2002 Dodge Intrepid ES review from North America

The automatic transmission valve assembly had to be replaced at 77,000 miles.

The right front ball joint had to be replaced at 83,000 after hitting a major pothole.

This is one of the best full-size sedans I've ever owned. I had a 2001 Chrysler Concorde that ran great until an off-duty cop ran a red light in his Chevy SUV and nearly totaled the Concorde. It had the 2.7L engine and I had absolutely no problems at all with the car.

When I replaced it I bought a used 2002 Intrepid with the 3.5L V-6. I get 30 MPG in the Colorado mountains, and average 25 MPG in the Denver metro area. The interior is excellent. The leather seats, even with 94,000 miles, look like new. Handling is terrific, especially in the snow and ice that we get from time to time in the winter in Denver. The 3.5L V-6 is a super smooth, powerful, dependable engine that I believe will take me to at least 200,000 miles.

The reports of sludge on the 2.7 are, in my opinion (30 years experience as a mechanic), due solely to the poor maintenance of owners who don't bother to take care of their cars. I change my oil every 3,000 miles with conventional blends, and at 94,000 miles the Intrepid doesn't burn or use any oil at all between oil changes.