1997 OLDSMOBILE Intrigue 3.8L V6 4AT FWD (197 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 1997, Oldsmobile introduced the mid-size sedan Intrigue, trying to defeat the Camrys, Accords, and Maximas, and offered a fresh design that was meant to attract younger generations than the regular Olds’ customers.

It was a big struggle for GM to keep the century-old brand on the market and try to lower the building costs. For that, it employed the Chevrolet Impala’s platform. Moreover, it promoted it via the X-files movie. But, unfortunately, not even in its best year, the Intrigue couldn’t pass the 100,000 units sold mark.

Penned during the biodesign years, the Intrigue sported rounded shapes all over the place. It featured elongated, horizontal headlights with corner-mounted turn signals and a grille moved in the lower bumper area. That latter design idea led to overheating problems during rush hours. On highways, on the other hand, the curved areas helped it get a decent fuel efficiency. The carmaker tried to make wider taillights at the back, but that led to narrower access to the trunk.

Unlike the exterior, which was penned by Brigid O’Kane, the interior was imagined by Pete Lawlis. He followed the same ideas of the biodesign theme. The rounded shapes dominated the dashboard, but the air vents looked like they were from four different cars. Neither one of them resembled another. The front bucket seats were separated by the tall center console and the armrest covering a storage compartment. On the center stack, Lawlis cluttered the area with buttons and switches for the radio and the HVAC system. But, at least, he arranged an interior that could accommodate five people inside. However, the rear bench was more appropriate for two.

Under the hood, GM installed a choice of two V6 engines, both mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.