During the past six months, staff members have been stopped in parking lots and office buildings by people asking about and peeking inside our Dodge Intrepid long-term test car. This month, we share some of these encounters with you...
Two Nordstrom employees corner our editor-in-chief at his wife's office building:
Hey, man, how do you like your new Intrepid?
I love it; it's a great car. Roomy. Fun to drive. Comfortable. Good looking. Not too expensive.
Oh yeah? What's that one cost?
A shade over $25,000 with leather, Infinity sound, automatic climate control, trip computer and all the goodies you get with the ES trim level.
Hey, not bad! I gotta go check out one of those. And that color is fantastic...
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A man in a grocery store parking lot, investigating the car:
So, what do you think of your new Intrepid?
I like it.
Yeah? Well, I just bought a Concorde, and I think I like that car better in terms of styling.
Oh really? I prefer the Intrepid.
The ES is nice, but the base model looks like a rental car inside and out.
You have a point. The base model does look rental with smaller tires and hubcaps.
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The mail carrier, who has never asked our editor-in-chief about any other car parked in his driveway:
Is that a new Intrepid? How do you like it?
It's a great car marred only by a lousy reputation for quality.
Boy, that car sure looks nice.
Especially in that paint color.
My husband is dying to buy one.
If you do, get an extended warranty.
We're going to have to go test drive one.
Have fun!
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Folks driving a Mitsubishi Galant with Arizona plates, at a local car wash:
Hey, how do you like your new Intrepid?
Quite a bit.
That sure is a sharp car. Is it comfortable?
Quite. I drove it here from L.A. the other day and was very happy with its long-distance performance.
Any trouble with it?
We've got 7,000 miles on it and only the power door locks have given us trouble, although there are some exterior build quality issues.
Hmmm, we're going to have to drop by a dealership and check one out.
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Co-workers at Nordstrom Credit Services in Englewood, CO, speaking to Christian Wardlaw's wife:
So, you're driving the Intrepid this week. Do you like it?
Yes. Chris and I really like this car.
So why did Chris tell me not to buy an Intrepid last year?
Because your wife is a real estate agent and needs a reliable car. Besides, you guys were looking at the old design. This is the new one.
So how much with the leather and Infinity sound system?
Just over $25,000.
That's it!?!?
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An older gentleman approaches an associate editor's wife in a Wal-Mart parking lot:
Nice car (peeking in window) oh, it has leather?
Yeah, we like it.
This car looks really nice!
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Obviously, our Intrepid attracts quite a bit of attention. Nothing on the scale of the New Beetle or a Plymouth Prowler, but the kind that makes you feel good about driving a car that other people admire for its head-turning good looks.
Despite initial enthusiasm, Chrysler is apparently not happy with the Intrepid's sales numbers. As indicated, the main concern consumers have revolves around reliability. Our Intrepid has been relatively trouble free, but perhaps if Chrysler gave people a reason to believe it won't cost an arm and a leg in repairs down the line (by offering a subsidized extended warranty, for example), more of these vehicles would be leaving dealer showrooms.
On one staffer's trip to New Mexico this past month, the cruise control operated effortlessly, with the speed and acceleration consistent-even when climbing hills or descending into valleys. She appreciated the comfortable seats, easy-to-use climate controls and the never-ending trunk space. On the down side, she noticed a mild, but irritating, wind noise at higher speeds.
This month, the only service that was performed on the Intrepid was a routine oil change. Our Director of Corporate Communications took the car to Emich Dodge on South Broadway in Littleton, Colo., for an oil change that totaled $24.54. Because she had to wait longer than expected, however, the dealership charged her only $7.00.
Best Fuel Economy: 27.0 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 15.8 mpg
Maintenance Costs: $7.00
Problems: None
