This photograph of the 1996 ESX concept car lent its sleek F-15ish styling to this version of our second-generation Intrepid. Veep Lev Stark admired the handiwork of this futuristic design, "Unlike my colleague in Florida who sees Intrepids all over the place, I, here in Los Angeles, still have no problem finding this unique car in a crowded parking lot of ordinary vehicles."

However, after he appreciated the distinctive exterior, it was clear to Lev that this styling was less than perfect. "The sleek design results in a steeply sloped windshield that causes glare which can be unbearable in the bright daylight. The plastic trim on the instrument panel is second-rate to that of the cars put out by Honda and Toyota."

As soon as he started the engine, it was clear that noise was going to be a problem. Engine racket wasn't that bad, but it became worse "when combined with the roaring road rumble and wind noise caused by exceeding any normal speed limit not in a school zone." This, combined with the interior design, makes it difficult for backseat passengers to hear what's being said in the front seat. Lev said, "This is good when one doesn't want the children to hear that Santa Claus is a farce but a nuisance when trying to tell your carjacker that you are running out of gas."

Lev discovered that the Intrepid's brakes are not adequate for a car this large; it takes too long to stop in an emergency. "I suggest owners of Intrepids pop a Fred Flintsone hole in the floor of their car and wear thick-soled shoes if they want to stop quickly."

The silliest thing on this car, reports Lev, has got to be the Autostick feature, which he thinks is catering to people "who want to feel cool without learning how to drive a real car."

Finally, we've had some wet weather in sunny SoCal and Lev reports it's time for a new set of windshield wiper blades.

Total Odometer Reading: 36,012
Best Fuel Economy: 25.2 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 15.5 mpg
Body Damage: $0
Maintenance Costs: $0
Problems: None.