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.
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.