Oldsmobile Intrigue

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Oldsmobile Intrigue
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1998–2002
Assembly	Kansas City, Kansas
Predecessor	Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Class	Mid-size car
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	W-body
Engine(s)	3.8 L L36 OHV V6 3.5 L LX5 DOHC V6
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	109.0 in (2769 mm)
Length	195.9 in (4976 mm)
Width	73.6 in (1869 mm)
Height	56.6 in (1438 mm)
Fuel capacity	17 US gallons (14.2 imp gal/64.4 L)
Related	Buick Century Buick Regal Chevrolet Impala Chevrolet Lumina Chevrolet Monte Carlo Pontiac Grand Prix

The Oldsmobile Intrigue was a mid-size sedan manufactured from 1998 through 2002 by the Oldsmobile division of General Motors. The Intrigue's design cues were first seen in 1995 with the Oldsmobile Antares concept car. The Intrigue was the first casualty in the phase-out process of Oldsmobile. Upon the demise of the Oldsmobile division in 2004, it was replaced by the new Buick LaCrosse (which was styled by the same Designer that did the Intrigue) the following year, in 2005.

The Aurora-inspired Intrigue was designed to compete more with Japanese automobiles, and replaced the aging Cutlass Supreme. It went into production on May 5, 1997. It was similar to a range of mid-sized sedans from other GM divisions, including the Buick Century, Buick Regal, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo and the Pontiac Grand Prix. The Intrigue was available in three trim levels: base GX, mid-level GL, and high-end GLS.

All Intrigues were built at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas, where the Grand Prix was also built (the Buick Century and Regal, and the Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo were all built in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada). For the 1999 model year, a new, sophisticated DOHC 3.5L "Shortstar" engine, a six-cylinder based on the GM Northstar V8, was introduced. On June 14, 2002, the final Intrigue rolled off the assembly line, as part of the Final 500 Collectors Edition. The 3.5L engine became standard from 2000-2002, the Intrigue was the only W-body car GM had offered with the most standard engine power.

[edit] Engines

• 1998-1999 OHV 3.8 L L36 (231 in³) V6
• 1999-2002 DOHC 3.5 L LX5 (214 in³) V6

[edit] Year-to-year changes

• 1999: For the beginning of this model year, the DOHC 3.5 L "Shortstar" engine was standard in the top-line GLS and optional on mid-level GL and base GX models. Later, it became standard on all models. Decklids now wore a small Oldsmobile badge. In the previous model year, there was a complaint that some people couldn't tell that Intrigues were Oldsmobiles. If you look closely, you can read 'Oldsmobile' molded in the backup light lens in the taillight housing on all model years. All models now got a thicker, leather-wrapped steering wheel. New to the option list was GM's OnStar emergency/communications system.
• 2000: New wheels featured a fancier six-spoke design. New to the option list for 2000 was an antiskid system called the Precision Control System. Precision Control System was designed to help keep the car on its intended path by selective braking of one or more individual wheels. Though optional on all models, GX buyers had to order optional traction control to get the new antiskid system. Heated power front seats were now standard on GLS models. Retained accessory power was standard this year. "Oldsmobile" emblem on deck lid is larger than on 1999 models, although some early 2000 models carried the smaller version. A new gold-trim package was also available.
• 2001: On GX models, traction control became standard instead of optional. New automatic headlights were now standard on all models. Premium Leather and Precision Sport option packages were also available for this year.
• 2002: GLS models now featured a two-tone interior with sterling accents, as well as standard HomeLink, sunroof, and driver lumbar. All models featured new family of radios with RDS and standard CD player (borrowed from the newly-redesigned Aurora). Tropic Teal and Indigo Blue were two new exterior colors. All models had new LATCH (Lower Anchor and Top tether for Children) in three rear seat positions. Sun & Sound package was available on GL models (includes Bose sound system and sunroof). New winchester headliner was inside. Production of the Intrigue ended in June 2002 as part of the phaseout of the Oldsmobile brand. The Final 500 Collectors Edition versions came in a unique Dark Cherry Metallic paint with special classic-style Oldsmobile emblems and featured Aurora-styled 17-inch chrome wheels. Owners also received a special commemorative packet.

[edit] Gallery

Front view

Rear view

Rear 3/4 view

Side view

[edit] External links

• The Oldsmobile Connection - The Site For Oldsmobile Enthusiasts
• 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue Reviews

• Oldsmobile Club of America