1995 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.5 Litre

Summary:

It is a great looking car that performs well, but lacks quality

Faults:

The water pump leaked when the car was only 2 months old and was replaced under warranty.

The tie rod sway bar was replaced with a stronger one during the first year. This was at no cost and the service adviser at the dealer told me about this. I was experiencing no difficulties at the time.

The transmission cooling lines were replaced because they were leaking.

The air conditioner evaporator leaks refrigerant. The a/c compressor seized and snapped the drive belt. I replaced the belt and repaired the compressor. Now, I top up the system annually with "Duracool" refrigerant and the a/c works better than when it was new! I do it myself and it costs only $55 (Canadian) for two cans and that includes a disposable charge hose.

The timing belt was replaced at 235,000 km, which I'm told is amazing service for this engine. The water pump was replaced at the same time because it was leaking. Total cost of those repairs at Canadian Tire was $1100.

Right now, I am experiencing a no start problem. The dealer had the car for a week and claimed it started every time and that nothing is wrong.

General Comments:

It has been the best Chrysler vehicle that I have owned. It seems that I have had fewer problems than most and it still runs very well except for the starting problems that I have been experiencing recently. This will be my last Chrysler after driving them since 1979.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th February, 2003

25th Mar 2003, 19:23

When you try to start the car, does it not sound at all? In that case probably the Starter motor is weak. A check will probably show that the starter is good; but when the battery load kicks in, it fails often. I had this problem with two of my intrepids.

1995 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.5L 24 valve V6

Summary:

A very awful car in quality

Faults:

This car has been a very interesting car in my experience. Many things have gone wrong with it, but at the same time it has been a very excellent car.

A very powerful car, although the transmission is starting to show problems. Very expensive on gas and problems occur on a monthly basis.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st January, 2003

12th Feb 2007, 12:46

Just wonderin, if you had problems with the Intrepid idling high while in park. @2,OOO RPM IS WHAT MY INTREPID IDLES AT IN PARK.

1995 Dodge Intrepid Sedan 3.5L 24 Valve

Summary:

Sharp looking car for family or travel minded people

Faults:

Fuel Rails * O-ring seals: Fixed 2 months prior to recall and not reimbursed.

Intake leak at 55,000 miles $800.00.

Valve covers leak oil. Replaced once already.

Air Conditioner evaporator, condenser and heater core replaced at 101,000. $1200.00.

Headlight Assemblies replaced 100.00 each. Reflectors melted away from housing. Poor design.

Moisture in turn signal housings. Living with it.

Transmission replaced at 108,000. $1900.00. A common problem for these vehicles.

Beverage holder sticks. Won't pop out of console without beating on it.

Front end 'crunch' when cold outside.

Wheel center caps fall off or stolen frequently.

Front brake rotors have a tendency to oscillate. Make sure your mechanic grinds the rust off the inside of the rotor before re-installing it after a brake job.

Door seal gaskets leak air.

Check Engine Light comes on intermittently. Code 23 Manifold Air Temperature sensor. Haven't replaced sensor yet. Light goes out on restart.

Windshield glass seems scratched from wipers. Casts glare in bright sunlight and is annoying.

Door trim paint fading.

Center console shaky, loose.

General Comments:

Despite all of the problems, this has been an exceptional car.

Handles well in all weather.

Tires make or break this cars handling ability though.

Peppy acceleration from a 215 Horse V6. I was quite impressed. I removed the air restrictor between the air filter and the intake and vehicle now has better high end acceleration and sounds souped up when tromping on the gas.

Top speed is 118 miles per hour before computer speed over-ride shuts down, but I can cruise reliably at 80 and it feels like you are going 55.

Great gas mileage! 28-30 highway.

Runs and accelerates much better on Premium fuel.

Very roomy, even for a 'big guy'. Was touted as the 'largest American made car' of its period.

Sleek sporty design. I still get comments on what a nice car it is.

Paint is Char-Gold, but it looks anything from silver to celery green depending on the light. Weird, but I like it.

Full size spare tire is a big plus in my book.

This car has kept me from a few accidents with its beefed up factory handing package and 16" tires. I'd swear it was an ES model, but I don't have the front bumper running lights.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd January, 2003