Alero vs. Intrigue

[bhoppes]

I owned a 2000 Intrigue GLS. One of the best cars I ever owned. The heated seats were great and the ride was great too. I drove 78 mph on the freeway back and forth to school 40 miles each way and got 27-28 mpg with the 3.5, which I think is a great engine. Very throaty and fun, yet economical. I think the Intrigue is a very much softer ride than the Alero. My aunt has one in silver with a spoiler and sunroof. Very nice ride. I don't think you will be disappointed with an Intrigue, especially if you get the heated seats.

[MelvinJ]

Another vote for the Intrigue. Mine was still very solid at 142,000 miles. Not only do you get the 3800 over the 3400, but you get the 4T60e transmission over the 4T45, another big plus, IMO. The W-bodies had matured to a point where they were very solid, and the Intrigue handles great. Very quick steering, low body roll, firm suspension.

[member12]

I like the 3.8L Intrigue.

The Alero is nice, too. It kind of depends on your preference. Parts will be easy to find for both, and both were rated very, very high by most car magazines.

[Pucks]

Originally Posted by cdp326

Was the 3.5L "Shortstar" standard in all Intrigues starting with 2000? I know it was first available on the 1999 GLS but can't find much saying what after that.

Yes, the 3.5L was standard from at least 2000 and on for all Intrigues. I thought it might have been standard on the 1999's too, but maybe not all of them. I have a 1998 Intrigue with the 3.8. I also have a Olds minivan with the 3.4. Tough comparison given the minivan weight, but the 3.8 really feels alot more refined than the 3.4.

[Squachy]

Intrigue.

I do believe the 3.5 "shortstar" was made standard after they used the 3800 for i think the first or second year.

My dad liked the intrigue, but that was several years back around the 99-2000 mark. (imports were too expensive and much of GM's other vehicles....well....sucked)

[scooter2]

I have an 01 Alero GL2; my mother has an 01 Intrigue GLS (which I have driven quite a bit). I think they are both excellent cars for the money, it just depends on what you are looking for.

The Alero:
Mine is a 4 dr 5-speed with the Quad-4 - which is a better engine than the 3.4 and only 10 less hp. I have a quad 4 in a Calais with 200,000 and counting - no problems. Olds switched to Saturns 4 cylinder in 02. If you can find the Getrag 5-speed, it also solves the problem of the poor tranny. Good luck finding one though. (No mine is not for sale)

The handling is great if you get one with the sport suspension. (GL2 or GLS) Overall a great car - fun to drive and decent gas mileage. No problems other than a few electrical snags (hazard switch and power lift motor)

The Intrigue:
More comfortable car for the long haul. These can be luxurious cars that are a steal for the price. Heated seats, dual zone climate, Bose stereo, PCS, (stabiltrak type system) etc. Does not handle as well as the Alero and my moms makes some funny bumping noises in the front suspension sometimes. You cant go wrong with the engine - the shortstar is an excellent engine and the The 3.8 is one of the best engines ever made.


Good Luck in your search.

scooter2

[LAMRONH]

Originally Posted by zete

We have an Ecotec powered Alero going on 7 years. Best car we've ever owned. We just did the brakes last year and we need tires this year. That's been it, other than oil changes. We find it roomy and comfortable, though a tad noisy. It also gets great mileage.

You look a lot like House. Are you related?

[JM9777]

I have never driven an Alero.

But I do have a 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue that I love. Mine has the 3.8L V-6. If you drive with some restraint, it is easy to match the EPA ratings of 19/30. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive used car.

When/if you test drive one, be aware of any "clunks" in the steering system at low speeds....this is a sign of a worn intermediate steering shaft, which was one of the major problems with this car. I have had mine replaced, but otherwise the car has been trouble-free.

[Ttple]

Intrigue has more room and it's a great highway car. My Intrigue likes to be on the open road. It's a quiet car and powerfull when needed.

[1969CamaroSS350]

I would go with the Intrigue. It's just a more refined car overall. I would rather have the 3800 over 3.5.

[Explorer4x4]

Personally, I would go for the Intrigue. Bigger is the main reason. And my cousin has one, and they are surprisingly sturdy.

[VivienM]

Originally Posted by 1969CamaroSS350

I would go with the Intrigue. It's just a more refined car overall. I would rather have the 3800 over 3.5.

3800 Intrigues are getting old, though...

[BerettaZ]

Our Intrigue has been very reliable thru 80K, except for the fact that the Shortstar uses a lot of oil. If you can find a 3800, the motor will be less costly to maintain/repair as it gets up in mileage. The 3800 was on all 98 Intrigues and some built in 99. They switched to the 3.5 mid-model year - no 3800s were built after 99.

[VivienM]

Originally Posted by BerettaZ

Our Intrigue has been very reliable thru 80K, except for the fact that the Shortstar uses a lot of oil. If you can find a 3800, the motor will be less costly to maintain/repair as it gets up in mileage. The 3800 was on all 98 Intrigues and some built in 99. They switched to the 3.5 mid-model year - no 3800s were built after 99.

The 3800s will already be "up in mileage" though compared to a 2001/2002 3.5L.

How serious is this oil burning issue?

[W.A.F.U.]

Originally Posted by scooter2

Mine is a 4 dr 5-speed with the Quad-4 - which is a better engine than the 3.4 and only 10 less hp.

2.4 TC was 150hp. That's a 20hp difference.