1996 Dodge Intrepid

Summary:

It's been a great car, and it is still going strong

Faults:

Nothing major. Starter went at 74,000, which I thought was a bit early. Inner tie rod ends were replaced at 124,000. Water pump replaced at 170,000 or so. New struts at same time as tie rod ends.

Other than those items, everything else has been routine maintenance like brake pads, windshield wiper blades, batteries, stuff like that. I do try to take care of my cars, so the oil & filter have been changed every 5-6,000 miles, and the transmission oil & filter every 50,000 or so.

General Comments:

Very dependable, durable car.

Cost of maintenance has been extremely low.

Body has held up well, and the car still looks good when it's clean.

I love the room-people getting in the back seat can't believe the leg room.

Great ride, very comfortable seats.

The only serious complaint I've ever had is wind and road noise, which really are excessive for this type of car.

Fuel mileage, at 25-26 in local driving and 30-31 on the road, are good for the size of the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th February, 2006

1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.5

Summary:

I love my Intrepid!

Faults:

The alternator just died on me today, at 110,000 miles.

General Comments:

I bought this car in February of 2004. I was immediately taken by how roomy the interior was. At the time I had two kids, and was pregnant. I needed something that could seat a family of five. I now have two kids in car seats, and this car fits us well.

Two weeks after we bought our Intrepid, while waiting at a stoplight, a truck slammed into my husband, who hit the car in front of him. Our car really impressed me. The rear only sustained very minor cosmetic damage, our front end, was another story. We lost the air conditioning system, because it was pushed through our radiator. Other than minor cosmetic damage to the front bumper, and hood, I do not believe that accident has compromised the integrity of my Intrepid.

I believe the first owner took care of routine and preventative maintenance, because this has been a strong reliable car.

Strong V6 3.5 liter engine.

If your looking for a car that stands out from the crowd, the Intrepid is probably not for you. If you're looking for a decent, roomy, family car that is still fun to drive, then look no further!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 2005

1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.5L 24valve SOHC

Summary:

Good car, never left me on the side of the road, and fun to drive in any weather!

Faults:

Brakes (new rotors and pads.) Already on second set of pads because calipers were stuck. Tie rod broke, transmission went out. Great car otherwise! The motor was rebuilt around 100,000 miles. The transmission was rebuild around 70,000 miles and it lasted about 80,000 before it required a new one. Not great, but expected from Dodge. I put in a transmission out of a 2002 300M from a 3.2 with 22,000 miles on it. Super transmission one of my best investments for this car. I have odd noise in the front end, but since every mechanic that have looked and drove the car say there isn't anything wrong I assume it's just age. Also, I require new calipers, rotors, pads and new axles. I really like that car. It gets up and goes and it's a fun car to drive up in the city. It can move through traffic with the rest of them.

General Comments:

Great car. If you want a quick car that will run good, but tends to be prone to problems this is your car. I suppose I put the blame on the fact that the car is quick and it's easy to put her to the wood! So you're looking at a car that was probably abused. Shop careful.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2005

1996 Dodge Intrepid Base 3.3 V6

Faults:

Waterpump replaced at 60000 kms. $160 original water-pumps where garbage. 50000km life expenctancy.

Engine light came on requiring 4 new oxygen sensors, 2 in and 2 out - $30 each 100000kms.

Front end noise and loose steering require new rack and pinion $180 for after market part. Chrysler part was quoted as $400.

Recommend replacing light bulbs with the newer high end bulbs available today they make a huge difference. Use the Teflon Areofoil wipers they won't lift at highway speeds and don't leave streaks. Regular brake cleaning solves the squeaking problem. Use high end brake pads as well don't go cheap. Better insulators.

General Comments:

This has been a fantastic car. It has great power and awesome handling. Since owning the car I drive to work everyday 30kms in rush hour traffic. It has never stalled, or even had a hiccup. Anyone thinking of owning a domestic car must remember regular maintenance is the key. My car has an oil change every 5000kms and the transmission fluid changed every 50000kms as recommended by Dodge. I can guarantee that if you take care of the car it will be problem free for many years. I would not buy one used unless the previous owner followed the required regular maintenance. Which is true with all cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2004