure you could take comfort that you all smoked the 330 in out-the-door price, as well as back-seat accommodations. I can't believe the dang 330 can cost over $40K. For that much money with a puny back seat, it better be fast (although it isn't really all that fast, especially with an auto).
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I have access at work. As I recall, Intrigue was in the 90K range the 1st two model years, fell off to about 60-70K in 2000 and pretty drastically after that. The CY2001 figure was span be slightly biased towards the 2001 model year but not by much. I expect the 2002 model year will be the lowest of the 5 by a bunch. Nobody wants an orphan, no matter how good a car it is.

    Re: the BMW 330. Motor Trend got 6 sec 0-60 and mid 14 sec 1/4 miles so it's going to smoke the Intrigue in any contest. For 95% of the driving most of us do, so what?
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    I would never buy one, too many around driven by "Yuppies" with big jewellry.

    The Infiniti G35 is just as fast, roomier, a lot cheaper than a 330 or CTS(same as TL-S in Canada), RWD, and hopefully will not be as common.
  • garnesgarnes Member Posts: 950
    Just had to chime in on the CR stuff. Sorry if somebody has already made these points, but one thing that never seems to get mentioned is the human factor and emotion when people fill out stuff for CR.

    Many imports cost considerably more than a domestic when comparing size, performance and features. Not only does this fact not seem to be factored (come on - how much does a loaded Camry V6 cost?? - pushing 30k maybe), but it's foolish to assume that some people that just put down the extra money for the import aren't going to be a little blinded to a flaw or two.

    This is all theory, but human nature is to guard that ego. Simply put, I think it would take a lot more problems with a new Lexus over a Chevy for an owner to admit the car was not so good.

    Now some could argue the exact opposite - that the more money paid - the higher expectation and greater criticism.

    But I still think a car purchase is a greatly personalized event/investment(certainly to those that fill out the forms)and their reporting will tend to favor their ego.

    It's also interesting that CR couldn't get 100 responses for the Grand Am even though they are everywhere.

    Hope this doesn't enrage anybody. I just think you need to consider the subjective factors of these surveys, and a lot of imports are considerably more expensive.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    1998 83725
    1999 93915
    2000 80511
    2001 39495
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I saw a guy on Hot Rod TV that put a Aurora V8 into his roadster. I guess someone will do the same with this 3.5.
  • one2oneone2one Member Posts: 626
    Mmmmm, I don't know about buying a 3.5 engine from a 2001 that was in a wreck. Then again, I'm sure someone got my 3800 since the car was totalled and hit in the back. But since right now it only cost $1 it might be worth checking out! :-)
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    It is the engine and the transmission. I wonder if it has the 3.29 gear?
    I guess i could put it in my impala.
    Now that would be interesting.
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    Read the seller's feedback on that shortstar auction. He sold another engine to someone that was supposed to be "complete" but it ended up being stripped. I seriously doubt it comes with the tranny, wiring, or the computer. Anyone interested in the engine should probably go take a look at it before bidding. Still, at $1 it is hard to pass up.
  • swagledswagled Member Posts: 195
    The 3.5 is so specifically computerized to work with only the 3.05 and 3.29 transmissions, I think it would be a very tough swap. It's not like dropping a Chevy 350 into something.

    But if it could be dropped into a Ford Festiva, I wonder if it could beat the SHOgun? :=)
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    Looks like the numbers really dropped off for 2001, not bad for previous years though. I knew they had to be fairly high as I do see quite a few Intrigues. 80 to 90K annually is not that bad really, thats similar to the number of Maximas, V6 Camrys and V6 Accords sold each year. Any idea where one could find a break down by trim line(GX,GL, GLS)?
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    Come on guys, I like my Intrigue but I'm not going to try and outrun a Bimmer(except maybe a 318 or 323 or older model) unless it's being driven by daddy's little girl:) Now if I had a Cadillac CTS with the stick or a Northstar Caddy it might be a different story. Stick to dusting off Accords, Camrys and 300Ms with the Olds.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Test drove one today. Very nice handling and ride, decent power though for $45K CAD (50K with options), I expect more power (I know Audi/BMW don't offer more at that price but they don't have anything to prove in this segment). After spending some time really checking it out, I was not that impressed with interior finish either. It looks nicer in the brochure under dim light :-).

    It will be interesting to see how it sells compared to the G35 which is $39K CAD and $42K CAD nicely equipped, but has more power. No stick in the first year though.

    Both cars have very questionable resale value issues. Sheesh I can get a 2-3 year old STS for $33K CAD with a good chunk of warranty left.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Anyone "paced" one on the highway??
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Their 0-60 times are almost identical to the intrigue's. They have more hp but the transmissions are notoriously inefficient.
    I beat many intrepids with my intrigue but i have never raced an R/T.I was just in the R/T thread and there have been only 99 posts since June.
    We can do that in a week.
    I think the R/T has been killed off by Chrysler because the price was so close to the 300M.
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    Never saw GM numbers with break down by trim lines. Models only.

    However, there is some undirect info. Buick Regal and Century, essentially, are just different trims of the same car. Did not check the numbers lately, but Century used to consistently oversell Regal by 2:1 or more.

    Also, I see a lot more Regals LS than GS on streets. The same with Pontac Gran Prix: much more SE than GT, and very few GTP. The same with Impala...

    All of this demonstrates, that American buyers are rather sentitive to car price. Hardly it is different with Intrigue. Even more, that even the very basic GX still have the same wonderful DOHV 3.5l engine, not a pushrod 3.1l...
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    With the car not selling well and a lot of it having to be sold to rental companies, I imagine the GX must be atleast 60% of sales, but I guess that info will be tough to find.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Didn't see the price of the CTS I drove but the only option on it was automatic so it must have listed around C$41-42K . I thought the power was good, but not much better than the Intrigue. Handling was clearly the best part of the CTS though, SUPERB!
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    The one I was looking at was the sport model, which I guess explains the price difference.
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    330i base MSRP is $33,990 (US). 330 and 530 both just topped the latest JD Powers Survey list for their segments. Sorry, couldn't resist. I still really like my Intrigue, though :-)
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    If I bought a CTS I would get a base 5-speed. Lots of fun to drive and I'm sure it would have enough luxury for me. Unfortunately it won't happen for at least a few years.
  • jjpowell2jjpowell2 Member Posts: 91
    Well, well....Seems like the 7th alternator or the new ignition switch did the trick! We've driven the car at night several times and only pick up a hint of a dim when the pump kicks in....Hopefully we won't have to deal with this anymore and can just enjoy our car. Took a trip to Vegas from AZ and with a combination of 70 mph freeway and alot of stop & go our fuel went 26 MPG. What a joy to drive!
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