1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

A well-built Oldsmobile I love

Faults:

The only thing I've needed to replace so far is, the front rotors and the brakes which were both worn unevenly.

Occasionally I get a dimming of the dash lights, but it comes back within a few seconds. Once I lost the lights completely.

The torque converter was sticking, but that problem went away on its own. I think the former owner just didn't take care of the car and that's the main reason things seem to be wrong.

The Bass/Treble knobs on the stereo broke off, but easily fixed with super glue.

General Comments:

I really love this car. It's a shame they no longer make it.

It is extremely roomy and I love the leather seats. It has the Bose stereo with 8 speakers and amp, the sound is superb.

The engine provides a nice ride, quick and smooth.

My only problem with the car is the gas mileage! I don't mind though. It could be extremely worse.

After my Ford, I told myself never again an American car. I tried the Intrigue and fell in love. The car is just me!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 2004

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS 3.8L from North America

Summary:

Space enough for a family, performance, and good looks, just don't look too close

Faults:

Front right fog lamp inoperative since purchase. Not fixing.

Radio knobs for sound adjustment (i.e. bass, treble, fade, and balance) broken. Not fixing.

Remote activation of fuel door works intermittently. Not fixing.

Drivers door power window does not function at random. Not fixing.

Some of the lights for various buttons around the cabin do not work from time to time. Not fixing.

Alternator started to wine at 60000 miles. Replaced for $120 along with serpentine belt for $32 (good deal)

I completed this repair myself with very little fuss in about 45 minutes.

Windshield wipers have started to behave erratically. Undecided on repair.

Passenger side wiper arm is stripped (my fault). Will go to shop for this repair.

General Comments:

This is a very interesting design for pre 2000. I think that the Oldsmobile engineers were trying valiantly with the Intrigue and the Aurora to attract a younger generation of buyers.

My family and I love the styling and I must say that the other Intrigues I see going down the road look very good doing so.

It has plenty of room for the size and class it belongs to.

Handling is excellent for a four door family car.

Braking is strong and smooth with no fade.

Fuel economy is about average. (Very dependent on driving habits.)

Ride is acceptable for the weight and size of this vehicle.

It took me quite awhile to find a comfortable seat adjustment, but since I did it feels fine, however I feel like the steering wheel needs to extend about 1-2 inches father from the dash.

I think they may have had the average female build in mind when designing the interior and not the average males.

Workmanship seems fine on the surface, but lots of problems with the bells and whistles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th February, 2004

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue OHV 3.8L Series II from North America

Summary:

Great Camry/Accord alternative for 1/2 the price!

Faults:

The only thing that has gone wrong is that the brake rotors became slightly warped. Can only feel it at 70mph+ though.

Bass and treble knobs are very fragile, both cracked now.

General Comments:

There is a whine (similar to a supercharger whine) when you get on the gas. Replaced the accessory belt, but is remained. Mechanic said it's typical of GM's 3.8L.

Seats take a few trips to get used too, but then the back bolster becomes very comfortable on long trips.

Handles decent for a large car, slightly better then my 00 Camry.

Great power from the 3.8L. Great for passing traffic, tranny rarely has to downshift to pass.

There's a 110mph speed limiter built in, but you'll get there in a hurry.

Good stereo with CD, much better sound then brother's 03 Accord.

Car is large (over a foot longer then my Trans Am) making city parking a pain.

Very solidly built. No rattles at all.

Overall I like this car a lot better then my Camry.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2003

20th Jun 2004, 11:07

I like everything about this car, style, handling, mileage, reliability. Too bad GM dropped the model. It's one of first real challenges to Accords and Camrys, and goes a step beyond the Camry "Grandma" style.

Now if I could figure out the rattle in the back when I hit a bump...

24th Mar 2008, 14:05

GM still makes this model in 08' sold under Chevy impala. Olds Intrigues are rolling on a Gm-w body, so if you really want the same sort of thing with less problems try a newer version of the platform. These cars were first year models, they almost always have a huge amount of problems. The w-body was sold under Buick as "regal" & "century" Chevrolet as "Impala" and later under Buick as the Buick "LaCrosse". Most other companies do the same thing, like Lexus is to Toyota or Lincoln to Ford. The difference usually in the engine size, suspension and interior options. Though with these models usually share engines too, with a few exceptions. Hope somebody finds this useful :)