My daughter currently has a 97 Malibu and we're looking to get her a newer car for college graduation. She's debating between another 04 Malibu, a 2000 Grand AM GT (loaded) or a 2002 Oldmobile Intrigue. The dealer is offering the Olds and Malibu for the same price, and both have under 60,000 miles on them, and wants about $7500 less for the Grand Am with 15000 more miles on it - all are local trades. I'm not familiar with the Intrigue, but I know a lot of people have problems with the Malibus and Grand Ams, we have been lucky and were able to repair the manifold on her Malibu - and no other problems so far, but with 110,000 miles and relocating far enough away that dad can't find problems before they become major, we thought a newer car was wise. What's everyone else's opinion on these cars. And does it matter is the 4 cyl better/worse than the 6 cyl on the Malibu/Intrigue? Is one better on gas mileage - my daughter has it in her head that the Oldmobile will get bad gas mileage. Any help would be great.

how much is the GA ? It is sporty looking and that may appeal to her more, I know it does my college student Daughter......LOL. I`d look at both forums for both olds and malibu and go from there in regards to problems . Check insurance premiums also . I just looked at a 4 cylinder GA and salesman claimed it would get better mileage than the 6 cyl. and he even had a loaded 6 sitting on lot for more coin . I have heard that the impala which is the same as malibu basically is a very reliable car. Just my 2 cents

All those cars are not bad.
A lot of newer GAs have 3.4L, 4 cylinders are not my thing at all, but for fuel economy its probly a good choice.

The Olds intrigue is alright too, the Malibu's are real nice.
Most have the V6, which should have the prior LIM gasket failures since this was fixed in 2003.

Good Luck with your purchase!