1997 Dodge Intrepid Base 3.3 liter from North America

Summary:

Though it's had a few problems, it's the best car I've owned, and I've had seven

Faults:

Within a year of purchasing car, a problem with overheating started. Replaced the water pump.

A year later, I had the radiator flushed and the thermostat replaced.

Not too long after the thermostat, I had to have the brake calipers replaced.

Car was still running hot pretty often at this point, but no one could figure out why.

Stereo started making strange sounds even when it was turned off. Tuner card went out and had the whole stereo unit replaced.

Had one of the main radiator hoses burst while driving down the interstate. No reason, just blew.

Car still running hot, and again, no ones knows why.

Tie rod on driver's side went out, had both replaced.

Recently had water pump replaced again.

Replaced main belt once.

It seems that I have had to replace the spark plugs every six months or so.

Also the brakes seem to wear pretty quickly and need replacing often.

Car still running hot and can't figure out why.

Had another hose burst the other day, and I'm now considering getting a new car due the high mileage.

General Comments:

First of all, this car has been handling and preforming exceptionally well ever since I got it.

The first night I had it, I got it up to 122mph on the interstate. Thankfully, it was a Trooper friend of mine who stopped me instead of someone else.

I used this car to commute to college for two years, running 32 miles in each direction.

The road noise is minimal, though when the brakes are needing repairing, there is considerable pop and clank that comes through.

The car has always had an immense amount of power, making me think the my engine was actually marked wrong at the factory. It has outperformed many cars which were smaller and had stronger engines. Once I beat a Mustang in a street race.

The comfort level has always been good, never great, but it is a comfortable car to drive cross-country in.

The factory speakers still sound great to this day, even garnering remarks from other riders.

The paint job has faded over the years, and now is in desperate need of replacing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th January, 2008

15th Jan 2008, 15:59

Keeps running hot and spark plugs only last 6 months?? I would bet you have a head gasket issue, may be small, but I bet that is the problem. Get a compression check. Also flush all coolant.

1997 Dodge Intrepid Base 3.5 Liter from North America

Summary:

Great car, great value

Faults:

The tie-rod ends needed replaced at 100,000 miles.

Paint chipped away from the wheel covers and rear pillars.

A transmission service is something you don't want to forget about with this car.

Several interior-dash lights have burned out.

General Comments:

I perform preventative maintenance and this car has never left me stranded.

Make sure you change the t-belt at 105,000 miles.

I am still impressed by the amount of power this car has. I can easily hit 70 mph on the on-ramp and merge with traffic. However, I usually drive it around myself. If I have a lot of people or weight in the car, I can tell it drives differently.

I would like to get a new car in the future, but I can let this car go until it dies, and by the looks of it, that won't be for a long time!

P.S. Avoid the 3.3 Liter at all costs!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th December, 2007

1997 Dodge Intrepid 3.5 from North America

Summary:

Great car for the money and very roadworthy!!!

Faults:

Driver Side power window motor starting to get a little slow in cold weather.

Replaced radiator at 159,000 miles.

Passenger side front strut mount makes a little bump noise sometimes when going over rough roads.

Paint on hood and trunk starting to fade.

Brake pads only lasted about 25,000 miles even with replacing rotors and callipers.

General Comments:

I bought the car about 2 years ago and have to say its the best $4000 car I've ever owned.

Its 3.5 v-6 has plenty of get up and go, and isn't terrible on gas either. I get about 16city/24highway. The heater and AC work flawlessly, it handles well, has a quiet ride, and is tough as a box of nails.

I've heard horror stories about Intrepids, but not this one. I put about 600 miles a week on this car and have only had to do routine upkeep. (fluid changes, tires) I will definitely own another Intrepid!!

My only 2 gripes about the car itself is it could use better brakes, and doesn't do that great in the snow even being front wheel drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th November, 2007