2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue GX 3.5 from North America

Summary:

Good car

General Comments:

I like my car!!! Please read the owners manual and perform scheduled maintenance for miles & miles of trouble free driving.

Transmission shifting issues... Read the manual and change the tranny fluid often.

Rough start... it is the crankshaft sensor. Parts & labor cost me $290.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th April, 2009

2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL 3.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Good car... if you like repairing them

Faults:

When car was purchased from parents, the Intrigue had only 1 prior mechanical fault/repair. Apparently the battery had exploded and leaked acid onto the headlight wiring. The wiring had to be looked at/repaired twice before problem (no rt. front headlight) was resolved. (35k miles)

At approximately 59k, steering became sluggish, and then finally power steering went out completely. Luckily, extended warranty had been transferred and GM covered it. ($1000 repair)

Now, this week, at 70k, the transmission has died. Problems started as sluggish gear changes, then progressed to car shuddering when first started and placed into gear. Also, problems arose with being able to operate in reverse. Finally, car became stuck in 1st gear, and was inoperable. Repair could not be fixed with "cam shaft sensor" (as others have been able to do) and entire tranny needs to be replaced ($2100)

Read reviews! Power steering and tranny problems ARE COMMON with this year/model. Stay away from this car!

General Comments:

When car has ran, it has been a pleasure to drive. EXCELLENT acceleration, great luxury touches, comfy ride, good gas mileage. Also very roomy and can be loaded with tons of stuff.

However, the severity of the repairs, none which are considered minor, overshadow the positives and I cannot recommend this car. Nor GM cars for that matter. Previous car owned, 97 Grand Am, need a new tranny at 90k, and coolant/radiator at 110k...done with them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th July, 2007

3rd Jan 2008, 09:52

I own a 2000 old's intrigue Gls. It has a ton of stuff wrong with it. After owning it 2 weeks, both front tires blew and we almost wrecked. On replaceing them we discovered metal threads on inside. Dealer we bought from said they were new. They had just been turned so threads didn't show. Front suspension was discovered "broken" when trying to do front end alignment. Body shop had to fix that. Took it into a dealer for repairs on wheel bearing after hearing noise, and they said front axle needed to be replaced, tie rods, and boot on the rear end. Plus when they gave it back to me the dash lights were out.. checked the fuses, but no help there. So it sits in my drive way, can't drive it, have spent over 1000.00 dollars on it and need that much more to fix some of it. These are beautiful cars, have a cadillac feel to them when riding, but I believe they are lemons and the Company should buy them all back or recall them all and fix them. Too many problems from too many owners. I'm still paying on mine and can't even drive it, and everything cost a ton in repairs. The dealer I bought it from would take no responsibility for it and I camped out in their parking lot and told everyone I saw not to buy cars from them. Because they said this car was safety inspected with a broken front suspension. I feel ripped off.

18th Feb 2008, 22:04

How many miles are on all of your cars? And how hard do you drive them? I have had mine for about 4-5 years now and not had really anything to complain about. Replaced shocks and struts at about 120,000 miles. Asides from that just routine and expected maintenance and repairs. Brakes, plugs, filters, belts, rotors and that is about it. As for the guy who bought the car with the threads showing on the tires, you were taken by the dealer not the car, obviously major front end issues not addressed by the dealer and you got hosed.

29th Feb 2008, 00:33

Thanks for the heads up! Toyota Camry it is!!!

10th Aug 2008, 21:28

I have over 130,000 kms on my 2000 Intrigue and the only issue I have had is the doors do not lock automatically anymore. Pretty minor issue which would likely be a wire adjustment if I ever got around to fixing it. I have known a couple of others with this car and neither has had more than 1 issue. It's unbelievably reliable, comfortable to drive, and decent on mileage for a large car. Absolutely love it and when it comes to getting another second car we'll keep this one and replace our 2006 econo box.