1998 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.2L gas

Summary:

The Intrepid ES is a great bargain for all you get

Faults:

When we purchased this new car in 1998, the only thing that needed to be replaced was one of the small speakers that are located in the front door frame. We purchased the 6 year, 70,000 mile warranty from Dodge when the car was ordered.

Since I am very finicky about the car, I take it to the dealership for all service. Other than routine oil and fluid changes, the car has needed very little service.

The drivers seat material showed a bit of wear and tear prematurely, and was replaced free of charge. There was a minor hiss in the air conditioner, and they replaced the condenser, also without cost.

General Comments:

The 3.2 L engine moves this car nicely up to highway speed. It is comfortable, and corners well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th December, 2002

1998 Dodge Intrepid SE 2.7 liter

Summary:

LEMON

Faults:

Power Control Module went bad within the first 10,000 miles. Had to replace brake pads at 25,000 miles. Positive battery terminal completely corroded off at 60,000 miles, inturn ruined the alternator and starter, which both had to be replaced. Broken passenger side power window bracket. Engine burnt oil causing low oil condition, wasted rodbearings and crankshaft at 74,000 miles.

General Comments:

Engine is extremely sludged up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th November, 2002

12th Jan 2004, 19:47

I have had similar problems with my Dodge Intrepid 1998. At 80,000 miles the positive terminal corroded. Now, today my negative terminal corroded. That still is not all. Cleaned that with a wire brush. Still won't start even at times with a jump. Tomorrow going to take it in the shop. My car just won't turn over. Charged the battery for an hour then would start. But 5 hours later with car sitting their, would not start.

Now at times my passenger window will not go down. It is powered. I've replaced my brake pads now 4 times. Rotors replaced once.

1998 Dodge Intrepid SE 2.7

Summary:

This car is a lemon

Faults:

1. trunk seal leaks.

2. driver's side window does not operate correctly.

3. sometimes the interior lights do not shut off.

4. weather stripping on the passenger door comes loose.

5. heater only works when the gas pedal is being applied, but not while the car is idling.

6. steering makes a mechanical squealing sound when making a hard left or hard right.

7. engine needs to be replaced at 59,000 miles.

General Comments:

These last two problems just occurred and the dealership is still trying to determine the cause of the power steering problem. I was told by the mechanic at the Chrysler dealership I bought the car from that they cannot understand why the engine blew at 59K miles. This particular dealership had maintenance records on the vehicle from the day it left their lot as a new vehicle. The mechanic told me the maintenance records indicate that everything was kept current.

I have never owned a vehicle with so many defects and, although I had a good experience with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, will never buy a Chrysler product again. It's a shame that a car such as the Intrepid, that handles so well, has roomy and comfortable interior, and excellent acceleration, and such a sleek, sporty look, has so many mechanical faults. I am completely disappointed in Chrysler. Too bad Chevy dropped the Lumina. I once purchased a '96 Lumina and put 90K miles on it. The only things it ever needed were normal wear and tear items, such as brake pads and tires.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th September, 2002

25th Nov 2002, 11:02

I own a 1998 Dodge Intrepid with 80,000 miles on it and it runs just as good as the day I bought it. There has been nothing wrong with it at all. I believe that these cars are well made, do you drive hard with the car?

17th Mar 2005, 21:47

I also own a 1998 Dodge Intrepid with 120k miles on the clock and no major problems to date! Just routine maintenance! Great car. Handles amazingly, is comfortable and has enough get up and go out of it's 2.7L which fortunately sings over 3000 rpm! Yours must be an acception... as well as those other whiners out there who have never heard of a little thing called preventive maintenance. Yours wasn't a lemon, it was a darn hamburger!:P.

17th Jun 2005, 09:35

I disagree with the two posted comments. One day on my way home after a long day at the office, I encountered some trash that fell off of a work truck in front of me. I was only traveling at about 35 mph so I floored it to maneuver my big Intrepid around the unknown object to prevent damage. My engine revved to about six thousand rpm and then just died!!! My Intrepid only had forty-seven thousand miles on it and my Chrysler dealer would not cover me for a new engine because my warranty has finished. This was a great car, but I have downsized to a 2004 Toyota Corolla LE and love the car very much. Much more than the Intrepid believe it or not. For it's size it has much better get up and go, extremely good fuel economy, is fun to drive, has a wonderful Lexus-like interior and has NO ENGINE PROBLEMS. I will never buy another Chrysler product again and god only help those buying all the new 300's.