1995 Dodge Intrepid 3.3L from North America

Summary:

A well-priced nicely performing family sedan

Faults:

The cup holders broke so they're not very reliable anymore.

There was a rattling sound in the front end, had to go through $600 of repairs to find out what the problem was.

Emergency brake got stuck to the floor. Car was out of commission for 2 days and had to rent a car to go to Kennywood.

The paint has no shine, there are watermarks easily visible in the dark green paint.

Headlight covers are a dingy yellow from wax that hadn't been taken off.

General Comments:

For the amount of currency I paid for this car ($2500 US), the amount of work and reliability that it has given me is tremendous.

Though it's a big car, the 3.3L 160HP engine is rather powerful.

Gas mileage is great, 27-29.

This car is very roomy and comfortable. Perfect for trips.

Despite the car's size it handles very well in all weather. Never got stuck in the snow once.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2003

1995 Dodge Intrepid 3.3 from North America

Summary:

An OK car severely lacking in attention to detail

Faults:

Transmission failed at 35,500 miles, dealer tried to get me to drive it out of warranty. Had to take the car back 7 times before they would admit there was a problem and fix it (under warranty). They would not tell me what was wrong, but there were numerous technical service bulletins on the problem.

Now at 85,000 miles the transmission is starting to exhibit the same symptoms, a jerk or shudder on up shift from 1st to 2nd.

Transmission coolant lines leak.

Dip stick handle breaks off due to heat from exhaust manifold, has to be replaced every 36,000 miles.

Highway road noise is so high, conversations with passengers are not possible.

Doors don't fit holes well.

Passenger airbag cover is warped, looks awful.

External rear A pillar plastic covers are delaminating, looks awful.

Hood has to be propped up with a stick so it doesn't fall on your head.

Headlights are virtually non existent, it is like driving with a couple of candles. Apparently the only solution is to not drive at night.

Air conditioner has smelled like "salt pork" from day one, there is apparently no fix.

Little plastic guide gadgets for rear seat belts will not stay put. Constantly sliding down the belt.

All four doors make the most awful popping and scraping noise when opening and closing, oiling helps for about a week. Getting in and out of the car in a public place is embarrassing, sounds like something made in the 70's.

Headlamp lenses stay full of condensation, cannot keep them dry.

Replacing them is not an option due to expense. Plastic milk jugs are so cheap they are disposable. But a plastic box to put a light bulb in costs over $100. (and it doesn't work for @#$@#%)

General Comments:

3.3 engine is great.

Drives and handles like an Indy car.

Still the best looking 4 door family sedan ever built.

Mileage is unbelievable for a car this size (avg 28) especially for DODGE. These guys are not known for fuel economy.

If Dodge could ever get the small stuff right, they would have a great car. As it is, I could only say it's an OK car.

If there is a reputable Dodge service department out there, I would like to hear about it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th December, 2002

13th Jul 2003, 16:16

What you have explained in your comment matches my 95 dodge intrepid to a tee. I think they should of recalled the headlights. Its crazy I thought I needed new glasses or something the first time I drove it at night.

17th Nov 2003, 17:01

I have 78,000 miles on my ES. It has generally been a good car. You can`t beat the room, the power is great, and it still looks contemporary.

I have had similar problems with moisture in the head and tail light lenses, but all work OK. Had similar trouble with clips on rear belts. Just replaced all 4 struts which makes a big difference in handling. With these cars you must maintain them religiously, or you are looking for trouble. No tranny problems. Had mine power flushed and I think it helps.

George.

30th Oct 2004, 18:43

Allpar.com has a good article on how to adjust the headlights. I re-adjusted mine and bought high output 9007 bulbs from Walmart; it has made quite a difference.

2nd Jun 2007, 20:19

I agree completely I had to get $1000 dollars worth of work done, tie rod ends wre shot and missing a Tran mount??? but over all I'm very happy with the car.

18th Apr 2010, 18:58

I have a 95 Dodge Intrepid. Bought it about 2 years ago at 95k. Now it's up to 117k and it works excellent. Only had to put brakes in and oil changes.

The headlights are really dim; I'm thinking about upgrading that, but other than that, the car is fine.

My gas mileage is bad; somewhere around 18, but I mainly go local driving.