1997 Dodge Intrepid Base 3.3 liter V6 from North America

Summary:

Nothing to brag about

Faults:

Engine cradle moutns rotted out out at 120,000 miles, $700+ job to fix.

Both Sway bar links twice in five years.

Fuel pressure solenoid.

Engine always made a "ticky tick tick" noise after a cold start, especially in winter. The noise would always quit after the engine warmed up.

Persistent leaky valve cover gaskets.

Several Oxygen Sensors kept setting off computer codes even after being replaced, eventually I just drove with the check engine light on as this did not affect driveability, performance, or fuel economy.

Water Pump at 72,000 miles.

Replaced entire Instrument Cluster at 84,000 miles after original kept shorting out, $80 from a junkyard Intrepid with similar miles.

Terrible snow or wet weather traction no matter what kind of tires I put on it.

General Comments:

Well, after reading some of the other Intrepid reviews here I think mine fared quite well when compared to other Chrysler products of this era. I never had to deal with transmission "limp mode" or complete failure, I did change my fluid twice in 6 years. The 3.3 Liter motor seems to be a much more reliable and durable than the 3.5. The performance is nothing to brag about, but I'll take reliable and 28 MPG highway any day over head gaskets blowing every 10,000 miles. Interior materials are cheap and dull to say the least. If Chrysler would have done a little more research and added some decent fit and finish, the LH cars could have been real winners.

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

Review Date: 15th November, 2006

1997 Dodge Intrepid 3.5L from North America

Summary:

I still love it

Faults:

The major things I've replaced were the water pump/timing belt (at the same time) and one of the brake lines. That rotted through because Dodge, in their infinite wisdom, put foaming material on the break lines to cushion any rattling, but the moisture trapped in there caused the line to rot. I've had the car for 7 years now and cannot remember anything else that was major - just the usual oxygen sensor, emergency brake cable, and some other relatively minor issues. The headlights on this car are terrible. The low beams work better than the high beams.

General Comments:

I've loved this car from day 1. With 133k miles currently, it still rides beautifully. My wife told me I should get rid of it since the a/c recently quit (compressor), but the body (the car, that is) is in decent shape, and everything else on it works. It is a very comfortable car to drive. The trunk is huge. No major leaks at this time, although is consumes some oil between changes - maybe 1/2 quart, if that. After the tires the dealer put on wore down (Goodyear Eagle LS), I replaced them with Yokohama Avid Touring and they are much quieter. I've got 45k on my current set with lots of tread wear still left.

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

Review Date: 30th July, 2006

31st Jul 2006, 16:17

I forgot to mention the fuel economy on this vehicle. The downside is that the owner's manual recommends 89 octane, which is more expensive than 87, but I can count on 1 hand the number of times I put 87 in it. I found this out after I purchased the vehicle. I drive mainly mixed city-highway driving and with an 18 gallon tank, I get an honest 23 mpg or so. When taking a longer trip on the highway, it gets around 27 mpg - 450 miles on 1 tank. I am impressed with the mpg considering the mileage on the vehicle.

1997 Dodge Intrepid LX 3.5 V6 from North America

Summary:

A diamond in the rough!

Faults:

Steering rack bushings, tie rod ends, serpentine belt, plug wires.

General Comments:

Rides great, goes fast, handles like a sports car, OK, a big sports car. If I could find the guy that designed these headlights, I'd strangle that jerk!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th May, 2006