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Oldsmobile Intrigue

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Comments

  • jg28jg28 Member Posts: 257
    We have two Oldsmobile dealerships left in the area and only one has any Intrigues and they only have two. I can't believe that dealer has so many! These places don't have any new Auroras, nor Bravadas and very few Aleros. The dealers in our area have given up on Oldsmobile.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Dealer network in Canada is much stronger as all Chev dealers are Olds dealers. Lots of Aleros, Bravadas, vans and a couple of Auroras always around locally. Local dealer sold a lot of Intrigues so the car being phased out will hurt sales. I know I would not likely buy an Impala.
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    My next car (after I sell the Intrigue) will most likely be manual transmission. Where I live I'm rarely in traffic. I'm thinking Subaru WRX (on the low $$$ end), or Infiniti G35 coupe (on the high $$$ end). Of course, I plan on keeping the Intrigue for another 4-5 years, so there's no telling what will be out then anyways.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Spent a lot of time in a friend's G35 sedan the last few days while on a trip to San Diego, was pretty nice, lots of power. Contrast that to my rental Bu, which made me feel like taking public transit. Was nice to get back into the Intrigue.
  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,580
    One feature that I really like on the Intrigue are the cornering lamps. Now that it is dark when I leave for work and when I travel home from work, they provide an extra level of safety as I negotiate corners and the like. This is just one of many nice features that the Intrigue has that is easily taken for granted. I think cornering lamps should be standard for all cars.

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • mfletouvamfletouva Member Posts: 166
    You know, that's an excellent point about the cornering lamps. I knew nothing about them until I picked the car up from the dealer. It was nightime, and for a while I thought that when I turned on my turn signal I was accidentally putting on high beams or something because the side of the car would light up. I finally realized that it was supposed to do that and really really appreciated that feature. Its smart and not advertised, but it furthers my impression that the Intrigue excels at accident avoidance.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    sda : I love those lamps also. Great feature.


    Just read this article on the new Malibu. If it all comes together it should be an impressive car.


    http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5515

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,284
    I just noticed... what are you doing over at the (gasp) Honda Accord board? You trying to cause trouble over there? ;-)

    Actually it's an interesting read over there in that there are actually some who contend they like the looks of the '03 Accord. Inexplicable. There are the usual contingent of "Honda cult" members, but also a surprising number of problems and complaints being reported on the '03. Guess Honda isn't really perfect after all.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Some Honda fanatic said something mean about my Olds so the whole thing started. It's pretty useless fighting with those guys but things have been slow at the Intrigue ranch lately (as has work).

    ;-)

    Honda's aren't perfect???????????????
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    Don't worry dindak, I'll have my Intrigue for about another 3 years. Once my wife's Envoy XL is paid off I'm getting a new car. I'm just thinking ahead (or maybe just wishful thinking).
  • badgerfanbadgerfan Member Posts: 1,565
    Check out the Camry and Taurus/Sable boards recent posts. Consumer Reports dropped 2002 Camry to just average reliability due to rattles. I am a Taurus fan, but have nothing against GM (except a bad experience in the 80's). Taurus has elevated to above average reliability. Better than Camry!
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    I looked at a Sable while I was at the auto show last weekend and I'll say, it wasn't a bad car. For about $24K is was fully loaded. And they discount them on top of that. The only things that made it look cheap were the rear mounted fixed-mast antenna and the rear drum brakes showing through the alloy wheels. Otherwise, the Sable is not a bad option in it's class. I like the looks of the Sable alot more than it's more popular corporate twin. Now, how about an SHO version the Sable. Complete with the wonderful Yamaha DOHC V6 engine, available manual, and suspension upgrades.
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    Have never been among the best looking cars on the road, but until this year I thought the Accord was better looking then the Camry. Now, it's a toss up. The Accord coupe is not bad looking(rear hints at MB coupe), but the sedan is too homely looking. So I think the Accord coupe is better looking than the Camry coupe(nee Solara), but the Camry is better looking than the Accord sedan. Having said that, the Nissan Maxima, Mazda 6, VW Passat, Saab 9-3, and the Intrigue all look better than both of them.
  • badgerfanbadgerfan Member Posts: 1,565
    Well, I don't work for Ford, and even if I did, I wouldn't be able to influence them. I'm an engineer, and likely too honest to schmooze my way to the top of a large corporation!

    However, the 3.0 Liter Duratec engine is nice. I agree, too bad they abandoned the SHO versions for the enthusiasts, but I guess the price of an SHO would probably would get SHO competing with the Lincoln LHS (or for the GM people the Caddy CTS) range pretty quickly.
  • craigculcraigcul Member Posts: 16
    For anyone who is interested in thinking about greasing their ISS themselves, I just ordered four lube kits for the intermediate steering shaft from www.GMPartsDirect.com, at $6.05 each plus shipping. It is part 26098237 steering column shaft lubrication kit.
    According to their information, “It is a one time use kit, and there are instructions, this kit is not in the catalogs, it is only shown on a service technical bulletin.”
    I assume it will be necessary to jack up the car to do the job. I will report back about results later (if the car doesn’t fall on me. If it does, my wife will have three kits for sale at a good price.)
  • mfletouvamfletouva Member Posts: 166
    I was mildly debating when I bought the Intrigue about whether I should wait for the new Malibu to come out. I figured that would be a lengthy wait, and by the time it did my Alero wouldn't be worth as much. Plus, I just love the way the Intrigue looks even compared to that new Malibu, and I'm sure I payed less for the new Intrigue than I would for a similarly-equipped Malibu, if they even have a Bose 8-speaker stereo available on it.

    That being said, the article that was linked above said that it would have an optional 3.5L V6. What engine is this...are they actually going to use our Shortstar for this platform? I thought it was dead. The new Malibu will be built in Fairfax, KS, replacing the Intrigue...Anyone know what the deal is on this engine?
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    3.5L will be an improved version of the 3.4L corporate GM engine, supposedly ~250 hp.
  • jg28jg28 Member Posts: 257
    I'm still very much convinced that the Accord still beats the Camry in the looks department. You have to go back two generations in the Camry for a decent looking car.

    I'm the new owner of a 2002 Nissan Maxima SE. $18K and 16K miles. Solid build, INCREDIBLE speed, excellent handling characteristics, in many ways a superior automobile to my Intrigue. But you know what? I still miss Lila (my Intrigue). I look at Intrigues on the road and still get a little heartsick. Sigh. I wasn't really able to get the color I wanted (black) had to settle for a white one. But at least it's a diamond white with metallic in it so it looks handsome. One of the hardest things to get used to for me is the HID headlamps. They're so incredibly bright, I feel embarassed. Like they draw attention to themselves. But I sure am getting to like them, especially cause I live in a darker rural/suburban area where we don't have a lot of street lighting. I sure miss my cornering lamps too.

    Y'all know I'll forever be in the Intrigue brotherhood, so you can bet I'll be stickin around. I even joke with people at work about getting Oldsmobile badges for this new Maxima. LOL.

    Love the looks of the new Malibu. But doesn't it make you all wonder what the next Intrigue would've looked like? Sigh. Dining on ashes I guess.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Sure have the marketing down and a sweet motor. Good luck with the new wheels jg28.
  • mfletouvamfletouva Member Posts: 166
    ...So would it be cruel for me to point out that you could have bought a new '02 Intrigue for the same price as the used '02 Maxima?
  • jg28jg28 Member Posts: 257
    Not at all, though I think the new Intrigue wouldda been closer to 19K. I almost did that but the Intrigue I test drove was way way too rattly. Love the solidity of the Maxima. I washed it today. Boy, the white color is gonna take some getting used to. Definitely not my preference.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    It's actually snowing in the Toronto area today. What a nightmare... it's just way to early for this!

    What happened to El Ninio??

    jg28 : Congrats on the new car. I would have grabbed last call on an 02 Intrigue but the Max would be my second choice. Good luck!
  • odiemuttodiemutt Member Posts: 15
    Looking for an opinion. Can buy either a 99GLS w/ 49K miles for about $8K or an 02GX w/ 29K miles for about $11K. The GLS has the 3.8L engine.

    Any thoughts on the better deal? Seems like the big diff with the GLS is the leather (no sunroof). But GX is still under warranty and 3 yrs newer (it's a GM program car), it has the driver packate (pwr seat, improved audio, traction control).

    I'll keep car till it's dead so resale not an issue.

    TIA,
    Odiemutt
  • mfletouvamfletouva Member Posts: 166
    I would say to grab the '02, especially since it has Driver Control and the '99 does NOT have the sunroof. For 3k more you are getting 20000 miles, warranty and a better engine, not to mention less wear and tear on all the key components (brakes, tires, suspension, even corrosion). Seems like a pretty easy decision to me. Of course, I'm someone who isn't crazy about leather, but if there is one thing I really don't care for, its USED leather--the wrinkles that get embedded aren't your own, etc...Mechanically, go with the '02.

    That's my two cents...
  • redline65redline65 Member Posts: 693
    Has anyone seen the commercial with the woman driving the Intrigue and the lightning takes out part of the guard rail and she is about to drive off a cliff? Then a pack of Jeeps saves the day by climbing the mountain and blocking the opening in the guard rail. I guess Jeep wanted to use a car that nobody would be able to identify. Well it didn't work Dahmer-Chrysler! We all know your little secret.
  • rjs200240rjs200240 Member Posts: 1,277
    Yeah, I noticed the car the first time I saw the commercial. That sort of annoyed me. Especially considering the Intrigue is the only car in its class that can have stability control. Even just traction control is a rarity on Chryslers.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    One also gets beaten up in the next Matrix movie.
  • mfletouvamfletouva Member Posts: 166
    The other day I was watching something with my girlfriend and that ad came on. I starting yapping to here about the Intrigue in it and she looked at me like I have two heads...hahaha...

    Glad to see I wasn't the only one. By the way, anybody would rather drive a Jeep Liberty on a road like that in bad weather over the Intrigue is an idiot. Four wheel drive or not, the rollover risk is much lower in the Intrigue, and the Intrigues PCS and Traction Control Systems neutralize any 4WD advantage the Jeep would have. Last night it was pouring down here in the DC area, it was at night and I was driving in a parking lot. Out of nowhere a Buick Roadmaster came right out behind a bunch of parked cars without stopping...I slammed on the brakes, ABS kicked in, worked beautifully, the Roadmaster started sliding but I missed him by a few feet. I tell you, for as much as I've had to use ABS, I would never by a car without it, and that Intrigue system works great (i would imagine the Roadmaster woudl have had it too, but a much earlier system). Shook my head at the guy and thanked my car!
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    I noticed the Intrigue the first time I saw that Jeep ad as well. Also, has anyone seen the ad for the GMC Yukon XL with quadrasteer where the lady parks it between the motorcycles. If you noticed, the first car to drive by and look at the space is a sterling Intrigue. Quadrasteer or not, I still think the Intrigue would be easier to park in that space than a Yukon XL.
  • focusfocus Member Posts: 225
    low trac light came on for the first time last night during toronto's first snow storm, actually it lighted up 4 times when i just started moving with green light. It sure gave me confidence knowing that some unknown force is on my side.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    I don't think that Yukon had Quadrasteer.
    They were probably showing the tighter turning radius and manueverability of AWD.
    The AWD drive versions have a noticeably tighter truning radius than the RWD versions of GM's big SUVs.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I was working hard to clear out the garage for the cars last night. Don't want them to get snowed on, they don't like scratchy snow brushes. Didn't bother cleaning the drive way though, it's suppose to melt quickly over the next day or two.
  • rjs200240rjs200240 Member Posts: 1,277
    Thought you all might be interested in this press kit about the new Global V6. They make a comparison to another "GM V6" which one could assume is the 3.5L Intrigue engine. Also, this motor uses a cartridge filter too, but it's top mounted. Don't know if it's the same size as the 3.5, but that would be convenient. If you want to see pictures, go to http://www.wieck.com and click "public" then search for "global" and "v6". They mention the output of the 3.6L, which is going in the CTS. It looks like it has a great torque curve with torque peaking at 2500 rpm and hp peaking at like 6500. Sounds like a winner.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    The new 3.5L going into the Malibu will be ohv in nature and will not be anything like the 3.5L in the Intrigue. I'm sure it will be a decent motor, but I wish the Malibu was getting a more modern ohc type engine.
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    Interestingly, I couldn't find anything about a evolved version of the 90° 3.8 OHV V6 here...
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    I went to a local auto show last Sunday and I have to say that my opinion about the Mazda 6 changed after checking a production unit out: what an improvement over the pre-production units shown in Detroit early in the year!

    The fit and finish is now up to the nice styling of the interior and its main qualities, exterior styling and interior room, could shine without blemishes from low-quality materials.

    After Olds' demise, there are very few to no mid-size domestic sedans to choose from with refined interiors. If the domestic manufacturers, Ford and GM, don't renew their product lines from inside out, from interior materials and finish to engines, they'll lose yet another customer to imports.

    I left the show with the impression that if I were in the market for a new car, the Mazda 6 would be the only candidate.

    I just hope that its 170HP and 220HP engines are as good on asphalt as on paper.
  • jg28jg28 Member Posts: 257
    He told me the transmission going completely out has completely soured his experience of his Intrigue and he's looking forward to his lease being up. His is a 2001 and his has the headlight flicker. Do you know a lot of GM dealers/Oldsmobile dealers don't even know about the passenger compartment air filter? If yours has one, make sure they are changed. I changed mine way more often than recommended and was very glad. It was sure easier to change than this new Maxima will be. You have to remove the entire glove compartment to replace the one in the Maxima but it is a little more sophisticated than the Intrigue's was. It's a carbon charged one that costs $45 to replace just for the part. So I figured I'd try to change it myself. I've already ordered the K&N filter for it (boy it's sure nice to change, it just pops right out, way easier than the Intrigue's was). And I've ordered body colored splash guards for about $100. Was definitely planning on getting the red taillights but the clear ones are growing on me. Left the car with my sister this weekend while I went to Seattle for the Broncos game and she confessed she drove it a lot. LOL. I'm amazed at all the comments that have come out of my friends and relatives about the Maxima being a much better fit for me over the geriatric Intrigue that others have called a grandpa car. But I just don't see it. I do usually see older people in all Oldsmobiles but Aleros though. Of course, I've seen quite a few old people in Maximas too. LOL.
  • rjs200240rjs200240 Member Posts: 1,277
    Ha! Yeah, I guess the 3800 doesn't count as "advanced technology". But they seem to be sticking with it. The 2004 Grand Prix has been officially announced, and it has a 3800 and 3800 S/C dubbed the Series III (the current is the Series II). The S/C version has a little more hp, but the N/A motor seems to have the same power ratings. I don't know what they changed to make it Series III...
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Most of the Intrigues I see around here are driven by 40 something family men. A few guys in their 30's like me and a few older people/couples also. Intrigue was always suppose to be a car for the boomers and they seem to have hit that mark around here.

    evandro : Still have to see a 6, but I am a little weary of Mazda. That said, I used to feel the same about GM. New Malibu looks to be the best hope in the near future for a domestic midsize sedan. Buick Regal may be another hopeful, but it's a couple of years off from what I hear.
  • akitadogakitadog Member Posts: 117
    Was the K&N a drop-in replacement or a complete air intake system? And is the Intrigue the 3.5 or 3.8?
  • one2oneone2one Member Posts: 626
    "We went after all the benchmarks," says Jaucques. "You name it – if there is a good V6 out there, we found out how and why it was good."

    I guess this means that GM has officially challenged Nissan to a duel.

    If this new engine will be as good as GM touts in that press release, I'd gladly give up my Intrigue 3.5.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    If you want more power, the 04 Bonneville GXP looks like it will have some major HP.

    Autoweek says it will have a 285HP 4.4L 32-valve Nothstar derivative. Very impressive looks and power plant.
  • one2oneone2one Member Posts: 626
    I'd say go with the '99 GLS. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 3.8 at all. If you've read previous posts, then you saw that there are strong feelings both ways for either engine. I've had both; the strong point of one is the weak point of the other. But either way, you won't be disappointed.

    Personally, I don't do "deals". I'm more concerned with what you like. After that decision is made, get them to lower the price.

    That being said, I like the GLS because:
    1. You'll get the 3.29 tranny (if I'm not mistaken) which will compensate for not having the 3.5 engine. The '02 will come with the 3.05 axle. You'll feel the difference, epecially with that pushrod.

    2. You get more bells and whistles on the 99. Particularly, automatic climate control. It won't be a big deal in the summer but if you live in an area where it gets cold, you're going to love it.

    3. Other toys: fog lamps, auto-dimming rear view mirror, faux wood trim.

    My strongest recommendation is to drive them both. After the novelty of the toys wears off, that's what's going to make the experience of driving an Intrigue good or great. I drive my Intrigue(s) a lot. For me, mileage is not a concern.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    3.8's had a 3.05 gear.
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    What kind of transmission problem did your brother in law have? Mine is going in friday for transmission work(3rd time) and it will be done at a different dealer than before. The problem has soured me a bit, but the terrible service I received from the dealer has been the worst part about it. I hope that this dealer is better in that regard. If this doesn't fix the problem, then I may start looking at my options under the state lemon law as this will have been the third time the car has been in with the problem. I'm also going to give them the bulletin information regarding the headlamp flicker. You don't know the build date on your brother in law's 01? If he's had transmission problems and I have as well, I'm wondering if there are some bad units that made their way into some cars. I'm glad your liking your new car, in dark colors the Maxima is not a bad looking sedan. I'm not sure I understand the remarks about the Intrigue being a "grandpa" looking car as my 27 year old, single eyes find it to be a very good looking sedan. Oh well, maybe thats why I like the car so much as I tend to defy stereotypes myself. I see alot of people older than me driving Intrigues, but they are typically in the 30s and 40s, just like your average Maxima buyer. I see more people my age driving Aleros than Intrigues and I do see more "grey hair" in Auroras. Personally, I could care less. I buy what I like and don't give a "you know what" about the car's demographics.
  • mfletouvamfletouva Member Posts: 166
    Yeah, that comment about the Intrigue looking like a grandpa car is silly. The demographics for the Maxima and the Intrigue are similar, and I'm even younger than oldsman up there and find the Intrigue to be the single best looking sedan on the road. If you compare the Maxima and the Intrigue actually, the Maxima is really more conservatively styled, at least in terms of shape. Then they added those 'techno-trash' clear taillights like the Altima has to make it look slicker. Anyway, the point is that neither of these two cars are anything my grandfather (or for that matter my father) would want to drive.
  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,580
    Though I don't need them immediately, I will need to replace the original Goodyear Eagle LS tires in the next few months. No complaints about the original tires, but I think they are too expensive and so I look for alternatives. I look for a tire that is quiet,smooth, handles decently and is good in wet weather. We get little snow, and I make it a point not to drive in ice. I've researched Consumer Reports and Tire Rack. It seems Michelin X-ones get high marks, but at $110 per tire, ouch. B F Goodrich T/A HR4s, and Dunlop A62 Sport also score well. But since these tests weren't performed on the Intrigue, I look to you for suggestions. This could be fun...

    2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech

  • jg28jg28 Member Posts: 257
    get Bridgestone Potenza RE 950s. I replaced my OEMs on the Intrigue with them and loved them. Probably going to be replacing the OEMs on my Maxima with them as well though it'll have to be a slightly different size.

    K&N doesn't have an official part for this but it's available as part number (I think) 33-2086 (I'm not sure of the part number but I posted it more than a year ago when I got it).

    I'm not sure what his build date is for the car. I'll have to look on Thanksgiving. His went completely out, so that the car couldn't even be driven. It had to be towed. The transmission had to be completely replaced.

    I see a lot more people in the "younger demographic" driving around in Maximas than I do in Intrigues.

    I think they're both handsome but both have design oddities. I never did like the bulging fenders on the Intrigue nor did I like the front end but this was dramatically improved with the relocation of the rocket emblem I think. The Maxima's grille takes some getting used to but it's growing on me. I like the rear end of the Maxima but don't like how the bumper meets the sides.

    What I think is so funny is that the Maxima feels like a much bigger car inside and feels like a bigger car to drive, though the dimensions of the Intrigue's exterior are a bit bigger (a bit wider and a bit longer). I never thought my Intrigue felt like a big car to drive around but the Max feels big. I guess it's cause the hood sloped down so much and the Maxima's does not.

    The performance of the transmission and engine in the Max is superb. You don't get the lag that the Intrigue had. It's sad that the Intrigue's 3.5 is so held back by its transmission. You press the accelerator in the Maxima and off you go, there's no turbo lag like Intrigue.

    The thing I miss most is the intuitive door locks. First of all, right by the door handles (don't think any other cars have this) and secondly perfect... up for unlock, down for lock, surprisingly miss the cornering lamps even with the xenons.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    You are mostly right about the maxima when it comes to kicking down into passing gear. There is a hesitation with the intrigue.

    However GM's transmissions are some of the most efficient in the world and the Nissan transmissions are known as power sappers.

    The maxima has 40 more hp than the intrigue. It should be a lot faster than the intrigue than it is.
  • one2oneone2one Member Posts: 626
    Thanks for the correction :-)
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