2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue Reviews

This has been a wonderful car. Love the looks, love to drive it, and have had virtually zero problems with it until this year.

It's been overheating for a couple of months, and it was diagnosed as the thermostat, which was replaced. More than 2 months later, it was still overheating, and found that it MUST be the dealer part or it will not correct the problem. It was more pronounced in the cold weather and/or when the heater was in use, and no one was certain what was causing it. However, the dealer advised the replacement thermostat was not the dealer part. Upon installation of the correct one, no more overheating. At last!

Reliable, drives like a European car. Too bad they quit making them. :(

Turn signal problems fixed, automatic transmission repaired, head lights still flicker, air conditioning goes off and on for no reason.

Outside of the problems, the car is beautiful. It looks good and rides good. But it's typical of the American auto industry: Build a car, and can't or won't fix it. They can "talk the talk", but can't "walk the walk." Really sad, but maybe they are now getting what they deserve.

It started over two years ago, with the turn signals sometimes working, and then going out all together. It started with the left turn signal, and I kept replacing all the bulbs, and the front left turn signal bulb was getting melted. I finally had the hazard light switch replaced, and this seemed to fix the problem.

Now I have rapid flashing, and think that I may have to replace the entire turn signal switch. This is very frustrating, and I wish GM would step in and decide to take care of this issue, and fix the mess!

100,000 MILES..

Tranny slamming into next gear during shifts, because this tranny does not have lock-up torque-converter like most GM vehicles (GM experimented with this variable engaging torque converter clutch). When the computer senses slippage from the worn out clutch, it ramps up the transmission pump to max (which slams it into the next gear). Repair shop put in lock-up torgue converter and reprogrammed computer to lockup when engaged... $1200 repair

Alternator replacement $500 (rebuilt).

Broken motor-mount $175 (caused by tranny slamming into next gear).

Driver's side front speed wheel sensor fixed 3 times totaling $400.

Brakes $300 maintenance except for the extra $140 (front rotors wearing really uneven, don't know why).

$270 radiator flush (normal maintenance).

Secondary air injection pump, which makes the lights dim for a second when it kicks on (emissions: not needed if you don't want to replace), but I would like the dash light to be gone; estimated cost $150-$200.

Current problem is overheating at low rpm... either a $200 waterpump or $900-$1000 leaky coolant line (on back of engine where you cannot reach... must remove exhaust manifold to replace)...

I like the car for its style, comfort, and performance...

BUT, I should have taken my mechanic's first suggestion; "Go for one with a 3.8" or "Buy this one and bring me your life savings when it breaks down."

Repairs are still cheaper than a car payment...

Power steering groaned, tie rods became loose, intermittent problem with power windows, missing screws from factory (on spoiler).

I have had my Intrigue for 8 years now and still love it. I am a big guy (6'4" 270 lbs) and it is one of the few cars I am really comfortable in. It rides well and is sporty enough to enjoy the 'twisties'.

I have had a few problems, and it's clearly not as well put together as a German or Japanese car, but have had no major problems since the initial issues were fixed by the dealer. The dealer was much more courteous than the Honda dealer (s) I dealt with previously.

The old girl is beginning to rattle quite a bit now, but I still really enjoy driving it, I just turn up the stereo and intend to drive it until it just won't go anymore.

Great exhaust note under heavy acceleration, and the car still 'scoots' when I need the power. When I drive gently, the mileage is OK and great on long trips (30 mpg), but in the summer with the AC on, in town and heavy acceleration I can almost watch the gas gauge drop (11-13 mpg).

Once this car dies, I will give GM another chance.