Used 1996 Dodge Intrepid Consumer Reviews
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Great Car
dsiemens, 12/04/2012
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 1996 Intrepid in fall of 1995 - it's the best car a ever owned - I've had some problems with it. I now have 565,000 kilometers on the origingal engine - I use regular 5 30 weight oil with power up as an engine additive. My brother bought a second hand 1996 Intrepid identical to mine and it had 185,000 km's it now has over 400,000 km's - super engine!!
A large car with class
renderedconsequences, 02/16/2009
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my car last spring with 86,000 miles, since then have put 9,000 miles on it. All I've replaced is a power steering hose and the headlights. A great face lift for oxidized, old lenses. It hugs the corners, and feels great driving, comfortable. Handles great and has enough power to pass at anytime yet not so much that's easy to get into trouble all the time - though manageable. The only complaint I could possibly think of is how the air intake disconnects from the engine, this making the engine heat rise, but easily fixed by coupling it back. I do love this car and it looks terrific, though 13 years old it still has a near perfect paint job and has had no body work.
1996 Dodge Intrepid for sale near you
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Terrible reliability
jim12, 04/18/2013
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new in 1995 and just after the warranty was up it was nothing but trouble. The A/C evaporator core (defective but Chrysler wouldn't do anything) went, water pump, steering linkage, etc... I traded it in (it had 71,000 miles) for a new 2004 Honda CRV. The CRV was the best and most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.
The Good and The Bad
Mr. Rogers, 07/20/2009
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was given this car as a hand down. So it was not my first choice in a car. The intrepid is about to go to the shop as i am writing this review. Over all this vehicle has been reliable. For the size of the car and what you get it could be considered the 7 series of Dodge. (haha) There have been many parts that have needed to be replaced. The headlights especially, $500+ for the two headlights, and they are broken again not even 6months later. Steering is another huge problem. Basically its a great car if the proper time and money is invested, reliability is great. But I would have to say that i would not purchase another intrepid, but a challenger would look great in the driveway!
Electrical problems
robert, 10/14/2010
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had the car for 5 years with no problems. Now it has 200,650 miles on it. I am having trouble with check engine light staying on and the air bag light stays on now and some how it is connected to the air conditioner and windows they don't work when light is on. Also a mechanic told me the air bag can blow at any time in this condition when driving. this could be very dangerous or cause a deadly accident
I Absolutely Love This Car!
dwyl, 03/07/2009
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I really love this car! Bought it with only 34,000 miles on it. Handles great and gets 30 mpg on long trips. Have 180,000 miles on it now and it still runs great. Does use a bit of oil between 6,000 mile oil changes. Not enough to have to add any. (use Castrol 5/50 synthetic oil) No issues with the engine or transmission. Have had to replace the water pump twice. Smooth, comfortable ride. The window gaskets are falling off and the paint on the plastic panel behind the back doors has faded. According to records before I owned it, the steering pump was replaced twice, and the steering gear was replaced but I've had no problems. I would definitely buy another one in a heartbeat!
My 1996 DodgeMobile
Patrick, 10/10/2015
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
These older dodge intrepid's are much better than the 1998-2004 model years.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best vehicle I've driven in years
kackerman, 07/24/2013
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I picked up an Intrepid ES as a temporary car while my new one is in for major repairs and fell in love. The exterior looks drab (an older sedan style) but it drives like nothing I've seen before. Handles all road conditions beautifully and has more than enough power. I'm actually considering some body work (snazzy stuff) and might keep it. Shame that Chrysler didn't stick with this engine - it's magic.
Perfect
Jaeger, 09/01/2009
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 96 Dodge Intrepid at Stan's Auto Sales in Kearney Nebraska and absolutely love it. It dies every thing you would expect and more. It doesn't have all the usual 90's Chrysler drawbacks, The paint doesn't fade, the seats are in perfect condition, etc. This car is just about perfect. I would strongly recommend a Dodge Intrepid for anyone.
Review
Rachel, 09/30/2009
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 3 yrs. it has been a lot of fun to drive even got me into trouble a couple of times. I have had a lot of repair work done on it, but what can you expect from a 12 yr old car. The main issues I have had with the car have been major, such as the brakes jamming, fuel pump breaking, bad connection to the battery, and the tie rod. Other than having to fix all of these things on it, it is a good family car. I wouldn't recommend it for really long distance travel. but if you are a college student like me it at least gets you from point A to point B. I have no problem with the shop that I bought the car from. they do an amazing fix it job. The car has been Murphy's law.
Very Reliable
Matt, 04/28/2005
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
176,000 Miles and still going strong. I still get about 25 miles per gallon ... not bad for being almost 10 years old. I would definitely recommend this car for anyone looking for a reliable used car.
Thought it would be fun - it wasn't
onebigswede, 10/20/2003
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I bought this car it seemed to be in pretty good condition. It had 69,000 miles on it, as well as a spotless interior and exterior. Shortly after i purchased it it began having problems from a non-working air conditioner, to brake problems, to the on-board computer going bad, etc etc etc. Finally in October 2003 the engine had a blow up and would have cost $3500 dollars to fix. Needless to say I am now saying good riddance. I don't know if the car's previous owner just abused the car, or what, but i never had more than a month or two of trouble free car ownership while i had this car.
When will they fix my A/C
Wish4MoreQuality, 07/11/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Red 96 Intrepid with a 3.5L V6. Fun to drive but has it's problem areas. Started with batteries dying, traced to bad POS battery cable. Been in the shop 4 times (or more, lost track)for A/C. Water pump went out early at about 47k miles. Door seals have a lot of wind noise at highway speed. Front suspension had to be redone at about 85k. Just over 100k miles and the steering sounds like it's about to go out. Paint faded too early in my opinion. Sealed beam headlights weren't as sealed as name implied, consensation inside and have to drive with fog lights on at night to see.
mikeeee
mike hollaway, 03/13/2004
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
reliable, but front tie rods give me trouble
Thank God it is gone
akent, 03/03/2004
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I bought this car it was clean and very nice looking.Test drove well,after about 3 months front end had to have work,then I had to buy a computer,a couple of window motors,front end work again rack and pinion cost$1,100 to fix. radio only worked when it wanted to.The a/c was really ice cube cold,when it worked.Did not have any trouble with heat.I did have to put a water pumpand a thermastat.Finally gave it back to the finance company,did not care about credit.going broke on repairs anyway.
Still running at 180000
Tall in MN, 08/13/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used. It had one year and 57,000 under its belt. The car is now at 180,000 and stil running fairly well. This car has been very reliable for me. I've travelled all over the U.S. with it. While it is somewhat lacking in power, it more than makes up for it with excellent comfort and a nice interior. I can tell that my transmission will be going out soon. I've also had numerous replacement of the tie-rods; of course, that could be attributed to how I drive it. Other than this, I've had no major problems with this car. There have been a few minor problems - but overall I've been very happy.
Decent Large Car
DK, 07/26/2006
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, responsive and powerful full size sedan. Handles well for its size. Plenty of room for passengers. Powerful and reliable engine
Hate the car
Very disapointed, 04/20/2004
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Before I bought the car I always wanted one. I heard nothing but great things, untill I had one for myself. Maybe it is just the year or something but, it came with many problems, the steering, went through 2 transmissions, radiator, headgasket, breaks every 2-3 months, and the list goes on. If Dodge was good to their people, they wouldn't have allowed anyone to take this car off of their lot. Or they would fix the problems for FREE. Especially the more dangerous items like the steering. Also the car feels and sounds like it is just going to fall apart one. Very loud clicking noises
You must be Intrepid to drive it!
Lady Mopar, 11/08/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have driven Chrysler products my whole life. Never found one I didn't love until now. Paid just over $7000 for it three yrs ago with 54K on it in very nice condition, now at 87K and have had to spend over half the purchase price in repairs. Brakes (ABS) and rotors replaced twice,water pump,completely reconstructed the front end to the tune of $3000 this year, replaced cam shaft and crank shaft sensors. A/C repaired and still doesn't work. It's pretty to look at, but drive doesn't equal love.
Reliable, but quirky problems
makattack, 07/09/2004
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well I will have to admit the vehicle has 150k on it and runs like a champ, did have to have the trannie rebuilt and quite a bit of front end work done on her. Either way i have to admit she has never left me stranded on the road, except for maybe a tire going flat. The only key with Dodge is you gotta follow the recommended maintenence. Although the suspension isn't as smooth as i would like.
Looks nice, is powerful, but lousy quality
BJ, 07/16/2005
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drove it for about 6 months before it started to overheat periodically. No mechanic could figure out what was wrong with it. CV joints went out. Steering was sloppy. Couldn't keep brake pads on it without them wearing out. Will never buy a Dodge again.
Probably wouldn't buy another
J K, 09/17/2008
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The good things: Roomy, handles well for size, no absolutely major break downs. Perfect alignment despite crashing it. Pretty tough in crashes. Bad things: Had to replace steering rack at 66,000 miles. Has always had a very slow oil leak. Head lights dim due to excessive oxidation. Moisture in headlight housing. Does not maneuver well when parallel parking. LOTS of blind spots. Fishtails easily at speeds over 65 mph. Transmission shifts roughly sometimes. Breaks wear quickly. Has 3.3 L engine but won't due over 50 mph uphill on the freeway. Some Intrepids of various years have had major mechanic failure of the steering system. I feel the car has too much wear for the amount I drive it.
Great Car
catandave, 09/02/2005
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Everyone told me I was in for problems when I bought my Intrepid. It ran great for 220,000 miles when we got rid of it for something to pull a boat. I never had to replace the transmission or any other major repairs, just minor brake replacements. This is something for any car that I drive. I believe in driving them hard. I would recommend this car to anyone.
Excellent all-around vehicle
jbrooks, 10/01/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was fun to drive, looked sharp, was very dependable, and had most of the creature comforts and extras. It was roomy and could haul my entire drum set, and it could provide ample leg room and comfort for passengers in both front and back. It was also a good value as used car - you get a lot of bang for your buck when buying one of these. I got the car with just under 70,000 miles on it. Repairs were minimal up until the car started getting over 100,000 miles on it. When I sold it, it had 120,000 miles on it and was still running like the day when I bought it.
My 1996 Dodge Intrepid
FireBird, 05/27/2006
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in my old Saturn for this car and only paid $100.00 for it. I have only had to replace the water pump one time at 181K, This car is a real nice build, about $35.00 will fill it up, and I drive it all year round. The A/C is nice and cold. I love this car!
Give it up
kevin, 12/13/2006
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my wife's car. She bought it brand new. She would not part with it even after it started having problems. After 10 years we have replaced the tie rods twice, the air conditioner compressor, had it painted, replaced the serpetine belt twice, the water pump three times, struts, tires several times more than we should have due to the tie rods. The motor after was finally replaced last year because the oil sending unit and pump went out and we could put a new engine in from a wrecked one cheaper than we could fix the oil pump problems. The car rides great, just not very mechannicaly sound. Also the door gaskets kept falling off.
Avoid at ALL Costs!!!
anti-dodge, 09/26/2003
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a member of the "Break-down of the Month Club". It's one major expense after another. Transmission went out with no warning signs, Headlights have quit functioning twice (entire switch assembly on the steering column had to be replaced three times), The check engine light has been on more that off with assorted sensors going out, fuel pump, windshield wipes quit working, sunroof motor had to be replaced, and various suspension repairs.
Intrepid
drrice opinion, 06/29/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sporty, Well-designed vehicle! Decent gas mileage for this sporty a look. 3.5 litre with 24 values runs great.
110k and going strong
sm598, 02/28/2005
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used at 68k 5 years ago. I love it, it is great in the snow and ice. I've read about a lot of problems, but we've been very satisfied. The timing belt did break within 100 miles of purchase, but the dealer fixed it; I'd recommend replacing water pump at same time due to labor costs. I've kept up general maintenance and had no issues. Trunk space is great as is the strong engine. I have the "autostick" trannie and it is wonderful in the snow and ice. At 109k the trim did start to come loose, but not bad. Hauls 2 kids and all their stuff wonderfully. We drove it cross- country and it did great, got 29 mpg and had room for all our stuff!
INTREPID ES V6 3.5
AHMED ELHAJ, 12/11/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
VERY SOLID CAR THE V6 3.5 IS A THIRSTY ENGINE BUT THE PERFORMANC IS ALL WORTH IT IT HAS A VERY SLEEK LOOK FOR BUSSINESS OR A NIGHT OUT IN THE CITY
Wonderful Car
luvmydodge, 11/08/2007
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall this is a great car. I bought it with 60k miles on it and I finally had to let it go. I sold it because the transmission finally went out but this was after 280k miles. That was the only mechanical problem with this car.
Cheap overall cost - but needed repairs
150kMileIntrepid, 02/22/2004
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought in '96 w/ 64k mi for $9k. The car rides great, good mileage for a car of it's size, and is roomy. Here are the repairs I've made: A/C rebuilt $1200, Steering Rack $1000, Cyl. Head Gaskets & Engine Cradle Bushings $1200, Sway Bars, Struts, Tie Rods $1700 at 145k mi. Susp/steering has a bit to be desired. Overall cost of ownership was ~ $0.29 per mile. Cheap to own - but it has its problems - calling it quits w/ when the next repair bill rolls in - can't really expect too much more than 150k mi w/ this car I think. Yeah, I needed to make alot of repairs but it was still cheaper to own than a camry etc. - and roomier to. I'd buy another used one.
Never again
Pic, 02/21/2003
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Never again will I own a Dodge. My car was a pre-owned but had less than 30,000 miles. Since I've purchased my car in 1998 I’ve replaced the water pump twice. New breaks, new ignition, new computer, etc, etc. Every time I turn around I’m spending money on it. Last summer the air conditioner started making noise but since I was out of work I just went without air. Now the heater is making a strange noise. Plus everything rattles and the dash is warping where the air bag is. Someone please take this lemon off my hands.
A Future Classic
luvmyintrepid, 04/30/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it as a program car, 3 months old and 10K miles. It runs so good, so smoothly, and so reliable, that it's almost boring. I recently bought a new car (for tax purposes) but cannot part with this one, so I kept it.
208k And Going Strong
R. Sheppard, 04/17/2010
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car used with 185K. have had minor problems, ie brakes, Headlights, Axle. nothing that could persuade me to get rid of the car. the intrepid is roomy and handles well. I have put 28K miles on that used engine and all I do is keep changing the oil. I would recommend the Intrepid to anyone.
Roomy car with pep.
Tall Guy, tall kids, 08/24/2003
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Smooth riding, with lots of pep. Very roomy in front, back, & trunk. Great visibility. Very reliable. No disappointments. The only thing to fail in 7 years is an ABS sensor on a rear wheel, although the radio buttons have become erratic while still being useful.
Intrepididation
pdg, 04/16/2004
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Within 8 years: ~ replaced MacPherson struts ~ replaced rack and pinion steering ~ replaced brake cylinder ~ replaced tansmission - TWICE!
Not bad for cheap!
OK, 11/05/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A/C is junk. Not worth fixing when it dies - which it will. Otherwise, mechanically ok.
Good for road warriors
BillYBoy, 04/27/2004
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 96 intrepid as a program car I have driven it 30K+ mostly interstate miles each year and it hasn't let me down yet. I am still on orginal engine and transmission. A/C sucks breaks every 2 years like clockwork 500-800 to fix. 2 water pump's 1 set of brakes (@180K), and many various issues with Suspension about as often as A/C. If you need a cheap car that will go long distances it's perfect.
1996 Intrepid
Jym Sparks, 08/29/2004
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good all around car. Good in snow and ice. Very dependable with just general up keep. Have had some problems keeping the brakes in check and have replaced them multiple times. It seems to be alright now. Also the engine is loud when you jump on it.
some problems
Dan69St, 10/28/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
well I have put about 13,000 miles on it since April when I bought it and I have been having some problems. I Put in a new wheel bearing, now I have an overheating problem and I am not sure what all it is. I changed the thermostat, the water pump and still no relief of the temp. Flushed the radiator and everything. There is no sign of a blown Head gasket or a cracked block. But besides that the car was running great no other complaints besides.
Disappointed
Bartender10, 07/22/2003
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been disappointed with my '96 Intrepid ES. Purchased new. Water pump went out 300 miles before the warranty expired (fortunately for me). Have had trouble with factory radio/CD player not working. Bushings have failed on the rack and pinion steering box (expensive and impossible to get to). Spent a lot of time/money trying to solve a driveability problem - turned out to be an intake manifold gasket leak. Paint is fading badly on the top and it has completely flaked off the side window mouldings. Body intregrity is less than acceptable. I don't think that I will ever pay $25K+ for a new Dodge again.
Best car I've ever owned!
Rozzie, 08/10/2003
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 143,000 on my intrepid and it's still going strong. It's the best car I've owned. It's a smooth ride & very dependable.
Not bad so far
Bartbilt, 11/19/2006
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good reliability and MPG, up to 30mpg on highway witht the 3.3 V6. No transmission problems. I'm 6'4" and have plenty of leg room, even with the console shifter. A\C broke and I have no intentions of fixing it. Currently have 147,000 miles on it with a few oil leaks. Handles well in the snow. I inherited the car from my wife and use it mainly to commute to work, 50 miles per day. Exterior is holding up well with regular washes and yearly waxing. Black exterior trim pieces are peeling. Also, lost two of the four center hubcaps on the wheels. Noticed that most others with the same wheels are missing some or all of the hubcabs. Wanting to see how many miles this thing will go.
The Dodge Intrepid
Naty, 11/26/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 96' Intrepid is a wonderful vehicle.Very smooth ride,thanks to its powerful 6 cylinder engine and smooth transmission.It boasts a comfortable interior,very spacious.The fuel efficiency is top notch.I highly recommend this car if youre in the market for a reliable,comfortable,and luxurious sedan.
Looks great, but...
JT, 08/11/2003
1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because I had read good reviews about it, and for the price I paid, I got a lot of car. It is very fun to drive, with the 3.5L engine, there is plenty of juice in the pedal. The car is very roomy, and the styling is great. But once that novelty wore off, I found a car riddled with expensive issues such as porr tranny, front end issues, a/c evap coils that cost almost $1g to fix... the list goes on and on. Now I know that I got WAY more than I bargained for. The car is a ticking bomb.
I Like my Intrepid
Daniel L., 04/04/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall nice car. Looks good. Gets off the line quick. Roomy interior.
1996 White Dode Intrepid
Bob T, 04/10/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owned since January Purchased as suprise gift for my wife. Already had Saab in good condition (Whch is also for sale ($2500 or B.O. Excellent ride, quiet, and extermely comfortable. Must drive the vehicle to appreciate. Priced for quick sale. Need some repairs. If repairs done by yourelf, repair costs for parts obviously will be extremely reasonable less $$. This is a Great CAR. A MUST see ! Please e-mail for more info.
old faithful
Lady Luck, 10/27/2008
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We got this car off a 2 year lease return in 1998, and I'm still driving it. We have had absolutely no major problems with this car up until recently, and it's almost 13 years old, and has over 150k. Up until the car went over 100k, it was nothing but oil changes, brakes and tires for this car, plus one timing chain change. After that small stuff started to go bad I can't say anything bad about this car up until now. Accelerates nicely, is comfortable, especially for a tall girl like me. The trans is going bad now, and I'm still deciding on replacing it or getting something else. I really do love this car.
1996 Intrepid
Smith Family, 06/29/2002
1996 Dodge Intrepid 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The original paint job was poor. We will have to re-paint the hood, top and hood of the car. Other than that, very dependable and fun to drive.