1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS 3.8

Summary:

A nice sporty family car

Faults:

Transmission went at 36,000 miles. but was covered by extended warranty.

Brake rotors tend to warp. I believe due to improper torque at tire changes.

Heater fan has bothersome noise.

Power steering pump and rack and pinion unit went at 81000. Very costly and General Motors says my serial No. is not included their recall for this common problem.

Gas tank door works about 10% of the time.

General Comments:

This car is a joy to ride. The family loves it on long trips.

My daughter loves the Boise sound system so much she wants me to keep the car another 3 years so she can have it for her first car.

The engine is very responsive and not bad on miles per gallon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th October, 2004

25th Sep 2005, 11:10

I bought a 1998 Intrigue in March 15th 2005 with 55,000 miles. Let me say that I like this car. But let me tell you what was wrong.

Replaced rack and pinion (didn't know that there was a recall at GM... maybe someone can brief me on that matter).

Replaced air conditioning condenser... in the front.

Replaced left front bushing (table arm).

Replaced the front shocks.

The right passenger power window does not work (had to operate it with my main control on my side).

Now it is the electric mirror control that failed.

Replaced the rear left coil spring (was broken at 2 places).

The 3.8 L engine: enough power, but poor fuel economy in the city.

The engine has an oil leak somewhere. A mechanic told me that this was common with the 3.8 L block.

Fuel door jamming.

jmlarin@sympatico.ca or jean.marc.larin@danone.com

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS 3.8L V6

Summary:

A fun car to drive, but with a few problems

Faults:

One of the vanity mirror lights quit working while still under warranty.

The CD player quit reading Cd's, but was fixed under warranty.

The heating control unit would intermittently disable the fan. This cost about $300 to repair.

The transmission has never shifted real smoothly especially when accelerating briskly, but the dealership could never find a problem with it. Since about 75,000 miles, the transmission occasionally jerks when accelerating from a stop or near stop. A reputable transmission shop tested it and said the transmission needs to be rebuilt.

General Comments:

I have the GLS with every option available. It has been garaged most of the time and has had very good care.

I purchased the Intrigue because I wanted something practical, but sporty. It is fun to drive and the engine still runs like new and accelerates very quickly.

The front seats are very comfortable and are good for long trips. There isn't a lot of room in the back seat unless you are under 6ft tall.

I am still on the original brakes and tires, but will probably have to get them replaced in the near future.

I will also have to get the transmission fixed, but the problem only occurs rarely. I am disappointed that it needs to be fixed so soon, but I think it was showing signs of a problem while still under warranty, but the dealership could detect one.

The mileage is very dependent on the driver. My wife gets around 24 MPG, but I usually get closer to 27.

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

Review Date: 25th October, 2004

24th Nov 2005, 21:40

I have 98 intrique and found that the transmission was shifting quite harshly. Transmission shop said everything was OK, but that there was GM bulletin out regarding this. Apparently there is a transmission calibration update that needs to be done by the dealer. They need to do a transmission computor flash. It fixed my problem. It shifts smoother than when it was new.

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS 3.8 V6

Summary:

Fantastic car, wish I could buy another

Faults:

Rear Seat belts kept breaking, Olds finally gave us an extended warranty.

Bright light switch broke @60,000 miles.

Water pump gave out @ 105,000 miles.

General Comments:

The seats are much more comfortable than in my wife's Buick Regal.

Best mileage was 32mpg on a 800 miles trip.

Never problems with sunroof, windows or radio controls (knock on wood)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st October, 2004