Oldsmobile Intrigue

one2one

Glad (and proud) to say that my 98 Intrigue is still purring like a kitten after 63,000 miles. The only major problem I had was the steering which Olds covered with zero hassle.

In a way, I don't want to trade the car in on anything else, including a new Intrigue or Aurora. Now I'm at the point where I can act like an immature child and say that I've cleared 100,000 miles with no problems.

As far as regular service, I've just been changing the oil using the Oil Life Monitor. No tranny changes, no coolant changes (per GM's owner's manual).

For folks reading and not posting, I would get another Intrigue in a heartbeat. In rain, snow and otherwise bad weather, it is completely composed. If it weren't for the rain on the windshield, I wouldn't know it was raining because the car handles just as well in rain as when dry. It's terribly fun to drive, stops on a dime and very, very roomy. B4z and myself are both 6'8" and are very comfortable in our machines.

wcooley

One2One - My car's steering is kind of chunky and ratchets most of the time. What steering problems did you have and how did they fix them?

1415

You must own a 98 model; and in my first Olds encounter with a 98GLS; the clunky steering was due to a steering gear or rack and the intermediate shaft... have both replaced.

I have had the 99GLS intermediate shaft replaced and it had no effect.

one2one::::::At your height of 6'8"; you are wearing the car--glad to hear someone is happy with the Intrigue. As a two Intrigue owner I plan to dump my 99GLS after the first of the year for my normal 100k run is too risky mainly based on the brakes, front suspension and the oil-burning 3.5..I will buy a 72 mo./75k mile GM warranty to sweeten the pot. Will get a Mustang GT or Z-28 for they should be collecting in the dealers lots by end of Jan01.

limadelta

one2one....

You might want to have the tranny flushed and fluid replaced.

50,000 miles is when I'd do it based on what a mechanic tells me. The 100K number is probably more for people that don't plan to keep their cars a long time.

50,000 is still much better than the usual 25-30K that most cars require.

b4z

You are correct. I was on the 2002 envoy site a couple of weeks ago and it even has info on towing capacities and trailer tongue weights!!!
It is interesting to note that they also will have a 4.10 rearend. I guess that will make up for the 4 valves lower low end torque. While the envoy site was very informative, the intrigue site was touchy feely to the point of being absurd. Oldsmobile doesn't have a clue.
Even at my 6'8" height I am still comfortable with the seat pulled up some.

b4z

That should be the bravada site is touchy feely to the point of being absurd.

b4z

The fact that edmunds has frozen both the envoy site and the 2002 bravada sites says a lot about GMs problems. I hope that GM does not price the envoy and bravada like the MDX and other offshore sport utes. The price's should be kept down.
Let's hope that they will be of higher quality than the vehicles they are replacing.

b4z

I heard that the new catera will have 225 hp. Lets hope they do the same thing with the intrigue since they will now share the 3.5L V6.

one2one

That needs to be corrected, I've got 64,000 miles.

limadelta::I share your concern about the fluid changes. But I'm going to stick with the manual. Partly because it's easy to do it, partly because I'm curious to see if it will really do it. I know that's an expensive test but I'm reasoning (perhaps foolishly) that GM's lawyers have reviewed the implications of saying that owners can wait until 100K to change the fluids. We'll see; I'll keep ya posted.

wcooley::I've posted on this in the past but I can't remember the number. Write down all the symptoms. My list read like this. Problem happens when:
--turning at speeds btwn 25 and 35 mph (i.e. on and off ramps)
--cutting wheel left or right at low speeds (10 to 20 mph)
--riding over bumps and entrances to parking lots
--braking from any speed

That should begin to give them an idea of the problem. If they've worked on this problem before (and I'm sure they have), they'll know as soon as they read the first two entries.

1415::"At your height of 6'8"; you are wearing the car." I like that (LOL)

one2one

Perhaps I should be posting this on the Bravada form but the implications, by extension, affect the Intrigue.

Check out the Chevy Trailblazer site (http://www.chevrolet.com/trailblazer/index.htm). It is still in production just like the Bravada yet Chevy has SOMETHING for visitors to look at. The site sucks as it takes forever to load images and the layout is crappy but at least they have something up there.

They've got a timeline showing how far they've come developing the Trailblazer (which looks like a bloated Geo Tracker). Roll over the colored areas and images pop up. Click them and they have commentary from the engineer working on that aspect of the project. Oldsmobile? "Keep coming back and to see what we haven't done to our site in six months." All the trucks made off the Bravada platform have move ahead agressively as if they really want to sell cars (what a novel idea for a car company!!!) EXCEPT for Oldsmobile.

The fact that the new Aurora has dropped off the face of the advertising world so soon, the Intrigue was never really pushed to it's target market, and the Alero seems non-existant (compared to the Grand Am commercials littering the tube) says that there are bigger problems at Olds than just quality control. Sounds to me like Olds has problems at home similar to Chrysler before the Germans made changes.

Don't get me wrong, I like Olds a lot. My first choices when checking out new vehicles are always Oldsmobile. But if they don't make major changes across the board and up and down the ladder, my first choices may be non-existant in a few years.

I guess I sound so bitter because I really do like new Olds and what they're doing (product-wise). It would be a shame if they got canned because they can't get their internal act together.

dindak

I never did hear who the new head of Oldsmobile is? Does anyone know?

I really don't believe Olds is doomed. I do think there needs to be a TV advertising blitz, especially for Intrigue, Aurora and the new Bravada. Come on guys (if you are watching), lets put some excitement back in this division! If Nissan can do it, Oldsmobile should be able to also.

etharmon

Well I got to see post 327, but I'd say your walking on thin ice and may get cut. All I can say is I agree with it. I will refrain from making comments about the political situation in Florida except to say that it speaks for itself. I do find it funny that the FL Supreme court stated they would make their announcement at 4:01PM AFTER the markets had closed. Anyway, so your going to dump the Intrigue. I'd say go with the Z28. Aside from being extinct after neaxt year, what better car(other than an SUV) to tee off the liberals:) And the Z28 can probably be had at a better price. To get a Mustang with comparable power, you pretty much have to go with the Cobra.

etharmon

Any 2001 Intrigue owners here? Just wondering. Also, does anyone have the heated seats in their Intrigue and if so, how do you lilke them? I still may consider one next summer when my lease is up if Olds runs the good finance deals again.

redly_one

Well, I can add to the fire. I am a member of MyPoints, a service that, in a round about way, pays you to look at advertisements they send you via e-mail (great for $50 Target Gift Certificates!)

Anyway, I have viewed advertisments for both the Chevy TrailBlazer and the Buick Rendevous. And, according to other posts here, there are still no Bravada advertisments. Makes one curious. Couple all this with the Doom and Gloom predictions of 1415, and I see Olds in some BIG trouble soon. I still have to convince people that I'm driving an Oldsmobile, not an Intrepid or any other car of the week. my $.02

grbeck

dindak: The new head of Oldsmobile is a woman who used to be the brand manager for the Chevrolet S-10. As I recall, her name is Deborah Ennis, but I wouldn't bet my life on it. She isn't nearly as visible as Karen Francis was.

Regarding the lack of Bravada advertisements, it could be that Olds is not using "teaser" ads for the Bravada because it is scheduled for release before the Trailblazer, Envoy and Rendezvous. As I recall, new Bravadas should start showing up on dealers' lots in January or February of 2001. (Maybe we should pray for a snowy winter to get people even more interested in SUVs!) The current Bravada is selling surprisingly well, considering its age; maybe Olds doesn't want to do anything that encourages buyers to wait for the new model. The Trailblazer and Envoy introductions are far enough away that buyers shopping for an SUV right now aren't as likely to wait for the new models. And Buick, of course, has absolutely nothing to lose by promoting the Rendezvous months before it appears on the dealers' lots. (Buick even had a Rendezvous at the Carlisle All-Truck Show this past June. No 2002 Trailblazers, Bravadas or Envoys were anywhere to be seen.)

Another reason could be that the entire Oldsmobile advertising account is in a state of turmoil. A few weeks ago there were articles in the Wall Street Journal and the Car Connection stating that General Motors is putting the entire Olds advertising account up for review, with the possibility of it being handed over to a new agency. Part of the review includes new ideas for getting the message out that Olds has changed. Supposedly, Olds has one last chance to get its house in order, and this includes the advertising campaign.

I can't believe how badly GM has bungled the Olds makeover. Despite the quality problems experienced by Intrigue buyers, I don't believe the division's sales problems can be laid entirely on the lack of quality control. (Don't get me wrong - I'm all for improving quality.) If you want horror stories, go to the Ford Taurus thread on this site. (And it's STILL the best selling car in the land - go figure!) For that matter, Chrysler has cornered 40 percent of the minivan market with vehicles that are notorious for automatic transmissions that are lucky to last 70,000 miles.

I blame stupid pricing decisions and lackluster advertising, including some of the worst product launches in the industry. I'm seeing more Auroras in Harrisburg, Pa. How people found out where to buy them, I have no idea! It certainly couldn't be because of the brilliant advertising campaign.

b4z

Should read, "This will put it in the february issue of the car mags." "We don't even know what the list prices will be." I should probably read my posts before i send them.

b4z

I would expect full road tests for the bravada to be showing up in about 30 days. This will put it
in the february list prices will be
I got the 2002 bravada brochure a few months ago, but it is short on info.

1415

It came yesterday in the mail--"30 Years of Montreaux Jazz Festival" 4 cds nicely packaged and was certainly worth the effort to obtain. It was an Aurora promotion; maybe I should go test drive one now??? I noticed that the $50 Blockbuster card also arrived and back in the fall I received the Nikon Nuvis A20 camera. I will check the Olds website again to see what freebies exist.

With wife in Fla and the rotten weather in Detroit this allows me more goof-off time. I have had the bachelor-hood lifestyle for the past 11 winters; 4mos each year plus another month during the summer when she visited her mother in Europe..
Work and play comingles very well...

My post#327 was a result of the Fla court decision and a few "silver bullets". Having been involved with the Automotive market since 1969; the domestic suppliers are beat-up, downsized, and consolidated with each recession. The domestics are getting slaughtered by the Asians and we will see much blood this time..The consoldating and downsizing will be of drastic proportions for production capacity is not needed.
GM,Chrysler,and Ford will suffer big time with Ford probably able to survive better and suffer less than the other two. The Delphi and Visteon spin offs will hemorrhage badly and the UAW will
be creamed. Our close ties with China and Korea will finish off some domestic suppliers. Its sad; but nobody wants to work hard in this country and the Govt regulations are so anti-business it makes it impossible to survive.

etharmon::::::The Cobra is not my type of a car due to manual shift and the IRS rearend which Ford assembled from spare parts. The ordinary GT with automatic will suffice. The Z is my favorite but it has that red-neck image.. The Z has a great engine and the automatic is outstanding. Having owned two Camaros--both new--71 SS350 90k miles in 18mos(company car) and I bought my wife a 82 Z28 which she had for 4 yrs and was sold to my son's father-law for his daughter and two months later the car burned up. The 71 SS350 was more fun than the two Porsches I have had. It was strong, 100% reliable, and loved to be abused. Its only drawback was winter driving and it was a white-knuckle affair at crawling speeds.

Enough rambling--one last thing.

dindak::::::You mentioned Nissan being brought back from the brink of disaster by none other than the Socialist country of France. Govt money is being used to prop up Nissan. Renault is junk and always will be junk.

Speaking of Nissan I never went last year for a test drive which awarded one with a $100 watch--swiss army type or a picnic basket..This was for the 2000 Maxima; I didn't respond so I received another invite in the mail before I went to Fla; and I will spend some time going through piles of paper and faxes that accumulate while one is away..

Certainly hate to go drive an Asian and collect the bribe...they will probably hound me afterwards. This dealer is a Buick/Honda/Acura/Nissan all in separate buildings. All they need is a sushi bar....its really great to live in America so let's send Gore packing!!!!

jgriff

Lets face it people, American domestic cars just don’t stack up to the Asian/European models, and even the Asian models being built right here in the good ol’ US of A.

At my office park more and more people are making the switch to Asians/Europeans, either for the first time or simply going back to what the feel will “WORK”.

People are NOT going to continue to spend their hard-earn money on vehicles that will not stand the test of time, and have to be repaired/replaced TOO frequently.

Just my thoughts for December.

<*> Wishing everyone a Happy & Safe Holiday Season <*>

1415

grbeck::::::Good post; and yes the Bravada is the first one out for production starting after the 1st of the year...Hope the 360 series of SUV's sell well..I really don't fault Olds for lack of Intrigue advertising; they should use the money and make some engineering changes, but truthfully this current design is too close to final build out to drastically change anything major..If the Intrigue lives to see a total redesign then you probably will see some advertising blitz. The current model is deadmeat; hate to say it especially as a big time owner and two-time loser.

jgriff::::::Out from under the rock again????Good news for Acura lovers; they are heavily discounting in southern Fla.. My real estate gal in Fla who has to be 75 at least has a 3.5RL; and one of my wife's good girlfriend from Conn also bought a new 3.5RL. They are pushing them out the door for 34,500+TAX. They get sticker in Conn according to the gal.

They 3.5RLs are really bland looking and have less horsepower than the Intrigue. Something like 210 if I remember correctly--could be wrong. The RLs are made in the mystery land; and not in the cornfields of the Midwest.

I really don't care to waste my time answering your arrogant remarks concerning our domestic industry compared to the Asian invasion.

dindak

We will have to find a heavier rock for jgriff. Ignore the guy.

Nissan did indeed get government money from Renault, but they still did do a good job. I hear Renault is coming back to the U.S. in a year or two. Should be interesting as the U.S. car market will probably still be in a slump then.

jgriff

FYI: Acura is getting ready to release a new RL, slated for 2002/03. A lot of rumors floating around as to what Acura may have up their sleeves. In any event, I'm sure it will be "Value" packed that seems to be their nitch.

dindak: Congrats on the new member, hopes it does not cut or alter your future car purchases [they can be expensive]. Rising children is definitely a journey, do try to enjoy it as they do grow up fast. Good Luck.

b4z

I have owned 5 Z28s, are you sure that is what you want? They are pretty hard to get in and out of. And i am sure you will have issues with their quality or lack there of. But man is that LS-1 something else. Have you driven one lately?

1415

bz4:::::::No aches or pains as yet; so the body should adjust easily. The biggest dislike is the huge door where you actually have to walk rearward to miss the back end of the door.

The last one I drove was a used 97 Z that the local Pontiac/Buick dealer had taken in trade on a new Riv. had 7500 miles, black, with leather and roof panels. I submitted a couple offers and they finally got rid of it at the local auction after two tries. A gal owned the car and they had just moved to the Grosse Pointe area from Chicago.

At your height; I have an easier time entering and exiting the car. Last winter I was after a left over 99 SS Conv which I had down to around 27,500--should have bought it. There will be some deals come Jan 01..

etharmon

And it ain't politics but Jgriff's usual tirade of how domestic cas just don't comppre to asian and european cars. Will somebody please tell him it is not 1985 anymore. BTW, last time I drove by our local Acura dealership, it had a service department just like the Oldsmobile dealer does. If you have problems with a particular car that is one thing as every car has had some kind of problem, but comments like "American domestic cars just don't stack up" is pure stereotype and is very dated. My "terrible" 98 Intrigue just keeps on running.

b4z

I have nearly decapitated my kneecap on more than one occasion, sometimes to the point of not being able to get back in the car after doing it. Those doors are truly lethal.
My condo is all ratified now and i am doing the
home inspection tomorrow. Now i got to figure out how to pay for it.
Let's hope for falling interest rates. This is one time that i hope Greenspan does open his mouth.

grbeck

I test drove a brand-new 1998 Z-28 two years ago...it was a wonderful car, with a fantastic drivetrain! The cockpit was surprisingly comfortable. (Ease of entry and exit was another matter.) Unfortunately, I was still commuting 100 miles per day to work, so I felt that I needed something more economical. Like you said, the Z-28 has a "redneck, boy racer" image, which is unfortunate. The image from the "Smokey and the Bandit" movies featuring the Trans Am must have rubbed off on the Camaro as well. I can't think of any other cars that offer more "bang for the buck" than the F-bodies.

I wonder if the next recession will be severe enough to bring about the elimination of several venerable domestic marques, as well as some not-so-venerable foreign ones. There are so many nameplates out there today. One interesting rumor is that Daimler will simply phase out the passenger car side of Chrysler, which would mean the end of Dodge and Chrysler cars in this country. Apparently, Chrysler loses money on its passenger cars, and the German banks wonder why Daimler doesn't just cut its losses in this area and let Chrysler concentrate on minivans, SUVs, trucks and Jeep Wranglers.

1415

Our domestic auto guys Ford, GM, and DCX have contributed, supported and protected this great country called United States of America for 100 yrs, and they have earned my loyalty and dollar.
These three companies have survived the ravages of time, and countless ups and downs as history shows. They ain't perfect; but they are red,white and blue--100% homespun. I admit the Chrysler is trying to screw up; and the greed of some of the Chrysler brass cooked its goose when the uppity bunch from Deutsch land came bearing gifts and wavering big dollars. I would buy a Chrysler product; but not Mercedes-Benz.

bz4::::::glad your condo worked out!!!My deal in Fla is about 90% however my real estate son didn't like my closing/occupancy same day dealing..Since I pulled another month out of the original I am somewhat pleased. However in real estate it ain't over till the check changes hands.

In reviewing the car ads in the Detroit Sunday paper I see where the 98 Intrigues are now in a range from 9,995 to 12,995. The 96 Impala SSs are selling in the range of 16,995 to 19,995 with one 95 listed at 18,500. I get disgusted every time I see one..

I noticed a Lincoln Mercury dealer has 164 Lincoln LSs avaiable.

Wonder how the stock market will react on Monday-should be interesting and could be bloody--yet again since dubya is almost there it might be calm day. I sold one stock late Friday and I noticed in after hours trading it shed a couple of points.

dwg

I know it's off topic, but I can't discuss the peril our electoral system is in right now so I'll just add a few rambling comments on the absence of an Olds product presence in the mass media.

Someone a few posts back mentioned that GM is opening up the advertising contract for Olds. I saw that too, and it probably explains why things are so silent on the advertising front. I also saw an interview with Wagoner recently (I can't remember the source) where the Oldsmobile issue came up. I get the distinct impression that Olds is going to get another chance to turn on the public to its new product offerings. Let's hope a new advertising strategy is the beginning of a revived Oldsmobile. The division does have the product and the Profile and O4 concept cars have received favorable press mention.

In any event, I suspect (without much evidence, I confess) that Olds has about 1-2 years to get its act together as far as GM is concerned. If we don't see any new products approved for production by this time next year, I think the evidence will be stronger that GM is getting ready to jettison Olds and its new core of followers. As a recent convert, I for one will not be happy to see my car orphaned along with the division (it'll be hello Volkswagon time).

The current question for us Intrigue-ites is whether the Intrigue will get pegged for GM's upcoming Mid-Lux platform. Buick already has the go ahead, presumably for the Regal/Century. I've seen conflicting reports about the Intrigue. AutoWeek suggested yes recently, but Automobile News didn't have Olds slated for a redesign of the Intrigue in its upcoming products feature a few months back.

dwg

dindak

Although almost all the major auto manufacturers have plants in Canada, GM, Ford and Chrysler are by far the largest. They also have a long history in this country, creating jobs and conducting R&D. Although I would consider and have bought off shore products in the past, U.S. manufacturers have proven with cars like the Intrigue that they can build outstanding product. I don't want to ever feel like I am buying an inferior product and as long as they continue the on track they are on, I doubt I will ever go back to a Japanese nameplate.

I was at a Christmas party last night and there was an older silver Intrigue parked outside. I was talking to the owner and found out it was a 98. I asked him how he liked the car and he had nothing but praise. He did have the steering fixed but said that otherwise, the car was trouble free.

dindak

Thanx for the informative post. I really hope Oldsmobile's marketing team gets it together. If they want some help, I'll drive down to Detroit and pitch in!

;-)

etharmon

I noticed one of your posts was cut. Good luck with the condo deal in FL. As for the Camaro having a redneck image, this is somewhat true and also holds for the Mustang, but it's not enough to keep me away. Let people think redneck all they want, just show them what that LS1 V8 will do. The liberals won't like it because it has more than 4 cylinders, but I don't think that concerns you. As for image, I'd prefer the redneck image of the F-bodies or Mustang over the "rice boy" image you get with Japanese cars like the Acura Integra, Toyota Celica, and Honda Perlude. Especially after the goons put the fart pipes on the exhaust and lower them. It's one thing to put a Borla or a flowmaster on a V8 and let that baby sing, but on a 4 cylinder it just makes it sound like a supercharged singer sewing machine. I agree with you about Chrysler as well and it doesn't seem the merger has benefited them they way they had hoped. Even notice alot of former Chrysler brass are leaving the company. If Chrysler dumps their car lines completely they are making a big mistake.

etharmon

I think Olds really does need to get a new ad agency. Have you seen some of the Aurora ads in magazines? One of them shows the dash and at the top says "burled walnut accents" then goes on to say something about squirrels with the mouths fulls of nuts or the new Aurora's instrument panel. It's catchy, but the Aurora has alot of mechanical sophistication which like the Intrigue, should be mentioned or even showcased in the ads. There is very little mention of the wonderful DOHC V8 or V6 engines, braking, or suspension systems. If Olds wants to gain customers from import brands, they need to focus more on the dynamics and mechanical sophistication of their cars in the ads and quit with the burled walnut accents. Both the Aurora and the Intrigue as well as the upcoming 2002 Bravada have very sophisticated and modern powertrains and suspension and give Olds the perfect opportunity to shed whats left of their "duffer" image which might still exist with some people. Olds has a very nice line of cars and with proper advertising and promotions, I think they can increase sales. Proper advertising means getting the word out that Oldsmobiles truly are not what they were even 5 years ago and just get potential customers in the door to test drive. I'm convinced that if you could just get potential midsize sedan shoppers to test drive the Intrigue that sales would increase. The car basically sells itself once people know it exists. Trouble is not all sedan buyers are enthusiasts and when you introduce a totally new model with a totally new name(and only a small Oldsmobile badge) you really need to do some serious advertising to get the car in front of potential buyers. And in a way that gets their attention and makes them read the ad. I think the OSV Intrigue would help, but again if the cars aren't marketed properly, only enthusiasts are going to know about them. And they already know about Oldsmobile's new line of cars. Seems Olds has always had this problem. Back in the late 80s and early 90s when Olds really did not have a very good line-up except the Toronado and maybe the Ninety-Eight Touring Sedan and Cutlass Supreme I-series models, what did you see them advertising all the time? The POS Cutlass Ciera and Achieva.

b4z

I wonder if there is anybody at olds or GM for that matter who monitors the internet? It would seem that everyone of us knows what olds needs to
do to put themselves on top again. The most intresting thing is that we all seem to agree what that is. If we know what to do then why doesn't olds know?
It becomes apparent why olds is having problems with something that is so obvious to everyone else, and why there are some quality issues that they don't seem to be able to resolve.
They are clueless.

b4z

Where are the performance iterations of GMs cars?
Performance sells and it gets people into the showrooms. They show us the concept cars but they don't build them. I am not holding my breath for the OSV.

teo

I suspect your beloved Acura CL will never be able to keep up with the upcoming new Impala SS:

http://www.luckyjdr.homestead.com/ls1impala.html

1415

etharmon:::::::The content of that post was probably not suitable to our host who possesses those magical powers to determine what is too strong for the readers. Looks like California will have to wait for the electric/battery powered car since it appears that there is not enough juice for anything essential like a simple light bulb. This is a real setback for the enviros; and naturally they are blaming deregulation of the power companies for the dilemma...greed and good old profit structure is at risk..I am sure there is a movement to nationalize all public utilities..

Wait until the federal govt takes over the automotive operations after the trial lawyers sue the crap out of them in the name of protecting the public's interest...Look at tobacco, guns, and the other causes in the name of diversity!!!!!

Enjoy your Intrigue and the freedom of being able to drive it any where you desire and the ability to not worry about availabilty of energy..The last popular count of votes said that the other 50% of the population does not favor or think you should have your Intrigue or freedoms unless you give them half of what you worked for as a handout to insure equality, and you will feel better?????

We must stop the slide---It's a Big Monday.

1415

teo:::::::Beautiful, just clicked in the pictures and it looks like a FWD. That has to be an engineering exercise for someones ego.. That V-8 setup has to be evil big time...

About 4 houses down from ours in Mich is the 17 yr old boy will a 3 yr. old Z-28 with a modified exhaust system that is absolute music thru the first gear until he gets the corner. They have a Dodge Caravan, a Neon,and a BMW 328; all in pristine condition. The car nut family..

I did some reading on the Acura 3.2TL and it is not a cheap car dollar-wise and requires premiun fuel. It is shod with skinny tires which is the Asian trick to quiet the road noise with some trade-off in the handling area.

I imagine that the elimination of the Eagle LS tires would have a quieting effect. Mine at 35k are showing the wear strip which is giving the an audible sensation of a 4X4 drive train rumble.

Its snowing in the Motor City and Chicago is getting dumped on along with chilly temps in California. Sure sounds like GLOBAL WARMING to me and this cold weather is the result of BIG OIL.. The sales of SUVs will be enhanced by lots of snow and this will upset the the other 50%...

I understand the election mess in Fla is effecting the flight of the snowbirds who are trying to find a less controversial area to settle. Its goodbye Palm Beach County for me and out of the circulation area of the PALM BEACH POST which is a real red paper.

As stated before I will miss the WEATHER...

Enjoyed the Pictures!!!!

teo

I also saw the pics of the upcoming 2002 Intrigue OSV equipped with a V-8 Northstar! WOW! Great stuff the General is putting out!

b4z

Cadillac would never let olds have the 4.6L engine.

b4z

Sweet impala! Since it is becoming obvious that olds will never put a V8 in the intrigue, it looks like the impala will get my dollars in 2002.

1415

I don't think any one buying the Olds or Chevy would want to be burdened with the Northstar. My experience is its a nice engine with lots of power, but long-term is not my pick of a power plant. Its a complicated engine and belongs in the high-priced end. The weight factor is probably the big plus...

Maybe the I-6 coming out in the 360 SUVs will be the picked as a car engine. The Aurora V-8 is no ball of fire so we are looking at the Camaro/Firebird V-8 plants which might be too large and heavy. Only time will tell; meanwhile it appears that Mother Nature is peeved--dumping snow at predicted levels of 8-15"...Why in the heck am I stuck in Mich during this mess and the other half is basking in the sun!!!!!??????

dindak

1415: That mess you speak of is just hitting us now. They are calling for 4-5 inches of snow today. Ugg!

teo: I doubt they will ever build a V8 Intrigue. I don't see the need and with gas prices where they are, demand would be soft at best. I think Oldsmobile should put the money into fit, finish and MARKETING.

teo

Olds engineers have been able to fit a "Northstar" V-8 on the current Intrigue engine bay and is capable of producing 315HP nearly stock...is all here:

http://www.edmunds.com/future/oldsmobile.html

1415

teo::::::We got the baby moving now; how do we stop it?????? I have very simple tastes--all I want are 4 rotors large enough to allow me 50k of driving before turning and resist warping every 12k miles. Give me another 35hp out of the 3.5 and a quiet front end along with a no-fixem steering; this would make me a happy camper. The 17" dia wheels are neat looking but replacement rubber is high priced..

teo

1415:: May be you should get an Impala....absolutely ZERO brakes problems in 12,000 har drven miles...no shakeups, disc warpings, premature pad wear, etc. No rattles in the front end...ummm maybe the Canadians puts them together better than the workers over at the Fairfax plant?

teo

Hard driven miles

dindak

TEO: I have well over 20k on my 2000 GL with no rattles or brake problems at all. Brakes are not a problem with 2000+ models and most 99's.

dwg

It's snowing like crazy in Milwaukee today too. I don't mind it now, as long as the temps are in the 60s come April (no sign of global warming around these parts). Now the big question: What are all the UMers saying about Brian Ellerbe today?

dwg

vcjumper

I'm pretty sure brakes are the same on all the W-bodies.

Just took me 2.5 hours to drive home 50KM in the snow. The LS's still have enough life left in them to get me though this winter.