2003 Dodge Intrepid 3.5 H/O

Summary:

Chrysler should have never been bailed out, either time

Faults:

Two transmission modules at $600 each.

Electrical problems galore, from the electric locks locking and unlocking by themselves, to the trunk popping open at highway speeds.

Gauge lights no longer work.

Ridiculous battery placement.

General Comments:

I purchased this car used for a very good price with just 41000 miles on it. One owner, car faxed right with no accidents. I thought I was getting a bargain, I heard the popping of champagne corks as I was ready to take ownership. I'm kidding of course, but I wouldn't blame them.

It's good money chasing bad as my father says to me every time I replace something. Crazy things happen all the time. I put gas in the car, start it to drive away, and it won't go into gear. Stupid stuff like that, very aggravating.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th December, 2010

2003 Dodge Intrepid 2.7

Summary:

Very poor, unreliable car

Faults:

Transmission went out at 65000 miles.

Air conditioner went out at 75000 miles.

Computer sensor (or brain of the car) went out at 100000 miles.

Computer sensor went out again at 135000 miles.

Car used oil starting at 125000 miles.

Fuel pump went out at 141000 miles.

Blew a head gasket at 141000 miles.

Car rode rough and needed struts at 100000 miles.

General Comments:

Very roomy car, good for a large family.

Very poor reliability from 65000 miles on.

Numerous times when the car would not start.

Rough ride, poor suspension system.

Would not recommend this car to anyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th October, 2010

2003 Dodge Intrepid

Summary:

I will never buy another Dodge again

Faults:

Car is getting stuck in third gear.

The engine is building up sludge.

General Comments:

This is a common problem that should have been taken care of.

I started having this problem and took it to one mechanic who said it was a sensor in the transmission, and to take it to a transmission place. I took the car to Mr. Transmission and was told the transmission needed to be rebuild. I told them to check the speed sensor and the TCM. I ended up paying $1800 for them to rebuild the transmission, and as soon as I left the place it got stuck in third again. Obviously they did not check or replace the sensor. I wounder if I even needed my trans reworked at all. I do have three month warranty and will take it back, but to what avail?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th August, 2009

2003 Dodge Intrepid RT 3.5

Summary:

Poorly designed engines...

Faults:

The first thing to go wrong with it was the voltage regulator; when the car reached a certain temperature, it just shut down the entire electrical system in the car.

The second thing was the air compressor. After that was the engine where a rocker arm had broke and it is when I learned that it was a common problem with that particular engine. When I replaced the engine, radiator and the compressor, the AC still didn't work properly and that's when I was told the J-tube was clogged.

General Comments:

I loved the performance of the car and the design.

It was just problem after problem that led me to trade it away.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th June, 2009

8th Jun 2009, 19:31

As far as I know, the 3.2 or 3.5 engines never had problems like that... If it was the 2.7 I would be more inclined to believe you...

30th Jul 2009, 10:23

My 2003 Intrepid SXT has been a great car for 10000 miles. Bought new and wouldn't start, new computer installed and has been great.

21 mpg in town driving and near 30 mpg highway.

Recently the engine light comes on. Replaced parts in transmission with no results as it down shifts to a low gear while driving even at high way speeds, rebuilt transmission and still the same problem. Mechanics are stumped. Would like help on problem. Would like to find the problem, as I plan on using the car for quite a while, and I like to drive it.

17th Sep 2010, 19:07

It's most likely something electrical that's affecting it, like a sensor on the transmission. That is too bad you ended up rebuilding it and not fixing it; believe me, it's frustrating when you throw money at these cars and don't fix the issue, but I love the 3.5 Intrepid. With the 2.7, it's a shot in the dark; some get lucky, some know how to take care of the car, it just depends.