1993 Dodge Intrepid ES review from North America

The front brake rotors warped at under 20,000 miles and I am on my 3rd set of rotors now. Otherwise the brakes have been very good. I still have the original calipers and I have only had to replace the rear brake pads once.

The transmission developed the "bump stop" (a harsh downshift into first gear when coming to a stop) that these cars are noted for around 80,000 miles. The dealer changed the transmission fluid and replaced the transmission control computer module and the bump stop went away for a few thousand miles. After the bump stop came back, I took the car back to them and they told me they couldn't do any more for it without dismantling the transmission. The dealer made no effort to tell me this was a common problem. I later found out that the bump stop would go away for a while every time I replaced the transmission fluid. Nevertheless, the original transmission is still in there at nearly 200,000 miles.

The air conditioning system has been the most costly repair item for this car by far. In less than three years, the compressor broke at a cost of almost $700. Chrysler had extended the warranty on the evaporator to 70,000 miles, but not the compressor. I found the dealer service department to be rude, arrogant, and less than forthcoming about how common air conditioner problems are with these cars. The next year, the evaporator developed a leak. Unfortunately, by this time I was over 70,000 miles. They wanted another $600 to replace it.

The finish on the trim between the rear door on the driver's side and the rear window started pealing after three or four years. I have seen many Intrepids with this same problem.

The timing belt pulley failed at 120,000 miles, which destroyed the timing belt and left me stranded.

The Infinity sound system failed at 175,000 miles.

The transmission mount failed at 198,000 miles.

The left drive shaft failed at 198,000 miles.

The headlights are very poor. Every other car I've ever owned (and I've owned cars from five different decades) has had far superior headlights.

The windshield wipers are very poor, also. I buy name brand wiper blades and they work OK when driving slowly, but during faster driving, they start missing spots. It is very annoying.

I have been very happy with the engine. It has always performed well and has only required routine maintenance, with the exception of the timing belt pulley problem mentioned above.

It is comfortable car to drive and ride in.