2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL 3.5 from North America

Faults:

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!

General Comments:

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

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2010

2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue from North America

Summary:

A lovely car that should have been built in Japan

Faults:

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

General Comments:

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.

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

Review Date: 29th June, 2010

2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue from North America

Summary:

I love my car, but hate this problem!

Faults:

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!

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

Review Date: 23rd June, 2010

21st Feb 2013, 06:42

Rapid flashing of the signal lights... usually means that a light bulb is burnt out on that side. Look to see if the signal light is flashing at the front and the rear. Replace the burnt out bulb, and it will start to flash normally again.

2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS 3.5 from North America

Summary:

Nice car if you want to pay the PRICE!!

Faults:

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)...

General Comments:

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...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th December, 2009

29th Dec 2009, 20:28

Who charges $270 for a radiator flush?

2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue GX 3.5 from North America

Summary:

I love this car, I am big (6'4" and 270 lbs) and find it very comfy and yet sporty enough to enjoy

Faults:

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

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st November, 2009