1997 Dodge Intrepid Base review from North America
"Though it's had a few problems, it's the best car I've owned, and I've had seven"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
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| 1997 - Intrepid Sport 3.5 Liter 24 Valve Very reliable and fun, just needs a couple improvements |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.3 liter Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 85000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 215000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 14th January, 2008 |