Overview:
This week I revisited Oldsmobile. The Intrigue is a mid-size sedan that is one of those mysteries of history that produced an inanimate object that the world would have a 100-year love affair with. Now in the 21st century the computer may be a close second as a machine that will occupy as much of our time.
Oldsmobile was one of the first cars made and it has stood the test of time. Dad was an Oldsmobile devotee and so I’m biased. If dad put out his hard earned money how bad could they be? Right! Well, the fact is, dad was right, and they continue the tradition of quality cars affordably priced. Dad used to tell me that Olds was the testing ground for Cadillac and so you tended to get a lot of features for the money.
Handling & Performance:
Traction control is one of those miracles of technology that keeps the car going where you steer it. It corrects for over or under steering, which means it keeps the rear end from swinging out and helps the car turn the way you steer, even when it wants to go straight. It is highly recommended. The twin cam V6 engine produces 215 horsepower, which is plenty of power for lead foot drivers like me. I like to feel the road a bit more than this car allows. Steering is a little lose at highway speeds.
Styling:
Sleek clean lines almost distinct in this world of stamped out clones.
Fit and Finish:
Good, but I was a little disappointed with the door panel power window controls. It shook lose from slamming the door so I expect that to be a problem waiting to be an irritation later.
Conveniences:
As dad said, you tend to get a lot of features for the dough.
Cost:
Well priced for a luxury car.
Recommendation:
You have lots to choose from in the lineup below and I have tested all and would be hard pressed to say there was one that stands out way above the others.
The Competition:
Chevrolet Impala $19,149-23,225, Chrysler Concorde $22,510-26,755, Dodge Intrepid $20,645-24,435, Ford Taurus 18,260-21,535, Honda Accord $15,350-24,550, Mitsubishi Galant $17, 557-24,007, Nissan Maxima $21,249-27,149, Subaru Legacy $19,195-24,295, Toyota Camry $17,518-26, 198, Volkswagen Passat $21,200-27,655.
Good News:
Good gas mileage, luxury car feel, roomy interior and trunk and traction control.
Bad News:
Plastic controls on door will be a problem, lose steering at highway speeds,
Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter V6 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic trans, speed sensitive steering, front and rear stabilizer bars, dual air bags, 4-wheel anti lock disc brakes, theft deterrent system, rear door child security locks, child seat anchors, front reclining bucket seats, stereo dimensional sound system with cassette and CD, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, tilt wheel, cruise control, power mirrors, air filtration system, fog lights, split folding rear seat, lighted vanity mirrors, steering wheel radio controls, remote keyless entry, 6-way power driver seat, and traction control.
Gas Stats:
19 City and 28 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $24,150.
