1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL review from North America

Oil consumption has become an issue (2+/- quarts between oil changes) along with engine knocking/tapping on cold mornings. I`m switching to the (recommended) 5W-30 from 10W-30 for the winter, although I`m not sure lighter weight oil is going to help oil consumption! Anyone have experience with synthetic oils? At this point I`m just hoping that adding extra oil is the worst that happens and the tapping is only noise from the lifters.

Once the transmission locks up in high gear, it`s reluctant to downshift. I thought GM used to be known for smooth running, seamless transmissions. This isn`t one of them.

The upper door trim on both front doors has started to stick, as others have noted. Is there a fix for this that doesn`t involve an auto body shop?

The trunk has started to leak. A deluge of water cascades in from under the trunk lid upon opening. I think the holes through which the rear deck "wing" is bolted need sealing.

The front end does "clunk" occasionally, as others have mentioned.

The traction control kicks in too easily, leaving you without forward momentum in situations where the feature probably isn`t needed to begin with.

This is a good looking car that handles well and has good acceleration. The interior is reasonably done and comfortable. Problems like oil consumption, sticking doors, clunking sounds and leaks make me wonder about long term reliability, however.

I owe about $2000 more on my loan than the car is worth. However, I knew when I bought the car in 2002 that Olds was going out of business, so depreciation should come as no surprise to me. I`ll probably pay off the loan as soon as I can and see if I can unload this car. My other vehicle (a 2000 Nissan) has about 20,000 more miles on it, uses no oil, doesn`t make clunking sounds, doesn`t have any leaks, squeaks or rattles and has had nothing done to it outside of normal maintenance items.

Next time I`ll buy Japanese.