2000 Dodge Intrepid SE review from North America

Coasting and lightly breaking on approach to a stop light, the light turned and I accelerated into the intersection. Without warning, the engine cut out for a split second, surged on again, then out again, and finally caught on and away I go.

The engine never actually died, but the engine icon "dinged" on. The Intrepid ran perfectly afterword, though the engine light continued to "ding" on after start up.

Less than 24 hours after the incident, the engine icon turned off during travel, no longer sensing a problem.

A diagnostic was performed and discovered a "cam-ring" sensor code. The Cam Ring is a magnetic chunk of metal which signals through the sensor to command the firring of the spark plugs. I simply had a fair-minded professional mechanic replace the sensor. I replaced the "crank-ring" sensor too since it commands the fuel injection and the two systems go hand in hand. Perhaps this was unnecessay, but I err on the side of caution. My total bill was little more than $300 including the diagnostic.

True, it was only a momentary failure of the sensor, but if either of them fails entirely, the engine will not run.

This car is very roomy and a large person can feel comfortable in it. However, the seats are too firm against the ribs.

This Intrepid is generates its horsepower at lower RPM making it responsive in metro driving conditions and a cruiser on the freeway. It is more economical than the competitors in its class. This smaller 2.7L engine does a very good job.

The styling is nice and sporty, for a sedan, but opt for some after market rims because the what comes stock is U-G-L-Y. Add a bit of tint for privacy, and you are in a sweet ride for a very reasonable price.

The front suspension is a bit loose or squishy under normal conditions. In winter driving, even with snow tires, this issue is compounded. I am a confident driver in the winter, and I was notably disappointed in the snow.