Back in L.A., we thought it a wise idea to get our driver's window repaired so we could do crazy little things like let in fresh air. Or, smoggy air, but hey, there are some prices one must pay to get sun-soaked every day. Before we took our Intrepid in for service, we noticed that one of the third brake-light bulbs was burned out. We got the Dodge in for service at La Brea Chrysler/Jeep where we were promptly greeted by a service advisor. After describing the broken window and burnt bulb, we were informed that it would be a day or two, but would be covered under warranty. Just three hours later we got a call that our car was ready; now that's service! We doubted that all Chrysler franchises were this utopian, but were happy nonetheless that we had found this one.

Staffers praised the sleek, modern lines of the Intrepid, and, in general, found the interior quite accommodating. Said one driver, "Maybe it's because I grew up near cattle almost all of my life, but the smell of leather is a pleasant smell, and the seats feel like they were stolen from a Cadillac." Praise was given to the sturdy plastic interior materials, although some feel that all that black lends a stark appearance. One driver got the impression of being in a cockpit, but we didn't drop the extra cash for the optional wing flaps, so no takeoffs for now unless we pull an unfortunate Thelma and Louise.

Drivers appreciated the autostick while in the mountains, allowing the engine to always be kept in its sweet spot. The driver information center was appreciated for its compass, and was used to compare temperatures from San Bernadino to Crestline (16 degrees!). Stereo sound was praised, even though we don't like the placement of all the buttons. One driver got so comfortable on a trip to San Diego that he resisted the urge to pull over for a smoke.

We did have a few complaints while inside. We found the cigarette lighter plug is poorly placed if you want to plug in a cell phone or other device while the transmission lever is in "park." Further, we were a bit annoyed at not having electrical power to use our cell phone after we shut off the engine. Poor rearward visibility proved to be an issue for one driver, not surprising, as smallish side mirrors handicap this vehicle. Although most of us love the dash, one driver found the lighting to be tacky.

All were impressed with the trunk's large size. One staffer was able to fit a 17-inch monitor inside, and we suspect that the trunk could comfortably sleep a couple linebackers on a queen-size mattress. One drawback to all this room is getting things out once they have rolled to the deep recesses of that black hole. As one driver put it, "The trunk is so seriously deep, Hakeem Olajuwan probably wouldn't be able to grab something from the very back without climbing in, as I had to!" Our full-size sedan will head back to the dealer in a couple of months -- till then we'll be renting out the trunk as a small studio - anyone interested?

Current Odometer: 33,586
Best Fuel Economy: 20 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 16.8 mpg
Body Damage: $0
Maintenance Costs: $0
Problems: Broken driver-side window, third brake-light bulb out.