- sedan 131,680
- Valley Center, KS
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- autoshopper.com
- sedan 131,680 gasoline red automatic
1998 oldsmobile intrigue review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Olds creates a winner. introductionlike all car makers these days, general motors is working to create chassis that can support a wide variety of products, and thus reduce the number of platforms in its manufacturing programs. from the manufacturer's point of view, the obvious payoff is reduced cost. This 1998 replacement for the cutlass supreme does have a lot in common with a number of other gm mid-size entries--the buick century and regal, pontiac grand prix and chevy lumina, for example--but it has its own character and, in fact, may be one of the best interpretations of gm's new w-car group. it's a little more smooth and compliant than the grand prix on rough surfaces, it's more agile than the century and it has enough punch to keep pace with the japanese v6 sedans olds hopes to challenge--notably, the nissan maxima and toyota camry. There's a lot of aurora in the intrigue's quietly muscular exterior, and the twin openings below the reflector headlamps lend extra character to the front end. the exterior is devoid of brightwork and badging, the 16-inch wheels fill the wheelwells and the car's proportions disguise its substantial size: 7. 1 inches longer and 3. 5 inches wider than the new camry. although the front-drive chassis is an evolutionary development of the cutlass supreme gm-10 platform, it's been reworked from end to end to improve rigidity, a new--and significant--engineering priority at gm. The intrigue also seems to indicate that gm is learning how to increase rigidity without a corresponding increase in bulk. Its chassis registers 22. 4 hz on the bending scale, and nearly as high in torsional rigidity. according to olds, that's stiffer than either the nissan maxima--the basic development target--or the new toyota camry, and on a par with the ford taurus and mercury sable. At 3455 pounds, the intrigue is no wraith, and it's substantially heavier than its japanese rivals, but, significantly, doesn't feel as heavy as it is. beyond durability and noise isolation issues, chassis rigidity is the cornerstone of good vehicle dynamics. Since the suspension components don't have to compensate for chassis flex, it's easier to achieve the desired blend of ride and handling traits. in the intrigue, that blend seems to be right on the money, and distinctly european in character--firm, but devoid of harshness. The intrigue's all-strut suspension is typically american in design, and it yields a handling trait (progressive understeer) that's universal among u. Mainstream front-drive sedans. Understeer describes a vehicle's resistance to turning into a corner, and it invariably increases as a function of speed. As a result, the intrigue's suspension is able to keep pace with pavement oscillations, which in turn keeps the tires in constant contact with the road. steering--gm's new magnetic variable assist rack and pinion system--is another pleasant surprise. Like most gm cars, abs is standard equipment, and pedal feel is firmer than previous examples of gm antilock systems. interiorthe intrigue is big by mid-size standards, and there's corresponding roominess inside. Front leg room, augmented by extended seat travel, is abundant, and there's plenty of space for two adults in the rear, though the center position might not be quite as comfortable for a third. The basic car includes air conditioning, am/fm/cassette audio, and power windows, mirrors and locks for a base price of about $22,000. With a sunroof and other extras, the line will probably top out at about $26,000. driving impressionthe sum of all the chassis and suspension work is handling that measures up very well against the development targets. While it's reasonably agile for a car in its size class, the intrigue's strengths are quiet comfort with a taste of elegance in a subdued but stylish package. as a descriptor, oldsmobile's 'one great car' development philsophy is closer to the mark. In fact, we'd say it's right on target. assembled inkansas city, mo. options as testedautobahn package, leather seats, premium am/fm/cd/cassette audio, chromed aluminum alloy wheels. model testedgl. AM/FM✔ Power Windows✔ Tachometer✔ Cruise Control✔ CD Player✔ Leather Seats✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Air Conditioning✔ Alloy Wheels
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