Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Most popular vehicles
Popular New Cars
- New Acura MDX
- New Acura RDX
- New Audi Q5
- New BMW 3 Series
- New BMW X3
- New Buick Enclave
- New Cadillac Escalade
- New Chevrolet Equinox
- New Chrysler 300
- New Dodge Challenger
- New Ford Edge
- New Ford Escape
- New Ford Expedition
- New Ford Explorer
- New Ford F-150
- New Ford Focus
- New Ford Mustang
- New Honda Accord
- New Honda Civic
- New Honda CR-V
- New Honda Fit
- New Honda Odyssey
- New Honda Pilot
- New Hyundai Elantra
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- New Hyundai Sonata
- New Hyundai Tucson
- New Jeep Compass
- New Jeep Grand Cherokee
- New Jeep Wrangler
- New Mazda 3
- New Mazda 6
- New Mazda CX-5
- New Nissan Altima
- New Nissan Maxima
- New Nissan Rogue
- New Porsche Cayenne
- New Ram 1500
- New Subaru Crosstrek
- New Subaru Forester
- New Subaru Impreza
- New Subaru Outback
- New Tesla Model S
- New Tesla Model X
- New Toyota 4Runner
- New Toyota Camry
- New Toyota Corolla
- New Toyota Highlander
- New Toyota Prius
- New Toyota RAV4
- New Toyota Sienna
- New Toyota Tacoma
- New Volkswagen Jetta
- New Volvo XC60
- New Volvo XC90
Popular Used Sedans
- Used BMW 5 Series
- Used Chevrolet Impala
- Used Chevrolet Malibu
- Used Chrysler 200
- Used Dodge Charger
- Used Ford Fusion
- Used Ford Taurus
- Used Honda Accord
- Used Honda Civic
- Used Hyundai Elantra
- Used Hyundai Sonata
- Used Tesla Model S
- Used Toyota Camry
- Used Toyota Corolla
- Used Volkswagen Jetta
Popular Used SUVs
- Used Acura MDX
- Used Acura RDX
- Used Ford Edge
- Used Ford Explorer
- Used Honda CR-V
- Used Honda Pilot
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe
- Used Jeep Compass
- Used Lincoln Navigator
- Used Mazda CX-5
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Subaru Forester
- Used Tesla Model X
- Used Volvo XC90
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
I guess it is because I don't like to drive a car extremely hard so it lasts longer and gets better mileage. I bought the most powerfull model partially thinking the engine would not have to work as hard since I do drive faster and accelerate quicker than the average person.
I've got almost 21,000 miles, and absolutely no braking problems at all. Feels the same as the day I drove it away from the dealer.
Have to comment on the statement Chrysler is a better company now. I see no facts to support that, either in product, marketing, employee moral, leadership, or sales. All signs point to a company where management is incompetant at best, or purposefully destructive. Since Chrysler is no longer American owned, it gets no special consideration related to future automobile purchases.
Anything I should be looking at as far as replacement/failures?
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002/03/18/mercedes.htm
Also, a link to a J.D. Powers survey, highest ranking Mercedes was the E class in 11th place, the Intrepid was in 14th place, out of 194 models.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=3671&pf=1
Regardless of quality, new models being delayed, nameplates and makes being cancelled, balance sheet destroyed, and now thinking RWD will sell in large numbers in a mainstream sedan, yet to be determined.
At least we can agree Lexus makes a fine automobile, though I really don't think any car is worth over $30,000, so I am not their target market.
good links! also, i'm not positive, but i think the lh cars were also rated above the c and certainly m class mercedes in the latest consumer reports roundup.
anyhoo, it is very interesting that the redheaded stepchild of daimler is getting the good grades while the biologicals flounder! gee, who should be doing the "influencing" now!
One thing that's interesting though, is that the old RWD rims have a wider offset than the FWD rims, which makes the whole wheel stick out a bit further. For example, I'd say these stock NY'er rims made the wheels stick out about an inch on either side. If you used the old 15x7" road wheels, or the M-body copcar rims, they'd stick out even further. I wonder if fitting these types of rims on an Intrepid would improve cornering any? Not that cornering is exactly an LH weak spot ;-) Of course, God only knows what kind of clearance problems this might cause, too...
intrepid has 99 problems per 100 cars, es300 has 73 per 100 car.
a little more math reveals that the intrepid averages .99 problems per car and the lexus .73 problems per car. seems to me the difference is irrelevant. plus the intrepid is considerably cheaper and larger than that lexus.
Anyway, the 3.2 had 25 more horsepower than the Impala 3.8, but both engines had the same amount of torque, 225 ft-lb. The Impala gets its peak at a much lower rpm though, so, other things like transmission gearing, differential gearing, weight, etc being equal, the 3.8 would take off faster from 0-60. The 3.2 however, should do better out on the open road once the 3.8 begins to run out of steam past its peak torque curve. The Impala and Intrepid are pretty close together, weight-wise, but I think either one would weigh about 150 lb more than an Accord V-6.
Does anybody know what differential ratio the Intrepid ES with the 3.5 uses? I think the small 2.7 uses a 3.89:1, but I can't imagine the 3.5 using something like that. I think the Impala uses a 3.08:1. As for why the Accord is as quick as it is, I honestly don't know. It has 195 ft-lb of torque, much less than the 3.5's 241 or Impala's 225. It also gets it at a higher rpm. The only thing I can imagine is that the Accord uses very short (numerically high) gearing.
It's often hard to pinpoint how well a car will perform just by its horsepower rating alone. You have to look at everything...weight, gearing, tires, tranny, torque, the rpm it hits that peak hp at, etc. For instance, an old Monte Carlo SS back in the '80's "only" had 180 hp, and weighed about the same as either a modern Impala or Intrepid, yet they were good for 0-60 in just under 8 seconds.
All I am trying to show is that Chrysler put some serious effort into improving the perceived quality of the 2nd generation LH's, and the factory does a much better than average job of putting them together. If my Intrepid falls apart too rapidly, then I'll move on to another make if the facts support that to be wise after considering all factors involved in purchasing a vehicle. Since Chrysler is no longer domestic, they don't get special consideration from me anymore.
However, I think for the price, Intrepids are about the best buy on the market, especially the SXT after discounts, rebates, etc.
The new ES300 looks too much like the Camry now, but I'm sure it will continue it's record for assembly quality. Shocked to see the Civic finished so low, in 151st place.
Thanks,
Bill
quick question. do any of you know who makes chrysler group's car stereos and cd players...? i was under the impression that it was mitsubishi...but someone else i know swears it audiovox...thanks.
btw, chrysler had a 6yr/100k warranty on parts of the a/c system on mid 90s lh cars. so, if you owned one of those cars, chances are your a/c problems would have been fixed under warranty...
6000 miles: patch tire (nail)
31000 miles: new tires, tranny service, alignment check
35000 miles: power lock actuator in door (fixed under warranty)
38000 miles: patch tire (2 nails this time!)
39000 miles: new front brakes
43000 miles: power mirror control for passenger side broke; I just left it alone since it was where I needed it
51500 miles: new spark plugs, rear brakes, thermostat housing
62000 miles: 4-wheel alignment, tranny service
The metallic silver paint is still nice and shiny, although it has a few nicks and stone chips here and there, and a slight dent in the plastic fascia, where I bumped into a Grand Am. I also lost the black plastic lower valance panel. It's mounted too low, and speed bumps, curbs, an opossum, and finally, a cat, took their toll on it. (don't worry, animal lovers, both of 'em lived, and in fact, ran off seemingly without a scratch!) I probably should've replaced it, but instead I just cut the thing off.
Inside, things have held up pretty well...no squeaks or rattles or anything. The power windows do creak just a bit when you roll them up tight, and the plastic around the shifter is loose. And the rubber seals around the doors have shrunk, but haven't gotten to the point that they're too bad yet.
So no, it hasn't been perfect, but I've known people who have had cars totally crap out on them in fewer miles! If I had it to do over again, I'd definitely still buy Intrepid. Maybe pick another color, bigger engine, and power seat, but I'd still go with a 'Trep!
I've noticed this on cars from just about every manufacturer out there, though. In fact, I'd say the worst offender is Toyota, with the '97-01 Camry! It's mainly that goldish color Toyota uses, where I notice it the most.
I doubt it would be considered a defect, and wouldn't mess with painting the bumpers. The repaint isn't going to hold up as well as the original, and good luck getting them to match it even as good as what's on there now!
http://www.dodgeintrepid.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5058
My paint matches perfectly on my slate grey 2000 R/T. Of course, I have a big rash on the corner of the fascia from hitting a very high curb in the bank drive-through. That was a bummer.
There were a couple of scratches on the trunk lie below the tail lights, and I'm pretty sure the dealer told me that they had a guy that comes around once a week to fix minor scratches, and the part scratched was composite.
That being said, I keep all my softball and golf equipment in the trunk during the summer, and still never have to unload it to shop. The advantages of a big car.
lasher5 ,good to see some on this site can keep an open mind, and thats all I am going to say!!
Recently, the A/C broke. It hasn't given me problems before. It was working fine one day, ice cold, then just died completely the next. I'm not sure if there is a leak, a broken switch, or even a problem with the compressor. Not only that, but ever since this has happened, the car has been making a loud buzzing noise. It happens sometimes (not every time) when I start the car, and sometimes it will randomly start making the noise when I am driving, and last for a minute or two, then go away. Otherwise it is quiet. Anyone have similar problems? Two different mechanics have told me it is difficult to give an estimate on A/Cs because there are many different components to it. One guy told me he could do a vacuum check on it for about $40.
One more thing. The two front windows are "broken". They are power windows and roll down just fine, no problem, not even slow. However, they do not roll up. The last time I rolled down the driver's side window it took a good twenty minutes before it came up. The passenger side window will stick and then roll up in an intermittent fashion. I think the motors in these windows may be broken, but if so, why do the windows roll down? This has been a problem for several months now.
Over all this has been a very reliable car, no problems with the transmission, engine, etc. If anyone has advice or has had similar problems, let me know, I'd appreciate it. Thanks a lot.
Here's why I post--other than to say hello. I continue to be amazed at her 1994 ES. YES, YES--it has a mere 50,000 miles on it--gently used for a 1994 model year. That being said I always marvel at how solid, squeak free (relatively speaking) and trouble free her Intrepid has remained--after better than 8 years. Incidentally to the "theatrical" types and many heads of the hydra so aptly described. NO--no transmission problems, NO--no AC problems, NO--no engine problems--save the fuel rail recall germane to all 3.5 liters of that era. Nothing falling off or loose or rotting. Of course this is meaningless to the "oh well you "Mopar heads" will say anything".. But for those who appreciate and understand the comments--there you go.
Anyway, I guess it was no great loss, since about 5 months later I bought my '00. Had I bought the '94, chances are a brand-new car would have been the furthest thing from my mind when that time came around.
There's a lady here at work who has a '94 Concorde with the base 3.3, and I know she's got to have over 100,000 miles on it by now. I don't think she had any major problems with it, except that it started rusting on the lower edges of the doors.
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/firstdrive/60942/article.html
I read the article about the VW, and sure it's a nice car. Why in the world do you mean with "Intrepid is a fine car if you only require one to take up garage space".
I have a '98 ES that starts every time, runs great, is tons of fun to drive, and looks superb. That seems to fit the bill in all area that I am concerned with.
Or buy one Intrepid, and take the other $19,000 and invest in real estate, something that will do more than just depreciate every year.
To the others in the peanut gallery, better go re-read the article or go back to your soaps. The article was not only about the passat with the W. Trusting it does not break any rules, as the article is at EDMUNDS I shall cut and paste to make it easier for your minds to comprehend.
"The Passat starts at $21,000, and that includes such premium features as tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel, side-curtain airbags, height-adjustable headrests for all three rear positions and rear seat vents. SUMMARY: $21,000 and very useful options not available on the Intrepid.
"It's official, and, frankly, it's getting to be a little repetitive. Ever since the mid-1997 incarnation of the current generation, the Volkswagen Passat has time and time again proven to be our favorite midsize family sedan. Not only has it won the top prize in our 2000 Family Sedan Test and 2002 Premium Family Sedan Test, it's been our pick for the Editors' Most Wanted list, in which we vote for the cars that would grace our own garages, for three years running.
Apparently consumers agree with our assessment. Sales of Passats have bourgeoned more than six-fold since 1997. The car has appealed to those who seek something a little different from the mainstream, who are willing to pay a little more for style and European engineering over more ubiquitous domestic or Japanese sedans."
SUMMARY: Favourite since 1997-- the W was not available until 2002.
600% increase since 1997-- Note 1997 long before the W.
The Passat W is set to compete in a niche market, a place unfamiliar to the Intrepid, unless of course you consider the taxi cab business as a niche zone.
add a v6 (let alone a w8) engine and automatic tranny to that passat and the 21k price balloons out of control. by the way, the only features on your laundry list that can't be had on the intrepid are telescoping steering wheel and rear adjustable headrests...
the passat as a four banger can be gotten reasonably priced, but as a 6 or 8 cylinder, forget it. btw, when did veedub decide to drop their 10yr/100k powertrain warranty to 5yr/60k? the intrepid now has a much longer powertrain warranty vs the veedub...
i've driven my girlfriends 4 banger passat several times and frankly can't figure out why the media seems to like this car so much. it doesn't ride as well as an intrepid, is quite a bit smaller inside, especially width wise and when optioned up is considerably more expensive than a comparable intrepid. plus, it hasn't proven to be above average in any quality surveys...i guess it's that intangeable european thing?
In fact, here's what Edmunds says about it... http://www.edmunds.com/used/1997/volkswagen/passat/4drglxsedan/overview.html?id=lin0056
So it's not too surprising that the totally different '98 model, as well as the improvements it's seen since then, that they're selling 600% more nowadays! I believe the Passat sells about 70000 units a year...so back in '96, it was only moving about 11-12,000 a year.
The Intrepid used to be good for around 150,000 units a year, but I think that number has waned somewhat, to around 120-130,000. Still, if you want to throw some impressive numbers around, compare that to what a 1992 Dynasty or an '89 Diplomat or, better yet, what a 1981 St. Regis sold! You could easily fudge those #'s to say 1000-2000% (the '81 Rege only moved about 6,000 units...not sure about the other 2 I threw up there).
1) The difference in maintenance costs--long a sore and "underreported" aspect of Honda and VW relative to Dodge and other domestic brands...
2) It's a given that the Passat and the Intrepid are not in the same "class"--either in size or target audience. The notion that the "Passat" is a true midsize is a farce... It is lucky to break the "compact" barrier. One trip in the back seat will prove it..
Just for comparison, most "Old school" full-size cars, like the Crown Vic and the old, angular Caprice, were around 110 cubic feet in the cabin, and about 20+ cubic feet of trunk space, while old-school midsizers like the old Malibu, Diplomat, small LTD, etc, were around 99-101 cubic feet inside, and had around 16 cubic feet of trunk space.
So like Jason said, going on interior volume, I'd put the Passat as a small midsize (or big compact ;-) I did sit in a Passat a few years ago though, and thought it was comfortable for its size. It was considerably narrower inside, and the back seat had less legroom, although I think the front seats were thinner and hollowed-out, to give a bit more kneeroom back there.
I actually do kinda like the Passat, although I prefer the room of the Intrepid. I'd also be a little leery about maintenance and repair costs on the Passat, and I'm not crazy about having a strong but tiny little engine always working at full capacity , as opposed to a larger engine that can just loaf along with little stress, but still has the power when you need it.
Did you know it was basically the same vehicle as the other?
Why did you choose it over the other?
Please submit your response to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, May 15.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
i just read some interesting news at automotivenews.com. according to your boss, wolfgang bernhard, the next intrepid, concorde, and 300m will be based on a fwd so-called D platform which will also be shared with the mitsu galant. a C platform will be used for the sebring, stratus and mitsu lancer. that leaves the LX as an entirely new line of rwd cars (as previously mentioned). i presume your plant will be building the new LX cars. do you know if you will also be building the fwd D platform cars? any word on the new names for those LX cars?