1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue - Consumer Guide Automotive

Category	Oldsmobile Intrigue GX Rating (See All Ratings)

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	5

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	5

Cargo Capacity	5

Value within Class	5

Total Score:	56

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model

1998-2002 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE BUYING RESOURCES

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1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue Review

Similar in structure to the Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile's new front-drive midsize sedan flaunted an importlike personality. Introduced in May 1997 as an early '98 model, Intrigue replaced the Cutlass Supreme. Styling differed considerably from the Regal and Grand Prix. Intrigue also diverged in its chassis tuning, equipment, and some dimensions. Wheelbase, for instance, was 1.5 inches shorter for the Intrigue than for Pontiac's Grand Prix. Oldsmobile marketed the Intrigue in a single body style with one powertrain, one seating configuration, and one suspension setup. Base and upscale GL editions went on sale, each powered by a 3.8-liter V6 with an automatic transmission. A console-mounted gearshift was installed, between front bucket seats. Four-wheel antilock disc braking was standard, as was a traction-control system. Intrigues rode 16-inch touring tires on aluminum wheels. Rivals included the Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Camry. No conventional Oldsmobile badging was displayed, presumably because marketers wanted the Intrigue to be seen as a distinct, special model.

Year to Year Changes

1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue: A sophisticated new V6 engine became available for the midsize Intrigue, to help give Oldsmobile buyers a reason to pick it over a comparable Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. The new dual-overhead-cam, 3.5-liter V6 produced 215 horsepower and ran on regular fuel, whereas twin-cam engines in the Camry and Accord needed premium gasoline. As the model year began, the new engine was standard in the top-line GLS and optional in base GX and midlevel GS models. Later, it became standard across the board, edging aside the original 195-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6. Decklids now wore Oldsmobile script, ending a complaint that some people didn't realize these were Oldsmobiles. All models got a thicker, leather-wrapped steering wheel. GM's OnStar emergency/communications system joined the options list.

2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue: An antiskid system joined the options list this year. Called the Precision Control System, it was designed to help keep the car on its intended path by selective braking of one or more individual wheels. Though optional on all models, GX buyers had to order optional traction control to get the new antiskid system. Also new this year were standard retained accessory power and an optional gold-trim package. GLS sedans gained standard heated power front seats. As before, Intrigue came in GX, GL, and top GLS trim.

2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue: Traction control became optional instead of standard on base, and all models gained new standard automatic headlights for 2001. Also newly available this year were Premium Leather and Precision Sport option packages.

2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue: Production of the Intrigue ended in June 2002 as part of the phaseout of the Oldsmobile brand. There were no significant changes for the 2002 model year.

1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue Road Test >

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