1998 Dodge Intrepid Base 2.7

Summary:

This car is scary to drive. There is always something wrong

Faults:

The timing chain snapped, ripping the pulley off the front of my engine block resulting in a $800 repair. I am having constant intermittent electrical problems: interior lights flickering, oil light coming on when oil is in the car at low speeds, the rear windows will not move, the right channel F/R of my stereo is inoperable, the timed dim headlights now aren't working. Now the car is pulling to the right when at high speeds.

General Comments:

I am so scared to drive this car after seeing this website. One of my friends thought that perhaps all the electrical problems were a result of a bad connection to my battery, but now I see that this is the way with an Intrepid. I was so proud to by this car (having "upgraded" from an Escort). Now I'm waiting for all hell to break loose. I am living in fear when I drive because some new problem always appears. I have only had this car for a year. I bought it used with very low miles and got a great deal. Now I know why! I, like most others on this site, still owe about $5000 on the car. My job is 45 minutes away from where I live and cannot afford a new vehicle. All of the consumer sites rave about the electrical system in the Intrepid. Why? Are those simply paid advertisements by the company? What can I do short of selling the car to fix some of these issues? And what won't cost me thousands of dollars? Chrysler needs to do something about this immediately! If my car breaks down I'll lose my job and my apartment.

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

Review Date: 9th October, 2003

22nd Jul 2007, 16:36

Your timing chain should be replaced at 60000 miles on any vehicle, so it's really no surprise it snapped. You might want to keep up on your regular maintenance a little better to avoid issuses like this in the future.

23rd Feb 2012, 23:45

"This car is scary to drive".

Funny you say that, my cousin's 1998 Dodge Intrepid caught on fire and blew up at 100k miles.

1998 Dodge Intrepid R/T Model 3.5 Liter

Summary:

Extremely fast and reliable equals the Dodge Intrepid R/T

Faults:

At about 95,000 miles an O2 sensor went out, costed about 300.00 to replace. Other than that, the car has been excellent.

General Comments:

I'm 23 years old, I have driven the dog crap out of this car, and it hasn't given me ANY problems besides the O2 sensor going out. All that other crap you read, the driver obviously hasn't changed the oil properly or drove it horribly. EG - Thru rocks, mud, etc.. The car now has about 100,000 miles on it, and is still fast as it was when I got it. 0-60 in about 6 seconds. Engine is extremely quite also. Great car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th September, 2003

1998 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 Liter

Summary:

An economical bargain

Faults:

A computer chip for the transmission at 107,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car has been fantastic.

It was manufactured in Canada, and has been the best car I have ever owned.

I had brake rotors replaced at 99,00 miles.

I took it in to be aligned at 105,00 miles and the mechanic told me it didn't need it.

It handles very well in snow, and has been economical to run.

The design of the back of this vehicle is it's only manufacturing flaw. It is very hard to see anything in back of the vehicle when backing up.

This car's sporty look and economical maintenance has made it well worth the investment.

I look forward to purchasing another one when this car dies.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2003

1998 Dodge Intrepid SE 2.7L

Summary:

A car that is crying for a better engine

Faults:

Crankshaft sensor went dead at 70,000 miles. Belt tensioner broke at 60,000. The car now burns oil and smokes excessively once warm. The transmission is not shifting properly.

General Comments:

I'm very disappointed in this car. The car has a wonderful body style, but the 2.7L engine just isn't enough power to drive this heavy car. After researching, I've found that the Intrepid with the 3.2L and 3.5L engines don't have as much problems. And with the class-action lawsuit pending, this only solidifies the known problems with the 2.7L engine. Dodge will learn a valuable lesson from this. I will not buy another Dodge Intrepid.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th August, 2003