1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
11/09/1997
Erick Loven
Introduction
The 1998 Intrigue is Oldsmobile's newest mid-sized sedan. Its size and price plunk it somewhere in the Oldsmobile lineup between the Aurora and the redesigned Cutlass. Oldsmobile is marketing the Intrigue to buyers looking for a sleekly styled, moderately sized sedan with a powerful engine. A tall order since some of its biggest competitors in this arena are the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Camry.
Join us as we take an in-depth look at the Intrigue.
Facts
Oldsmobile has done a great deal of market research for the Intrigue and is very confident in the results. They claim that it is centered in a small area of customer requirements. So much so, that the Intrigue is limited to one body style, one engine option, and one seating configuration. A 4-door sedan, graced with buckets in front and a 60/40 split-fold rear, is the only choice.
The Intrigue does offer some various options. Power moonroof and leather seats are both available. A CD player, either in-dash or changer in the trunk, can be added to the standard tape deck. Oldsmobile also has a package for aggressive drivers called the Autobahn. This package will give you H-speed-rated tires and slightly larger front disc brakes.
The price falls somewhere between $21,000 and $27,000, depending on the options. The test vehicle included the Autobahn package, moonroof, CD player, and a sticker price of $24,900.
The driving force of the '98 Intrigue is the 3800 V-6. This is the only engine available under Oldsmobile's new motto, "one-great-car". The V-6 offers up 195 hp, which is put to the pavement with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Unlike its cousins the Grand Prix and Regal, the 240 bhp supercharged 3800 V-6 is not offered. The Hydra-Matic 4T65E utilizes a new concept in transmission drive-chains. Two half-width drive chains run 180 degrees out of phase from each other. Oldsmobile claims that this will cancel any harmonic vibrations and reduce noise.
Four wheel, anti-lock, disc brakes are standard equipment on the Intrigue. The 10.8in diameter by 1.26in thick front rotors may be upgraded in the Autobahn package to 11.8in diameter.
Oldsmobile has placed a unitized chassis with isolated front and rear sub-frames as the base of the Intrigue. The sub-frames are connected to the chassis with rubber bushings. The rear bushings are oriented to match side loads during cornering. The front bushings contain three layers of rubber with varying degrees of firmness. Each layer helps isolate the body from the suspension during braking, acceleration, and cruising.
Independent MacPherson struts and coil springs are attached to the L-shaped front suspension arms. In the rear, independent, coil-over struts guide the tri-link suspension. One longitudinal and two lateral locators on each rear wheel make up the tri-link. Anti-roll bars connect both the front and rear suspension arms to prevent any binding forces.
Observations
Form
The overall styling of the Oldsmobile Intrigue is sleek and refined. The smooth curves of the fenders race from the large headlamps in front past the doors and back to the tail lamps. The non-existent grille is not missed and the clear headlamp covers point in towards the Oldsmobile symbol in the center. The slightly oversized wheels and aluminum rims give the Intrigue a sporty look. But the rest of the body shows sophistication with a hint of elegance.
The Intrigue's interior is large and comfortable. It has more legroom in the back seat than the Camry and plenty of shoulder room for four passengers. Adding the third person in the back seat makes things a bit tight, but manageable, especially if the third person is under 12.
The trunk has 16 cu. ft. of space to spread out your suitcases and duffel bags. And the 60/40 split-fold rear seat makes it possible to carry skis or even the occasion 8 foot 2x4. The trunk lid even opens on a double hinge, which limits intrusion into the cargo space.
The interior styling is rather plain compared to the exterior. The control panel is well laid out with no big surprises. All of the controls follow the normal Oldsmobile model. The only extras are the second cigarette lighter and the change holder hidden within the armrest.
The front driver's bucket seat has 6-way automatic adjustments, which will make any driver feel at home. Unfortunately this is only reserved for the driver. The passenger side has the old 2-way adjustment and locked lumber support. A simple test drive will determine whether the passenger seat is right for you or not.
Function
The 3800 V-6 definitely has the power to move the Intrigue. While it will not win any races with sports cars, it will get you up the on-ramp and onto the freeway with ease. The engine responded well both from stops and at highway speeds. It is a major improvement over the 160 bhp 3.1L V-6 of the Cutlass and Lumina.
The 4-speed transmission shifted well and varied according to the driving conditions. During casual cruising, the transmission was hardly noticeable. Under heavy acceleration, the transmission shifted later and felt tighter. But it still went through the gears smoothly.
The overall ride of the Intrigue was a bit harsh for a sophisticated sedan. The suspension was tight around corners and over bumps. It handled more like a sports car than a luxury car. Of course many drivers would see that as a definite plus .
The oversized wheels and heavy-duty brakes are a delight when braking into curves or during abrupt stops. They make the Intrigue seem much lighter and easier to control than the 3455 lb. curb weight suggests. This should be especially interesting to drivers who live with large hills or bumper-to-bumper traffic on a daily basis.
Specifications
General
Front Wheel Drive, Front Engine, 5 passenger / 4 door sedan
Unitized body with rubber isolated powertrain
Price Range: $21,000-$27,000 (tested at $24,900)
Engine
Transverse OHV 12 valve V-6, iron block and head
Bore x Stroke: 3.80 x 3.40 in.
Compression Ratio: 9.4:1
Displacement: 3.8L
Horsepower: 195 bhp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 220 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline: 6000 rpm
Fuel Requirement: 87 Octane unleaded
Drivetrain
Transmission: Hydra-Matic 4-spd Electronic Automatic (4T60E)
Gears & Ratios
1st - 2.92:1
2nd - 1.57:1
3rd - 1.00:1
4th - 0.70:
Rev - 2.39:1
Axle Ratio Standard - 3.05:1
Interior
Head Room F:39.3in
R:37.4in
Leg Room F:42.4in
R:36.9in
Hip Room F:55.6in
R:54.8in
Storage Volume: 16.0cu.ft.
Measurements
Weight: 3455lbs.
Width: 73.6in
Height: 56.6in
Suspension
Front Suspension: independent MacPherson strut, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: independent, coil-over strut tri-link, stabilizer bar
Steering
Type: Variable assist power, rack and pinion
Turning circle: 36.6ft
Brakes
Power assisted 4-wheel disc, vented in front
Front rotor diameter x thickness: 10.8in x 1.26in (Autobahn package 11.8in x 1.26in)
Rear rotor diameter x thickness: 10.9in x 0.4in
Wheels & Tires:
Tires: P225/60R16/AL2 Goodyear Eagle LS
(Autobahn package P225/60R16/AL3 H-rated Goodyear Eagle RS-A)
Wheel Size & Type: 16in x 6.5in, Aluminum
Fuel Economy
city: 19 mpg
highway: 30 mpg
Summary
Oldsmobile's Intrigue is definitely worth a look by anyone who enjoys sleek styling and powerful performance. The interior is basic, yet roomy and comfortable. The exterior has sharp lines and smooth curves, which give it an elegant and sophisticated look, while the lean front end and large wheels hint at the power lying just under the surface.
The 195hp 3800 V-6 is one of the best features of the Intrigue. The body styling and simple elegance also make my list of likes. My only real dislike is the lack of options. For example, buyers should have the choice of a tight, sporty suspension verses the relaxed suspension of a luxury car. The option of 6-way power seat adjustments should be extended to the passenger side. Oldsmobile may know that their "one-great-car" philosophy does not fit everyone, but that's not necessarily a good thing.