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Road Tests: Long-Term Test
1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
Introduction
By editors at Edmunds.com
Date Posted 01-01-1999
We've completed this test.
Click here to see the final results.
True enough, the Aurora put Oldsmobile on a new road back in 1995 and the 1997
Cutlass was a tremendous improvement over the ancient A-body Ciera,
but if any recent Oldsmobile model embodies the new spirit at this revitalized
General Motors division it is the 1998 Intrigue. Designed to compete with the
best the world has to offer, the Oldsmobile Intrigue is a stylish, sporty, mid-sized
sedan with European flair and Japanese sensibility.
Oldsmobile has pinned its comeback on this new family hauler. It is the most important car in the division’s
lineup, the one that will determine whether there’s still life in this
100-year-old brand. Not only that, the Intrigue is an important car for General
Motors. One of a trio of new midsizers that debuted during the 1997/1998 model
years, the Intrigue is based on the same platform as the Buick Regal and Pontiac
Grand Prix. But the Intrigue is aimed at the lucrative import buyer in terms
of styling, handling, and interior appointments, while Buick tries to capture
traditional buyers and Pontiac woos performance freaks.
Because of the Intrigue’s mission in life (to bring buyers back to Oldsmobile dealerships,
to prove that GM can build a world-class sedan, to siphon consumers from the
Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Camry), we decided to put one through
our long-term test program. Import buyers buy imports mainly because they like
the way they handle and perform, and they have hard-earned reputations for long-term
reliability and durability. Resale value is another plus. We already like the
way the Intrigue drives; now we’ll see if it holds up over time and what
it’s worth after a couple of years.
We acquired a GL model from Fisher Oldsmobile in Bergensfield, New Jersey. Our car is painted
Gold with a Light Beige leather interior. We searched long and hard for one
that had the Autobahn Package (heavy-duty brakes and fat tires) but no rear
spoiler. In our humble opinion, few cars look good with that racing-inspired
appendage hanging onto the trunk lid, and the Intrigue ain’t one of ‘em.
Other options we included were the power sunroof, chrome wheels, and an uplevel
stereo system. Under the hood is the tried-and-true 3800 Series II V-6 engine,
making 200 horsepower and more noise than smoother, more refined import V-6s.
Still, low-end torque is excellent, and the Intrigue gets up and moves in urban
traffic. Coming for 1999 is a new overhead cam 3.5-liter V-6 based on the Cadillac
Northstar V-8. While we would have liked to have waited for this engine, the
rules of our game stipulate purchase during the first model year of production.
Our Intrigue is stuck in New York City until summer, which means it will be driven infrequently.
But come June, Editor-in-chief Christian Wardlaw will pick it up, take it to
Cape Cod, and then bring it back to Denver, where the editorial staff will begin
racking up the miles.
Initial impressions of the Intrigue are quite good. Our publisher, who regularly pilots a Lexus,
deemed the Intrigue "sprightly, light, and a pleasure to drive." This is an
important observation in terms of appeal to import buyers. He once told us that
he didn’t like American cars because they felt too heavy and lethargic
in comparison to Japanese luxury brands like Acura and Lexus. Others equate
the ride and handling to the Camry and Accord. Score one point for Intrigue
chassis and suspension tuners.
Other accolades go to seat comfort, the sound system, styling, and useful map lighting. However,
there is overall agreement that some of the interior trimmings look and feel
cheaper than they ought to. Predictably, our Intrigue, which is currently driven
in and around New York City, is getting horrible fuel economy. The only other
complaint about our new Olds regards the steering wheel radio controls, which
are poorly located for some staffers.
The car is "intriguing" passersby in Manhattan. We’ve observed many people stopping,
looking at, and talking about our Intrigue as it sits parked along the curb.
Let’s hope thieves don’t find it as interesting as the general public.
Best Fuel Economy: 17.8 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 16.4 mpg
Maintenance Costs: $0
Problems: None
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