1994 Dodge Intrepid LHDH41-1 review from North America
"The mechanical reliability has a lot to be desired"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
58,423 - the air conditioner compressor quit. Cost to replace $689.62. Used car review on the web indicated this is major repair and common with '95 Intrepid. They are right.
68,293 - transmission quit ($1,719) due to a poorly engineered seal according to A-1 transmission shop tech that was confirmed by research on the web and car magazines. Also confirmed by service bulletins. Used car review on the web indicated this is major repair and common with '95 Intrepid. They are right.
70,335 - recall to install lower control arm bracket. Manufacturer recall, no cost to me. Just inconvenience.
75,000 or thereabouts - paint began releasing from primer on both sides along the upper rear quarter panels. Started with small particles and has grown to circular spots of 3 to 4 inches.
Hood support rams for holding up hood for service had to be replaced.
80,000 or thereabouts - plastic wheel covers began to crack at the mounting points. Two wheel covers had to be replaced.
80,027 - replaced outer tie rod ends / alignment / front brake pads / resurfaced the front rotors for $308.16.
82,000 or thereabouts - left rear electric window motor quit.
Interior showing signs of rapid deterioration from common typical use of 2 people in their early fifties. Drink cup holders both will not stay in return position.
96,000 - transmission responding erratically again.
General comments?
The reports from car reviews read before purchasing were dead on the mark. Reviews stated that transmission and air conditioner were high frequency and cost common to this model year.
Company cars obtained about every 2 years have been Taurus and Malibu's. Our previous Buick Lasabre, which we gave to our daughter upon graduating from college is running very efficiently at nearly 200,000 with some front end rebuilding repair.
Chrysler products have lost any confidence Chrysler may have made during Iacoca days with this vehicle.
I keep a running tab of cost per mile for vehicles. This Intrepid is the most costly vehicle per mile driven I have owned.
Give me my Buick back - Please!
Recommended reviews
| Great "shade tree mechanic" car. |
|
| A sharp-looking, yet poorly-built and unreliable car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1994 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1996 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.3 Liter MPI Automatic |
| Performance marks | 1 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 54075 miles |
| Most recent distance | 98231 miles |
| Previous car | Buick LeSabre |
| Date of Entry | 9th December, 2001 |