1993-1997 Dodge Intrepid: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-1997 Dodge Intrepid and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (3.5-liter)
- Ride (base suspension)
- Antilock brakes
- Passenger and cargo room
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Road noise
- Climate controls
- Acceleration (3.3-liter)
- Rear visibility
- Ride (Performance Handling Group)
Vehicle Highlights
Most affordable of Chrysler Corporation's innovative LH sedans, the Intrepid wore the same body as the Chrysler Concorde and Eagle Vision. One of two V6 engines drives the front wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 3.3-liter was standard, and a 24-valve 3.5-liter was optional. Dual airbags and power rack-and-pinion was standard. Base Intrepids have front-disc/rear-drum brakes, while the sportier ES halts with 4-wheel discs. Antilock braking was optional on both, as was traction control. Most Intrepids had bucket seats, but a base model could be ordered with a front bench instead.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Dodge Intrepid 3.3-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 62 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-1997 Dodge Intrepid. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-1997 Dodge Intrepid.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Dodge Intrepid:
A touring suspension became standard in '94. The 3.3-liter V6 added eight horsepower, while new variable-assist power steering (optional on base Intrepids) eased parking.
1995 Dodge Intrepid:
ES Intrepids gained standard antilock braking, which remained an option on base sedans, and the cruise control added a "cancel" feature.
1996 Dodge Intrepid:
The base model got a sharper look in '96, including new 11-spoke wheel covers on bigger (16-inch) wheels. Dodge clearly was trying to narrow the gap between the two models. Front fascias now incorporated fog lamps. Both models gained additional sound insulation, intended to reduce road noise.
1997 Dodge Intrepid:
The 5-year old Intrepid, scheduled for a major redesign for 1998 was carried over with no significant changes in 1997.
Our road test for the 1993-1997 Dodge Intrepid includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1997 Dodge Intrepid and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1997 Dodge Intrepid is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is adequate with the 3.3-liter V6, but it's not too snappy for quick passing. For that reason, an early ES is the better choice with the larger V6 engine and touring suspension employing 16-inch tires. This combination offers fine overall performance, including precise handling and cornering. But watch out for an ES with the optional Performance Handling Group, which yields a stiff ride. By 1994, all Intrepids had the touring suspension as standard, delivering a satisfying level of handling precision without much loss in comfort. Even base Intrepids with that suspension handle as well as some smaller sports sedans, zipping through tight turns with little body lean and commendable grip. The ride is firm, but not harsh. Gas mileage with an ES sedan averaged 22 mpg in a long-term trial, including considerable highway mileage--not quite a miser, but better than some all-out full-size automobiles. Even stop-and-go commuting usually resulted in 16-18 mpg economy. Three adults fit in back without crowding. Head room is good in front and adequate in back. Ergonomics are great. Instruments and controls are logically arranged and convenient, except for climate controls that are mounted too low for easy access. Lightweight plastic on the dashboard and door panels does not feel too durable. Cargo space is fine and the trunk opens at bumper level for easier loading of luggage. Road noise is prominent at highway speeds, even with the sound insulation added for 1996. Wind noise is low. Workmanship is generally tight and solid, but some cars have suffered minor creaks, rattles, or assembly flaws--even when new.
Value for the Money
Intrepid is an impressive and worthy family sedan with a healthy helping of flair, offering good value for the money. However, full-size General Motors cars, such as the Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight and Pontiac Bonneville, may have the edge in terms of overall quality.
Intrepid is an impressive and worthy family sedan with a healthy helping of flair, offering good value for the money. However, full-size General Motors cars, such as the Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight and Pontiac Bonneville, may have the edge in terms of overall quality.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Dodge Intrepid 3.3-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 62 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Dodge Intrepid includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Intrepid .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The air conditioner lines are prone to leak at the compressor because of nicks and sharp edges on the A/C line grooves for the O-rings, making it necessary to replace the lines. (1993-94)
Air conditioner:
If the air conditioner is intermittent or quits altogether, but the refrigerant charge is OK, the pressure transducer is probably malfunctioning. (All)
Automatic transmission:
Transmission front pump could be leaking due to a worn bushing, which requires replacement of the pump as well as the torque converter. (1993-96)
Automatic transmission:
A defective throttle positions sensor could be the cause of late, erratic, or harsh shifting. (1994)
Automatic transmission:
Bad seals in the transmission lead to premature friction component wear, which causes a shudder when starting from a stop, a bump when coasting to a stop, and slipping between gears. (1993-95)
Automatic transmission:
41TE or 42LE automatic transaxle could take several seconds to engage at startup because of a problem with the valve body. (1993-95)
Cold-starting problems:
Hard starting and a miss at idle can be traced to defective fuel rails. (1993-94)
Engine noise:
The motor mount on the left side of the engine tends to break. (1993)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $365 |
| Alternator | $190 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,089 |
| Brakes | $250 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $310 |
| Exhaust System | $418 |
| Radiator | $350 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $480 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $230 |
Our price chart for this generation Dodge Intrepid details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| Intrepid | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1996 | |||
| Intrepid | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Intrepid | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1994 | |||
| Intrepid | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Intrepid | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Dodge Intrepid include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 201.7 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.4 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3318 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.7 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.8 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two V6 engines are available: a 3.3-liter with overhead valves or a 3.5-liter with overhead-camshafts. The base engine developed 153 horsepower in its first season, growing to 161 in '94 models. The larger V6 always made 214 horsepower. Both drive an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.5 / 215 | 214 | 221 | 4-speed automatic: 18/26 | 4-speed automatic: 22 |
| ohv V6 | 3.3 / 201 | 153-161 | 177-181 | 4-speed automatic: 19/27 | 4-speed automatic: 21.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Dodge Intrepid include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 Intrepid |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1993-1997 Dodge Intrepid directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1993 w/3.3-liter engine:
O-rings used to seal interface of fuel-injector tubes are insufficiently durable; deterioration can cause fuel leakage, with potential for fire.
1993:
Lower control-arm washers in front suspension of some cars can crack and fall off due to hydrogen embrittlement; will cause clunking sound during braking and eventually result in loss of steering control.
1993-95:
Lower control-arm attaching brackets on some cars can crack due to fatigue and separate from engine cradle; transmission halfshaft could then pull out of transaxle.
1993-97 w/3.5-liter engine:
Fuel-injection system can leak from O-rings or hairline cracks in fuel-injection rail.
1994:
Right steering tie rod can rub through automatic-transmission wiring harness, causing short circuit; may result in stalling, or allow engine to start when selector is not in "Park" position.
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