With temperatures ranging from the 70s to below zero on Colorado's Front Range this month, our long-term Intrepid was able to stretch its legs in a variety of weather conditions. The car performed well overall, providing more than enough power, nimble handling and excellent braking.

But we do have a few complaints. Early in the month, backseat passengers noted that, because the rear doors are elongated, the edge of the door repeatedly hit them in the stomach as they swung it open. On sunny drives down the Interstate, we also found that the visor is difficult to operate. Instead of simply pulling it out for side use and pushing it back in until it snaps into place, you have to maneuver it around with one hand while trying to steer with the other. To release the visor, you must first push it forward, then move it down and around the latch before positioning it to the side. And to restore it to its resting place, you must push it up to the windshield, then raise it and pull back to snap it into place--this requires way too much concentration, especially with the sun glaring in your eyes.

Cosmetically, we are still pleased with the Intrepid. As an early-build model, we expected our car to suffer the typical first-year teething problems common to Chrysler products. Yet aside from the driver's side door molding sticking out and an ornery rear door lock, the car has been relatively trouble-free. In addition, cleaning up the exterior after days of driving on wet, sandy Colorado roads was easy to do since the paint, trim and interior materials are holding up nicely.

Our editor-in-chief is the second staffer to complain about the lack of illumination on the PRNDL shift gate. At night, there is no way to tell what gear you're in when looking down-a blemish for the car's ease of use as well as safety. We also wish the side mirrors were larger, a leather-wrapped steering wheel was standard, the cabin was quieter and the interior had more personality.

Late in the month the Intrepid went into John Elway Dodge to address four concerns:

John Elway Dodge did not have a replacement piece of trim in stock for the driver's side door, so we decided to wait on that fix since the car is soon leaving town. The service department found nothing wrong with the Intrepid's suspension, wheels, tires or alignment that could be causing the steering wheel wobble. The work order stated that they tested the car only on bumpy roads, though our editor-in-chief told them the wobble is most notable on smooth roads. Still, the service techs maintain that there is no problem and since our editor-in-chief is the only staffer who noticed it we can conclude that he a) needs a vacation or b) is an incredibly perceptive, yet misunderstood driver.

They also couldn't find a problem with the rear door lock, and went into "explain how the door locks work to the customer like he's a four-year-old" mode when we asked about it. They tested the lock on a 65-degree day and we've noticed the problem only in cold weather, so we're not surprised they didn't find anything. Finally, because this dealership doesn't have a body shop, they could not buff out the paint scratches on our bumper.

To top it off, they put about 60 miles on the car during its 24-hour stay, got it dirty and didn't bother to clean it up before turning it back over to us. Luckily, the next trip to the shop will occur in Detroit.

Best Fuel Economy: 19.3 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 19.3 mpg
Maintenance Costs: $0
Problems: Left rear door lock sticks in cold weather; steering wheel wobble at 25-35 mph; driver's door molding needs replacement.