Used 1997 Dodge Intrepid Sedan Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Unreliable
I owned the car for 3 months and in those three months it overheated, didn't start due to a computer issue, needed $700 worth of front end work (a major issue with all Intrepids according to my mechanic), needed new tires and alignment, and to top the cake, the transmission went (yet another popular issue with Intrepids). I spent another $1700 on rebuilding the engine. You tell me how my experience with the Intrepid was.
TROUBLE!!!!
The intrepid was my first car and at first I loved it until a month later it started giving me problems. Every month I had to buy a new tire and my transmission went completely out like a few weeks ago and my battery died like five times or so for no reason. My water pump went out and overall the car stinks!
Great car
I bought this car with 34,000 miles it now has 184,000 and still running fine. I have never had any major repairs. My car gets 32 mpg on the highway. Wish they still made Intrepids, I would buy another one.
A Blessing
Is this really dodge/chrysler? I cant believe how comfortable it is. Cozy interior, and a war attack of an exterior. Good on gas, and doesnt stop rolling. Bought with 111k miles. Now @ 151ish, and still running with no check. Engine lights, no problems. This is what a car is suppose to do. If it ever dies ill rebuilt it and drive it again til it dies again, rinse and repeat.
My Intrepid Rocks
My 1997 Dodge Intrepid was my first car...I bought it for $2,000 and I've had it for about 4 years. It just hit 200k miles and is still going strong! This car is fantastic...it's fast enough (at least mine is) to keep up with other newer, sportier cars, has great handling, is a tank (some idiot sideswiped me when I was going about 35 mph...his whole bumper came off, and I got a little dent in my door), and is even decent in the snow and in icy conditions! I've had to invest very little into the upkeep, replacing less than $1,000 worth of parts in the entire time I've had it, excluding the cost of tires and oil changes. Extraordinarily reliable...=)
My Second One
This is my second ES AUTOSTICK, and like the first one I love it. Great car, no problems. Made to take the abuse. Just minor repairs, like any other car. People do not remember that you do have to replace parts they wear out eventually. I have 196,000 on it now and it is going strong. Still as powerful as a new car. One suggestion to people, this is not a good car for a first time drive, too much power, too large.
1997 Intrepid
We had this car for right up until about 160,000 miles. At that point it just started to go down hill, weird wiring problems seemed to plague the car. Just after 160,000 though. Before that, it was a great car. Ran great, and gave us years of faithful service. I wonder what happens with these cars at 160,000 or if it was just us. Performance was excellent even up into it's last days, the engine still had plenty of pep. Very roomy, even on long trips going from Cali to Utah multiple times with four people in it, very comfortable.
fast and powerfull
This car is fast and powerfull. 3.5 liter engine. Hasn't broke down on me at all. Had a small oil leak once. Handles great. You can take this baby on the highway and find yourself going 80 mph and fells like your going 50. very smooth. No transmission problems like they say the 95 and 96 models had. This is the last year they created this design, they got all the kinks out the previous 2 years.
Car
I bought this car with 42,000 miles on it and I was the second owner. This car has been a pile of junk since day one. I have had all kinds of problems with it and only get about 19 mpg. It now has 104,000 miles on it and I have to get rid of it because it is making me go broke.
4Door 1997 3.3L V6
It has about 235k miles and still runs strong, the only issues are that it needs a new water pump and the steering is going out. Other than that, the engine still has enough umph to outrun others when they challenge me, lol. I actually beat a Cobalt to the speed limit, *wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Great car though, really. If you find a low mile one get it.
Amazing Intrepid
I have owned this car for 8 years, I have 184,000 miles on it, general maintenance kept it in great shape. My wife had a couple fender benders, still runs like a champ. I would recommend this car to anyone. I had the cloth taken out and leather installed. I still get about 22 mpg around town, and it is as classy as anything new I have driven, and it can still jump off the line.
The best car I have ever owned!
I bought my car 3 years ago and it has been excellent. No problems at all. My car is the sport addition with the slap shifter, which is rare. It only had one owner prior to my buying and it only had 57,000 miles on it. I have never been stranded. It has never let me down. I have made several trips to Texas. A 600 round trip. The best car I would recommend it to anyone.
Great Car
I just bought my Intrepid and was very happy with the performance. I have the 3.5 v6 and it is a great car. Well balanced comfort and speed. A good sporty look and great reliability. Recomend it to everyone. 30MPG!
a good fast relible car
just buy one it is fast and comfortable and has never yet failed me has huge list of standard features for its price
Excellent Used Car
Traction control and autostick features on this vehicle make it an excellent choice for a used purchase. Krause Dodge,Lehigh Valley, PA was the dealer we bought the car from, had exceptional customer service & knowledge. They accepted my trade-in (1994 Intrepid) for NADA amount I expected. Another dealer(Keystone Dodge, Allentown, PA) tried to give us only one third of that amount as if it were to go for auction when it was in clean condition, under 100K original miles! Thank you Krause & Dodge- Chrysler Corp.
Nice car
Just got car in Nov 2004. Very surprised with this car. I never paid much attention to Intrepids. Very tight, rattle-free and solid. Lots of power from the 3.5. 24 mpg!
Not too bad
Bought this car off a little old lady who had already bought her a newer intrepid and was getting rid of her old one. Took it to her mechanic and let him explain everything he ever did for the vehicle. Major things already replaced such as Water pump, timing belt. Bought newer tires for it, had to eventually buy tie rod ends and control arms due to the fact the ball joints are pressed into the control arm. Replaced wires, plugs, an O2 Sensor, stereo with aftermarket stereo, speakers, tinted the windows, and everything is great. Just wish the car would have came with alloys instead of the steel wheel but all in all, it could be alot worse. 175,255 and still going strong!!
This car is a lemon.
Our department received this vehicle just over a year ago. We do not utilize it very much and have only put on about 5,000 miles so far. The car's mileage total is now 52,000. In the last year we have had the car the shop so many times for so many problems that I've lost track. The biggest problems were electrical and brakes although recently it also blew a head gasket and right now it is in for a new radiator. One of my coworker also has the misfortune to own one and has had front end problems, brake problems and engine problems as well. L e m o n!
Great Big Car
This is my first Dodge product out of 24 vehicles I have owned and can say I am plesantly suprized.... Tons of Interior room, Fantastic highway gas mileage and feels like you have a car under you when you drive it... I highly recommend this car... I have had no major problems other then 2 Oxygen sensors needing replacement... they are a bit costly but not a problem... They are easy to find so you can be selective and get them for really good prices... The exterior styling looks good and doesn't seem to be dated... I have the 3.3L which is a great and SIMPLE engine
Watch out for power steering problems
I bought this car used with about 60,000 miles on it. I LOVED the car but never expected to have to suddenly replace the entire steering system for $1,600. Still love the car and it gets great gas mileage despite the optional 24 valve 3.5 liter engine. I'm getting 23 or 24 mph on the highway. POTENTIAL BUYERS: this car is reportedly notorious for power steering going out and taking rack & pinion unit with it. Mine went out at 70,000 miles, and my freind with a 1998 Intrepid had EXACT SAME EXPERIENCE, costing him about $1,600. The power steering seems to be undersized or something, but is great in every other way.
a-ok vehicle
The car is a good looking vehicle. Plenty of trunk space. Nice interior...roomy. Comfortable to drive.
Great Car
I know all the ins and outs of this car. I now have over 200,000 miles on mine and the only problem I've had is the waterpump going, thermostat, and the timing belt (both expected on any car with that mileage). Other than that only tires brakes and a new battery and I was good to go. Never afraid to take it on a long haul. Bought the car new in '97 and it's been the best investment I've ever made. I have to put this car at the top of it's class in all aspects. Great sporty, reliable, family car. I would highly reccoment this car to anyone considering. You just have to treat it well and it will return the favor to you!
Intrepid 97
I find the seats uncomfortable and the split seat where the arm rest is to be quite annoying. Items places on the seat in that area always slide through to the back of the car. The front door is quite difficult to close forcing the driver to grab the pocket to pull the door closed. Headlights are also not as bright as I would like.
Miss you!
I sold this car a month ago... I loved it and had a hard time parting with it. It had 114500 when I sold it...70K when bought. GREAT engine....lots of power. The transmission never had a problem at all.... Replaced a few things: EGR valve, sway bars. Rest was regular maint. Burned a little oil and dripped a little at the end, but was a good car. Highly recommended
Chrysler rocks!
This is the second car I have ever owned. My first was a Chrysler Concorde, and I loved that car. Figuring that the cars would be similar, and knowing that my Mom had no trouble with her Intrepid when she bought it new until the day the engine died, I knew I wanted another Concorde or an Intrepid. I find that this car has some slight electrical problems, but nothing that will stop it from running steady and strong even after sitting in campus parking all week without running. I love my Intrepid and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a car and wants one that will be decently affordable and very reliable.
My perfect purlple car
was in a side impactwreck I walked away with a tiny scrach and my child injury free very safe car
Can't be it for the buck.
I have had this car for 5-1/2 years and drove it off the showroom floor. As the salesman told me "you can't beat the package for the money and can't find the same in another make". I would say he was correct. The car has performed and required little more than routine oil changes. The computer had to be reprogrammed once because the A/C would malfunction but that was done two years ago and its been fine. The only other item for repair was a speed sensor that affected the transmission shifting. These have been the only "repair" issues on this car period. I cannot say enough good things about it.
Love our car
We purchased our car after much research. The Intrepid comes out heads above the rest. It is safe, comfortable, beautiful and fast! You would be hard pressed to find fault with this car.
Dependable & handles deep snow well.
I live in Alaska, outside of town with a long uphill driveway. My Intrepid has pushed through snow many times to get me to town. I have had 4WD pickups & SUV's that have not handled as well. I get about 25 MPG, and have not had any major repairs to contend with. The car now has over 150,000 miles on it and burns no oil or has any problems. My teenage daughter, who is a careful driver, is buying it from me for her first car. With dual airbags and how well it handles icy roads, I trust this car to keep her on the road, regardless of the contions. As for my next car, I think I need another Intrepid!
My "Bessie"
"Bessie" has been a great car. Through all the trials and tribulations she has been reliable and truly "intrepid."
The most comfortable car (and reliable)
Bought it with only 52K on it. Owned it for 3.5 years and had almost no problems with it. It is so comfortable and fast enough to make a great everyday as well as highway car. Suspension absorbs all the bumps better than any import in this class. Great mileage for the size. Loved it!
Over 100,00 miles and Still Going Strong
We bought our 1997 Dodge Intrepid new. Love the 3.5 L engine. Lots of pick up. Excellent handling. Had some problems with a fuel leak but the dealer fixed it free.
Good safe car!
We bought this car new, very few problems. We did regular maintenance, and it took care of us. Air conditioning went out early, however was covered under warranty. We handed the car down to our daughters for their use. My 21 year old had a hard rollover accident recently with the car (slippery roads). I was very gratefull that I saw her before I saw the car, as she suffered a broken collar bone. When I saw the car, I did not recognize the vehicle as ours. I thought the top was cut off, but it was pushed down that far! I am not at all certain that my daughter would have faired as well in a lesser car...Thank God the Intrepid held up the way it did.
1997 Dodge Intrepid
I bought the 1997 Intrepid for my teen. She learned to drive in this car. I felt that it was very safe for her. I bought the car from a neighbor who had kept it in the garage so the paint was in mint condition. The Intrepid has been reliable and is a very comfortable ride. It has quick acceleration and power. It is a great car for road trips and handles well. It is not economical on gas because it has a 3.5 liter engine. It definitely has the power when you need it. Have never had any major mechanical problems with the Intrepid.
Great drive
The car had provided reliable transportation and continues to be a stylish "ride." My only quibble is the high level of highway driving noise - you pull into your driveway with the radio blaring because that's the only way you could hear in out on the road. The 5 star Dodge dealer has provided outstanding service in a timely fashion.
Best Car I've ever had!
Truly the best car I've owned in terms of reliability, handling, gas mileage to engine size ratio, and cargo/trunk capacity. Feels like a luxury sedan, but handles like a Nascar. Hard to shake loose on the turns, just hangs in there and remains stable. I plan to drive this one till the wheels fall off and they MAKE me go get something else!
Such potential
I have loved the size and power of this car, which I bought used. The several tall people in my family love the interior room. Repairs have been more frequently than I had hoped, and usually were expensive. At 100,000 I have had two lifter jobs, replaced all the struts and upper mounts, replaced the radiator, and have done the expensive tie rod repair. The exterior body is very attractive and is holding up well over the years. The wheel covers have worn out and are very expensive to replace.
Reliable Family Car
I love this car! With normal maintenance this car has been wonderful for our family and the many 700+ mile trips we used it for. We are the 2nd owner (1st was a rental company who put 25K mi on it). I average only 22 MPG, which is lower than others claim. Car is most bang for your buck for a full sized car. This car "floats" down the highway, making for a relaxing drive anywhere you want to go.
Comfotable car
It is a nice sports luxury model sedan to drive near or far distances. Very comfortable. Doesnt waste fuel fast at all. recomend it to a smaller family.
lessons learned
This was a great looking sedan and was fun to drive. I had many problems with it though. A leaky transmission that took many trips to the dealer to fix (it leaked onto the exhaust manifold and made the car stink inside the cab), leaking power steering pump and leaking water pump replaced before 30K. Also the cassette player died and had to be replaced. The 3.3L engie ran good but was a little weak for this size car. When I sold the car 1 1/2 years later I found out about Chrysler products resale value.
Watch out for the Fuel Rail
We have enjoyed our 1997 used car Intrepid very much.But after about two years we noticed there was a problem we had to fill it up every week.! There seemed to be a fuel leek. We brought it to our Mech. after working on it for two days,he called the Dodge Dealer, they admitted there was a national recall on the"Fuel Rail" as they are having a problems. They fixed it w/no charge. We had never recieved any notice of such a problem. Our mechanic said it could have caught on fire and was very dangerous to drive. Its fine now, although we dont get the mialage we did before, but we still love our car. Havnt had any other magor problems than that, so we feel lucky.
Great Big Car
This is my first Dodge product out of 24 vehicles I have owned and can say I am plesantly suprised.... Tons of Interior room, Fantastic highway gas mileage and feels like you have a car under you when you drive it... I highly recommend this car... I have had no major problems other then 2 oxygen sensors needing replacement... they are a bit costly but not a problem... They are easy to find so you can be selective and get them for really good prices... The exterior styling looks good and doesn't seem to be dated... I have the 3.3L which is a great and SIMPLE engine
Electrical system Issues
Hey! I like the car. I, for the most part haven't really had any real problems with the car as far as maintenance. But, I did however have some problems with the Electrical system shorting out on me. The car hesitated while driving. Shutting down in the middle of the interstate. where i had no control of the acceleration and power stering went out. Then it would regain power and then in a few seconds shut down again. I tried to get a mechanic to find the problem but the cost was too much. So i left it. Now the only thing that really happens is the wipers will come on speratically. There is still a short. But, it stopped hesitating and shutting down.
Excellent car a must buy
i bought a brand new 1997 intrepid back in mid 1997, i use this car on the daily basis and i use it heavily in traffic and also on the highways, this car has never let me down, the only problem is that the engine light is on but my mechanic says it says that because it is due for a maintance but no major problems. The only thing i would want is that the car would come with a CD player and subwoofer powerful stereo system to listen to my music, even thou its 6 speakers are good enough. Excellent american car.
intrepid owns the roads
excellent car inside and out. the only probloms i had was the check engine light came on all the time for pointless reasons!!!! love the stock stereo system and the 3.5l v6 paired with the 16 in. tires.
One of the most underrated sedans
I bought this car to replace my piece of junk 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera. This Intrepid has done more than impress me. I am getting 27 to 29 mpg with city/highway and 32 mpg with the optional 3.5l 24 valve SOHC V6 that was only rated at 26 mpg! I have almost 127,000 miles on the original motor and transmission and they both behave as though they have at least another 75,000 miles left on them. I have had to replace a intake and some other gasket on it but beyond that, it is been trouble free.
1997 Dodge Intrepid
This vehicle has been an excellent value. The leather seats have held up well for seven yrs. and the sound system has been incredible.
dodge intrepid sport
I have had my 97 intrepid sport since new,has moon roof and trip computer,with autostick and 3.5 liter engine 214 hp,it has 97000 miles on it and has been a good car. the water pump and the timing belt has been replaced .transmission has not gave me any trouble although i keep the fluid changed.Sometimes when its cold it changes funny for about a min,done this since new.after that its ok, c rI had it on many a long trip and had been dependable. i also hate the wind noise the car delivers, the 97 and earlier intrepids,have also heard of this from the new ones also,but i dont know about this for sure!
The ES!
I have owned this car for 5 years now. It had 50,000 miles on it when I bought it. It now has over 150,000 miles on it as of today. I have had to replace a few things here and there, radiator, thermostat, ball joints, but the exterior and interior are still in great shape and the engine is still purring. I will drive it till it dies.
Used car
Not real happy right now with car problems two issues so far less than month. I love the style. Or should I say the teens in neighborhood love it. Already real nervous. Have learned a lot of people have problems with bushing going out right away.$200 total for parts only. Water pump already going out. Would love manual. Oil came up to over flow already that makes me nervous. Used 4ways first time made blinkers stop working. Found out bad wire on battery so its fixed. Would I buy another one. Don't know too many people complaining already never ckd out details before buying