1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue Review
Price Estimate: $922 - $1,440

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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Fun to drive, nicely styled inside and out, comfortable seats.
Cons
- Too many noises find their way into the cabin, some interior components lack quality feel.
What’s new
Last year, Oldsmobile dumped the stodgy Cutlass Supreme for the Intrigue; a suave, sophisticated sporty sedan designed to take on the best of the imports. For '99 Olds is dumping the 3800 Series II V6 that powers the Intrigue for an all-new, 24-valve 3.5-liter twin-cam V6. Until production of the 3.5-liter (a design based on the Aurora V8) can be ramped up to meet the Intrigue build schedule, the new 215-horsepower engine will come standard only in the new top-line GLS model, and optional in the base GX and mid-line GL series. Full function traction control is now available in models equipped with the new power plant. Minor feature revisions, one new color and new badging rounds out the changes this year.
For sale near Logan, UT
Vehicle overview
A few years ago, Oldsmobile appeared to be gasping its final breaths. Product was not moving, designs were aging rapidly and within the new brand management culture at General Motors, Oldsmobile was hard to define because of models whose missions overlapped with cars from Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac.
The first step Oldsmobile took to return to viability was to introduce the Aurora. Sleekly styled, solidly engineered and packed full of Northstar V8 powertrain, the Aurora showcased the direction in which Oldsmobile was moving. It was clear that wire wheels and whitewalls were on the way out, to be replaced with attractive, contemporary cars and trucks that would appeal to import-intenders.
Next out of the chute was the Bravada, a mildly reworked Blazer/Jimmy with an impressive all-wheel-drive powertrain. The Silhouette and Cutlass came next, sporting modern style and driver-friendly handling characteristics. The Intrigue, and most recently, the Alero, are the latest in a line of new Oldsmobile models that have attempted to redefine a struggling brand.
The Intrigue features a strong body structure to reduce squeaks and rattles. The interior is functionally designed to deliver a minimum of glitz and a maximum of ergonomic operation. Providing space for five adults, the Intrigue offers appreciably more interior room than major competitors, yet without the bulky exterior size or hefty curb weight. New this year is a thicker, leather wrapped steering wheel (standard on GL and GLS, available on GX), a grid style radio antenna, one extra color (Bronze Mist) and new badging, including the addition of new Oldsmobile script for the decklid.
The GX becomes a fully equipped '99 base model, which now can be optioned with an Autobahn package (including H-speed rated tires and heavy duty brake components) that has already proved popular with GL and GLS buyers. Moving up to the GL nets extras such as a dual-zone air conditioner, fog lamps, keyless entry and upgraded mirrors, seats and sound system. The GLS pops for top-of-the line items such as leather, fake wood trim, CD player and the like.
Driving the Intrigue, you'd swear you were in an import. Speed-sensitive steering provides good feedback, while the brake pedal has lost most of that dreaded GM numbness. Seats are comfortable and supportive. The transmission shifts almost imperceptibly. While the car is big, it doesn't feel like it from the driver's seat, thanks to responsive handling and good visibility. Exterior styling is muscular yet understated, providing a strong family tie to the Aurora in the headlights, front fascia and rear quarters. And if the new 3.5-liter V6 is half as smooth as its Aurora-based V8 brother, the Intrigue fun-to-drive quotient can only get better (and it won't need premium fuel to do itunlike many other performance-oriented V6 powerplants in this class).
Pricing is in line with the Toyota Camry LE and XLE V6, the Nissan Maxima SE and GLE, and the Mercury Sable LS. Offering style, room and even smoother power, the Oldsmobile Intrigue is one sedan priced in the mid-20s that shoppers ought to have on their must-drive list.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Utah
$192/mo for Intrigue GX
Intrigue GX
vs
$162/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue has 8 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
8 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 98V241000
- Manufactured from:
- 1998-04-01 to 1998-08-31
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 2732
- Defect Description:
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITHOUT A HEATER HOSE CLIP WHICH COULD ALLOW THE HOSE TO SAG AND CONTACT THE OXYGEN SENSOR RESULTING IN A COOLANT LEAK.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF A COOLANT LEAK WERE TO OCCUR, AND LEAKING COOLANT CONTACTED THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD RESULT.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEATER HOSE CLIP.
- Recall Number:
- 98V102000
- Manufactured from:
- 1997-05-01 to 1997-10-31
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 149342
- Defect Description:
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OWNER MANUALS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIREMENT INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING DEVICE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY AIM THE HEADLIGHTS.
- Corrective Action:
- OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OWNER MANUAL'S INSERT WHICH CONTAINS THE APPROPRIATE INFORMATION.
- Recall Number:
- 15V701000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 15757
- Manufactured from:
- 1996-11-11 to 1999-02-09
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1003556
- Defect Description:
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
- Defect Consequence:
- Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine+s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
- Recall Number:
- 14V400000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 14350
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 6729742
- Defect Description:
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
- Recall Number:
- 09V116000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 09047
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1497516
- Defect Description:
- GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SPARK PLUG WIRE RETENTION CHANNEL AT THE FRONT OF ENGINE AND INSTALL TWO NEW SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
- Recall Number:
- 09E005000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 979
- Defect Description:
- DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
- Defect Consequence:
- A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Corrective Action:
- DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492.
- Recall Number:
- 08E063000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 3855
- Defect Description:
- DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
- Recall Number:
- 00V044000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 00011
- Manufactured from:
- 1996-11-01 to 1999-02-28
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 135475
- Defect Description:
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH REAR SEAT SHOULDER BELTS THAT COULD TWIST, ALLOWING THE WEBBING TO BE JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR. WHEN THE SHOULDER BELT WEBBING BECOMES JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR, THE SEAT BELT BECOMES UNUSABLE.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS COULD PREVENT A PERSON FROM USING THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM, AND A RISK OF INJURY TO AN UNBELTED PERSON IN A CRASH WOULD BE INCREASED.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REMOVE ANY TWISTS FROM THE REAR SHOULDER BELT(S) AND INSTALL CLIPS TO THE BELT WEB GUIDE TO PREVENT TWISTING.
Oldsmobile Intrigue Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Olds intrigue is Fun to drive, comfortable.
4 out of 5 starsdrdoug99, 02/14/2013
1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS 4dr Sedan
I just bought the car used off a random guy off Craigslist for 1,000 bucks a couple months ago.
It has issues of course, most minor, some major for a 14 year old car.
Just put another 1,000 into it having the rear strut assemblies replaced, new exhaust system, tie rod, alignment, etc. This is all the major work that needed done. The rest is piddly stuff that any old car would need.
So … for 2,000 bucks I have a car that drives like a 10,000 car. It's got the 3.5L, with 160,000 miles on it. The engine and transmission shift smooth and quiet. The motor has plenty of passing power. Very impressed with the car overall.
No regrets
4.5 out of 5 starsbiglakemi68, 01/22/2009
1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS 4dr Sedan
I have owned three Cutlasses ('68, '71 and '80), an Alero, an Aurora and a LSS 88 and this has been my favorite Olds. Right now I have 175K on the original motor and tranny and can still pull 100+ mph speeds on closed track. Reliability has been excellent. Repairs have all been within reasonable parameters for a car of its age and mileage. She's starting to show her age cosmetically, but … still rides like a dream and runs like a rocket. Love the control placement, cabin ergonomics and handling.
Best Ever
4.75 out of 5 starsBill215, 06/08/2010
1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL 4dr Sedan
Bought this former rental with 29,000 on it and have never regretted a minute of ownership. Repairs have been replacement of turn signal bulbs and driver's side window motor (80,000 mi.) It is a pleasure to drive on highways or twisty back roads. The 3.8 engine is smooth and has never given any trouble. It's only 195 hp, but always feels stronger. When it had 80,000 mi. on it, I took … it to LA and back (1100+ mi.) and it averaged 31.5 mpg. at Interstate speeds. Did another 1100 mi. jaunt to AZ five months ago and did almost as well on gas. I've owned them all, foreign and domestic, and this is the best. GM was nuts to stop production.
Discontinued & Even A Better Deal !!!
4 out of 5 starsKevin B., 04/26/2016
1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL 4dr Sedan
Yeah, the Olds line was terminated, but under the skin, it is 99% the same as the GM W-Platform line-up, which included the GrandPrix (Pontiac was also terminated) & Buick Century. Buick is going no where, it is here to stay, and much of the mechanicals are also shared with Chevy cars. I bought it cheap, $3,600, 8-9 years ago, knowing it sat (only had 36K miles on it) and needed new … rotors, pads and some front end parts. These all use the Buick/GM 3.8 L L36 OHV V6 & 4T65-E 4-speed AOD, which are about bulletproof! In fact, the Buick 3.8 L, or 3800 Series II, is the lowest warranty claim engine GM ever sold. Virtually without modification, that block can be turbo-charged, for a reliable 500+hp. Mine is a basic model, but it is very comfortable, spacious - GOOD transportation. There aren't a LOT of them out there, and many people have asked me what it was. Personally, I think the styling of my Intrigue body is elegant, well proportioned and muscular, with bulging fenders. It was the only W-body car to get the 12" performance brakes. With good tires (Bridgestone & my FIRST General's, Altimax HP, which are surprisingly good - Thank you TireRack!), the car surprises people with it's very decent handling that would make grandma puke. Parts? Mechanical parts will NEVER be a problem, because they are GM parts bin parts, AND, I've gotten any parts I've needed, including grey interior trim parts, window switches, etc., on Ebay, and they were cheap. Just replaced the CPM, which I bought online, delivered for under $20! I usually get rid of cars every 8 years or so, but I'm thinking about switching from the 11" brakes to the 12" brakes, the parts look pretty cheap. I think the dual bar front tower brace (originally for the GrandPrix) will fit and look inexpensive, si I'm thinking about putting in that front tower brace. My wheels need refinishing (ruined at PepBoys when some numb-nuts sprayed brake cleaner on the clearcoat finish), and keeping it. Took out the sound attenuator from the air-box, I'm going to get a K&N filter, and eventually, I'm going to have a larger diameter exhaust bent up and a more free flowing muffler installed. The 4T65-E AOD is ar reliable as you can find too, so, this has been and should continue to be a CHEAP, RELIABLE, GOOD LOOKING, DECENT HANDLING car, and the intake and exhaust mods are not expensive, and should boost pep and mileage. It's no M%, like a friend of mine bought, but he spends $1-2K EVERY time he takes it to his dealer. I can fix most things in my driveway. Told I need new brakes, probably $400+ for all 4 wheels, but I bought a kit with good rotors and ceramic composite pads, AND a tool to compress the caliper pads easier, delivered for just under $250. I know I can swap them in just under 2 hours. Like I said, GOOD & CHEAP transportation that does not look like 98% of the cars out there!
1999 Intrigue Highlights
GX
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $192/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger1 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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