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Road Tests: Long-Term Test
1998 Dodge Intrepid
Introduction
By editors at Edmunds.com
Date Posted 01-01-1999
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When Dodge first introduced the Intrepid in 1992, it shook up the competition
enough to get noticed, and for the past three years, it has been the division's
best-selling car. Despite its success, however, or perhaps because of
it, Chrysler decided to redesign the Dodge Intrepid for 1998. With this
year’s model, the Intrepid became the first automobile to be designed
and assembled completely by computer. It is an important car for Chrysler,
competing with high sellers like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford
Taurus, so we decided it would be the perfect addition to our fleet of
long-term test cars.
We chose the Intrepid ES, loaded it up with the customer-preferred package, leather
seats, CD player, smoker’s package and California emissions, and
picked it up in March. Standard equipment includes a four-speed automanual
transmission similar to the Tiptronic first introduced by Porsche, ABS,
eight-way power adjustable seats, remote keyless entry and tinted glass
windows. Our car is painted Bright Platinum Metallic Clear Coat, which
looks like silver, and it has an Agate, or charcoal, interior. For now,
it spends its time being driven on the highways and congested streets
of Los Angeles, Calif., and although it doesn’t turn heads in neighborhoods
like Beverly Hills, it is still pretty to look at.
First impressions of the vehicle were overwhelmingly positive, due in part to
its sleek good looks, but also because of the peppy 3.2-liter 24-valve
V6 SOHC engine sitting under the hood. Drivers praised the Intrepid’s
handling and the steering and tires perform well on high-speed turns.
Front seats are plush, though one driver of the car can’t get comfortable
when he has the steering wheel where he likes it and people over 5’11"
tall may knock their knees on the dash. The cabin seems rather small to
taller occupants, which makes it sporty and more accommodating for smaller-sized
individuals. One average-sized backseat rider commented that it was "the
most comfortable back seat I’ve ever ridden in. It is plush and spacious."
On the same day, a 6’5" rider made the opposite statement. Everyone
agrees that the interior ergonomics are well devised, however, with controls
placed appropriately for easy use.
Despite our initial praise for the Intrepid, it didn’t take long to unearth
some serious flaws, like the misaligned right rear door, which doesn’t
close correctly and cuts into the rubber strip running along the door
panel. Not only is this frustrating for owners, but it increases wind
noise inside the car. On the left rear door, we spotted some sloppy paint
dollops running along the edge, and when unlocking doors with the remote
keyless entry, it is a gamble as to whether the left rear door will respond
or not. In cold weather, the same door doesn’t seem to notice that
the power unlock is pushed at all.
Visibility is another complaint for those who have driven the Intrepid. From the
driver’s seat, it is impossible to gauge the dimensions of the car.
Corners on the hood and back end are elusive, making parking difficult.
A high steering wheel and low windshield also make for poor visibility,
especially for tall drivers. One test driver also noticed that the rear
window moldings are popping out of place. The bottom line? Computers may
be able to design cars, but the assembly system needs some work.
Best Fuel Economy: 15.9 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 11.7 mpg
Maintenance Costs: $0
Problems: Rear right door misaligned, rear left door doesn’t
unlock correctly, rear window moldings popping out.
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