1997 Dodge Intrepid 3.5 Liter 24 Valve

Summary:

A great bargain! I I can't wait to buy one of the new models!

Faults:

I had the tire rods replaced at 81000 miles.

Check engine light comes on. Car runs just the same as if it wasn't on.

General Comments:

The most powerful car I have ever driven.

It handles perfectly around corners and is smooth riding at high speeds.

Seats get a little uncomfortable after five hourse.

To all those people who have had major problems with their Dodge Intrepids, you can't blame a company for everything that goes wrong with your vehicle. There is no way that they can build every car to last forever. Nothing is perfect. It doesn't matter if you bought a Ford or a Toyota or a GM vehicle. You will always have the chance that something major will go wrong.

And by the way, I have owned three Dodge cars, (2 Spirits and 1 Intrepid) and have never had a major problem. On the other hand, my first car was a Pontiac Grand Am and the engine went at 128000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th March, 2004

1997 Dodge Intrepid Base 3.5L V6

Summary:

BMW performance for Dodge money

Faults:

Intake Manifold Gasket at 80,000, Timing Belt/Water Pump at 110,000, Alternator at 95,000.

General Comments:

Fast car with the big motor, I can dust lots of so-called performance cars. Especially great power at highway speeds, and great brakes too. Handling is not like other large front-drivers, it is very neutral and balanced. Good mpg, but the seats can give you a sore butt.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th February, 2004

1997 Dodge Intrepid Sport 3.5

Summary:

Complete piece of garbage

Faults:

Body Control Module.

Water Pump.

Multi-Switch (3 times)

Headlamp switch (twice)

Fuel rail.

Intake manifold.

Headlamp plastic broke and headlights fell out.

Hood struts.

Wipers quit intermittently.

Dash instruments quit intermittently.

Goodyear Eagle tires were terrible.

General Comments:

Lots of room.

Lots of power.

Sporty and attractive.

Never has tracked well at freeway speeds, likes to wander, but the Pirelli 6000 tires helped.

Why is the gear selector not lit!?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th January, 2004

1997 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.5L 24 Valve

Summary:

A fast, safe, and comfortable ride

Faults:

Needed replacement:

Inner tie rod bushings

Outer tie rod end

Both sway bar links

Timing belt, water pump, belt tensioner.

All of these are normal wear and tear on Intrepids - if a service shop quotes you a price for inner tie rods, ask them the price for the inner tie rod bushings, since its usually just the bushings (about $10 part compared to $70 part) that need to be replaced. Also, most of these can be replaced fairly easily, with a little mechanical knowledge / know-how. I replaced them all with only a Chilton's manual and an hour of my time, tops. (except timing belt, which was more like 2-4 hours)

Normal wear n tear (tires, battery, brakes, struts)

General Comments:

This car is awesome. I swear by the Intrepids - even the base model is quick, and this one is only quicker. The only downfall I see is the transmission - Chrysler could have put a little more effort into a stronger transmission. Other than that, this car is great for any person of any age. Especially if you know a little about cars, and can perform minor maintenance items yourself - every car needs to be maintained, after all. Taking this car to a shop repeatedly can be expensive, however - make sure you find a trustworthy shop, and ask for your parts back when service is performed.

It gets fair gas mileage - 18 MPG city, 24 MPG highway, but if you drive this car you will see why. 214 HP (221 lbs torque) puts you back in your seat, and ahead of 80% of cars on the road. It is a blast to drive, and very comfortable for long trips. I love this car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2003

22nd Jan 2008, 18:42

We bought our 1997 Dodge Intrepid for a cash price of $3,800 in August of 2007 from a dealership which had about 92,000 miles on it. Car came equipped with just about every factory option including the more desire-able 3.5 liter engine. It was evident that the previous owner had taken good care of this car and did all of the proper maintenance as per factory recommendations.

On our 1st trip out of town from the San Francisco Bay Area where we reside, we encountered an engine check light problem just as we were entering Reno Nevada at 10 PM on a Friday evening. Rather than continue to drive, we elected to find a place to stay over and look for a repair shop in the morning.

Found one that did engine diagnostics and was told it was a 02 sensor. They replaced that and some $375.00 later we were back on the road. Some 150 miles or so later, engine check light was back on. Luckily, we found a shop in Winnemucca Nevada that worked us in after a 4 hour wait only to discover the earlier sensor was the incorrect one. Another $250.00 and back on the road and since no more problems in that regard.

Once we returned from South Dakota, at about 101,000 miles we had all of the timing belts and a new water pump installed as a preventive measure.

About 3 weeks ago, engine check light came on only this time my scanner told me that it was a misfire in the #5 cylinder. Car was running rough and after replacing all 6 spark plugs and a new set of spark plug wires, it was good as ever. Seems that a hole had been burned in the insulator that slips over the spark plug thus the miss.

Overall, it is a great car with plenty of room both for passengers and luggage. For a car of it's size, great power and it is very easy on gas especially during highway driving. In Nebraska on the flat at 65 mph, we got a astounding 33 mpg on the cruise control.

The biggest fault that I can see from what I have read from others and also confirmed by a friend who owns a transmission shop is the transmission it's self. We did a complete transmission fluid/Filter change right after the purchase and switched to Red Line Synthetic ATF with no major issues to date.

My wife loves the car and that is what counts plus it offers a very smooth ride and we wouldn't hesitate to take it across country again.

22nd Feb 2009, 00:44

I've been very happy with both of my Intrepids and wish they still made them.. Minus the 2.7 engine... But I had a 97 with the 3.5 and it was amazing, and then I bought a 2001 with the 3.2 and it was better. I have achieved 33mpg on the highway many times.

We recently bought a Charger, and we really like it, but there is just nothing that can take the place of the Intrepid! So I kept it as an extra car :)