1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue LX review from North America

Replaced crankshaft position sensor in the first month of ownership to the tune of $200.

Occasionally the "Service Engine Soon" light lights up for no reason. It has done this 4 times since I have owned the car. Every time no error code registers in the diagnostic.

When the rear windows are opened at about 40 mph, loud, reverberating wind noise engulfs the cab.

My transmission broke after 74422 miles. I had changed the transmission fluid 3 times since ownership (<2 years ago).

I have spent well over $3,000 on maintenance, both major and minor. You would think $14,000 would buy some quality and a 4-year-old car would be less problematic.

I originally bought this car for its high performance engine. Now I regret my quick decision. The engine is fine and responsive. When the car behaves, I love to accelerate onto the freeway or pass some slowpoke. I have treated the car well, too. I have changed the fluids regularly and have avoided harsh driving conditions. However, other than the engine everything seems to be going mechanically and electrically wrong with the car. I haven't had 6 months with the car without some major and expensive malfunction. I doubt it is all due to excessive wear and tear.

I wanted to keep this a good 5-8 years. Now I am contemplating selling it after just 2. The transmission breaking is the last straw. In the past when these problems occurred, I deluded myself into thinking the current problem is the last problem I will have with the car. I am through.

If I could, I would rather buy my old 1992 Sunbird back than keep the problematic Intrigue. The Sunbird's problems were mild compared to this. It made it to 130,000 on one transmission and one crankshaft sensor. This lemon has soured me to GM.