3.5 engine, power, handling, fit and finish

Too much wind and road noise; headlights should come on as part of DRL; GL's interior cloth should be upgraded; heat/A/C controls too far down and to the right; no on/off button - radio steering wheel controls

MSRP was $25575; paid $22676 (incl $1000 rebate) .... liked my '97 Bonneville SLE much better! Would recommend a '00 GL for anyone desiring a GM mid-size car; however, certain imports are attractive alternatives (and have higher resale values)

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superior to Regal and GrandPrix .... marginally better than Sable Touring model

Handling is comparable or better to many European and Japanese cars. Exterior fit and finish is superior on mine (although I have read of complaints by other customers). Plenty of power, and married to a very smooth and sophisticated transmission (I have the older 3.8, which is just fine if a bit noisy on occasion). Strong exterior styling statement (with echos of Aurora), with excellent interior space and visibility. This is actually a larger and heavier car than one would assume from a first exterior impression. So far, there have only been a few mechanical problems (loose alternator wire and faulty rear strut) which were replaced under the warranty.

Although the interior is nicely laid out, the plastic and cloth materials are too cheap looking and feeling, and they generally lack quality. The center console side panels, for example, are made of a cheap and ill-fitting plastic, and they don't extend all the way to the fire wall, leaving an open space where wires and other components can be exposed and dangle. Likewise, although the trunk is quite spacious, there are too many wires and cables exposed and taped, which is rare for most Japanese cars. Little details like these give an impression of a "not quite finished" automobile.

Dealer service is uneven. I had an electrical problem (flickering interior panel lights from a loose alternator wire) when I first bought the car, which my sales dealer insisted was "normal". The problem was quickly identified and solved under warranty when I took it to another dealer with more knowledgable technicians (Berejik).

Finally, although the automatic transmission is extraordinarly smooth and responsive, I am sorry that GM does not offer a manual transmission for this car. As good as the handling is for this car, a manual transmission would have only made it even better.

This is the first American car that I have purchased in 30 years, having previously owned a succession of Audi's. No, it is not up to the handling, quality and panache of an Audi, or other fine Japanese and German cars; but I am quite pleased with what the Intrigue does offer for a much better price. I paid $19,000 for it, which is probably $3,000 to $5,000 less than a comparably equipped Camry or Accord; and at least $10,000 less than an Audi A4 (and much bigger too). Also, a purchaser should consider the total life cycle costs of an automobile, and not just look at the intial purchase price. The cost of replacement parts and servicing for this car will likely be less than many European (but not Japanese) cars (although, I admit that only time will tell whether I will really spend less). What GM needs to do is to take the excellent concept and design of this car, and work to improve some of its details.

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Camry and Accord have overall better quality, but the handling, design and interior space are inferior to the Intrigue.

Handling is great on mountain roads in our area. Like it was on rails.
Acceleration with 3.8 (yes, the old one) engine is strong and smooth. Ride is solid (has the autobahn package) but comfortable for long distance trips. It is tight, the climate control is excellent, trunk huge and visibility is excellent. Steering wheel is thick for a solid grip, cruise control buttons well placed on right hand side of wheel, instrument panel layout excellent. I love the way it looks--understated, sleek, smooth.

I'm generally pleased with the car, but I would like to get more than the 28 mpg I average on the road. I wish the ding-ding warning for parking brake and seat belt wasn't quite so hysterical. Glove box could be bigger and the grip on outside door handles could be deeper. One 6-foot passenger said the rear headroom was limited. Otherwise, I have no compaints.

I bought it with 30,000 mi. on the clock and paid $15,000. I am a skeptic about ALL cars, but so far I like this one. I believe this is a fine, sporty sedan. I haven't had so much fun driving since I owned '66 'Vette.

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As good or better than the Ford Taurus and Nissan Maxima. Better than the Buick Regal.

An incredible 215 horsepower V6. Smooth ride, execellent handling, and huge trunk.

cup holder in front of gear shift.

I paid $24,000 and haven't had a regret. The new 3.5 DOHC engine is great fun. Its a great combination of power and luxury. Very sharp looking car. If looking for a car under $25,000, I highly suggest looking in to the Inrigue (3.5 liter engine).

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Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Maxima. Much better than Accord or Camry, and Sligtly better than Maxima.

style / motor size /handling/

Brakes . Had to turn roters twice in 28000 kms. Once at 9000 kms. Next time i will have to put new ones on and i dont think that is right. Rotors should last at least 65000kms before they are touched. 1700 kms was put on highway driving. WHY /WHY/ WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM WHEN YOU PAY SO MUCH FOR THE CAR?????? Last olds i had rotors lasted 65ooo kms before they were touched. Thank you

It is nice car but costs the buyer big money to keep it on the road

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None

The engine is very smooth as is the transmission. I also like the styling.

There are many things I don't like now that I have had the car for awhile. The stereo is horrible, I just spent 800 dollars for a new one and better speakers. The front seat hurts my back after about a half hour. The materials ina 25,000 dollar car are cheap/cheap/cheap. The fit and finish is awful. The steering is weird above 75 mph. I also had under coating overspray all over the wheel wheels on delivery I had to remove.

I paid around 23,000 and it listed for 25,000. I also got 0.9% financing. So if you get the good financing and don't care about comfortable seats a decent stereo and bad fit and finish and interior design this is your car. G.M. wake up and build a modern well built car. You are on the right track at least.

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I had a Mitsubishi Diamante that i traded to buy an american car. That was a very stupid move on my part. I also owned an accord but I like the olds better except for the seats and tacky interior.

Engine, Steering and handling, Power

MPG

I think that the intrigue is a great car, I have had this car for alittle while and have had no problems since the time that I've owned it. Has great pickup and go to it.
Stero and speakers are go but could have better sound quality or bigger speakers in the back. but no complaints from me at all. price paid for my was 18,000 fro 98'
but mine is the standard no GL or GLS. A great starter car for first time buyers or for people who want to pay 20,000 to 26,000

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Honda V6 toyota V6 Intrepid V6

Power, handling, comfort.

Lousy build quality, numerous problems, what a lemon!

Lots of great features for the money, excellent car...but, why can't GM build in the quality that Honda and Toyota can (here in the US I might add)...oh well

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Honda Accord

The 3.5 V6 is very fun to drive.[FAST] Fit an finish is very good.Rides and drives great.Am Fm CD Cass combo sounds great.Over all a very good buy!

Gas mileage.Interior just lacks something.

Over all the Intrigue rides and drives better. The V-6 is fun.Price well it was alot better than the Camery,right 3K different,and I feel I have alot more car under me. Just go drive one and see what you think,thats what sold me.The real proof is 2 or 3 years down the road,but at this time the car is alot more than what I expected.G.M.needed to do something and in this car I really felt they have.MPG its okay but its so fun to run that car Ill pay a little more. Iam getting 17 in town 25-27 on the road and I run hard. Do yourself a favor and drive one. Japan move over your going to have a problem here.

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The last five years Ive drove Toyota Camery.[96 an 98]Not once did I have either car in the shop.4cyl engines ran and drove great.[Lets just see what happens here.

Excellant acceleration, extremly quiet, stable ride (feels like you're riding on rails) seats provide great support and feel. The leather is comfortable. good controls with appropriate feel (read foreign) intelligent and clean dash. dashboard mounted ignition a nice touch. very distinctive, slightly aggressive look

steering wheel mounted radio and cruise control buttons lack appropriate feel, otherwise an excellant car

Clearly the best domestic car produced under $26,000. (I paid approx $25K for a well loaded car) For years i've been lamenting on how the US car companies cannot execute the production of a well conceived, decent automobile. It appears that Oldsmobile is doing a great job--I rented an Alero last fall and was also impressed. I truly believe that anyone considering purchasing a midsize auto would do themselves a service by test driving this car.

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previous owner of 1997 honda accord Ex. tried subaru forester, saturn LS, ford taurus