1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue: Road Test

Intrigue comes as close as any domestic sedan to equaling the feeling and philosophy of formidable import designs, such as the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Camry. It's inviting to drive, with little body lean and stable handling along twisty stretches. You also get plenty of "pull" from the 3.8-liter V6. An early GL accelerated to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, averaging 21.7 mpg on regular fuel. Later models with the 3.5-liter engine turned out to be less frugal: in the 17.7 to 19.5 mpg neighborhood. The responsive automatic transmission is smooth-shifting and well-behaved. A solid structure and taut suspension provide a stable ride and comfortable handling, with very good grip and balance in turns. Little floating or wallowing can be discerned over uneven pavement. Intrigue has better steering feel than the Camry, and a more controlled ride than either the Maxima or the Camry. Still, you can get tire and suspension thump over sharp bumps and ridges. The ride remains comfortably absorbent, even with the Autobahn Package--an option on the GL that included firmer tires and larger brakes. Tires in the Autobahn Package provide better grip and crisper cornering behavior. Stopping power is strong, though some drivers might consider brake-pedal feel to be numb. Front bucket seats, which are firm and supportive, have ample fore/aft travel, giving tall folks room to stretch. Some shorter drivers might find the lower cushion a bit long. Others could consider the lumbar support to be too prominent. The rear seat is less spacious, though there's more than adequate head and leg room for most adults and the doors are wide enough for easy entry/exit. Intrigue's driving position is comfortable, commanding, and should suit most people. A tilt steering wheel has been standard, and a power driver's seat might be installed. Lexus could have designed the dashboard, which puts everything within easy sight and reach in a modern, attractive design. One exception: The automatic-temperature control panel on GL/GLS models is too low to reach easily while driving. Even more serious, it has difficulty defogging windows in some chilly, damp conditions. Cargo space is more than competitive for its class. The trunk floor is flat and wide, and there are no bulky hinges to intrude into the cargo area.

Value for the Money
Intrigue is more sophisticated than the brash Grand Prix, and more nimble and poised than a Ford Taurus or Toyota Camry V6. If you're looking for an impressive midsize car with a thoughtful blend of features and performance, don't decide until you've driven this pleasant and surprising Olds.