1997 Dodge Intrepid Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
It's a challenge to find a family car that gives you both riding comfort, room to stretch out for long trips, and a sports-like...
It's a challenge to find a family car that gives you both riding comfort, room to stretch out for long trips, and a sports-like acceleration and handling on the highway, but the four-door Dodge Intrepid fills all those criteria. The cab-forward design proved to be a big hit, since it expanded the interior, while still maintaining the handling and cornering of a mid-size sedan.
The 1997 Intrepid offered a Sports package on all base models. This included the 3.5-liter, 214-hp V6 engine that was previously only an option on ES models. The 3.5 V6 was paired with an AutoStick transmission that let you switch between auto and manual shifting. New in 1997 as a special option is a power driver's seat that can be adjusted and configured into various positions for maximum seating comfort. Leather-wrapped steering wheel, special badging, and a digital message center rounded out the package.
The 1997 Intrepid is large inside, with seating for five or six (if you opt for the 50/50 split bench in the front). The instrument panel is given a bold look with black on white gauges that are easy to read. Drivers love the powerful 3.5 V6 engine, which gives them confidence when merging or passing, but also sends a few thrills up their spine as they hit the gas. And at 18/26 mpg, the gas costs don't hurt either. Drivers love the well-designed interior, huge trunk, plenty of head and legroom, and the speed. Repair nightmares continue to plague the Intrepid, as does annoying road and wind noise.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1997 Dodge Intrepid generally appreciate its comfort, interior space, and fuel economy, noting that it provides a solid driving experience. Many drivers enjoy the performance, especially the smooth handling and decent power of the engine. However, some common complaints include electrical issues, suspension problems, and inconsistent reliability as the vehicle ages."
It runs amazing and everything works.
May 7, 2008Great blend of comfort, power, fuel economy, and handling. My Intrepid has proven to be quite reliable. The only major work I have had to do (beyond routine maintenance) is replace a leaking camshaft seal around 245,000 miles and replace a head gasket (and all other gaskets involved in the teardown) at 286,000 miles.
March 6, 2020Very good Gas Mileage, 214 HP 3.5L V6 with Sport Package
January 19, 2008What owners say
It runs amazing and everything works.
May 7, 2008Great blend of comfort, power, fuel economy, and handling. My Intrepid has proven to be quite reliable. The only major work I have had to do (beyond routine maintenance) is replace a leaking camshaft seal around 245,000 miles and replace a head gasket (and all other gaskets involved in the teardown) at 286,000 miles.
March 6, 2020Very good Gas Mileage, 214 HP 3.5L V6 with Sport Package
January 19, 2008The performance on this car is good for the size. It has a strong 3.3l in it that has no problem getting up to speed. Braking and handling are both Excellent for the size of the car. This car had a lot wrong with it when i bought it but i drove it for a long time before a water pump brought it down, After replacing the water pump i would say it would go another 50K with no problem. Interior has some cool features like the message center and a really comfy front seat the back seats are so nice you would fall a sleep every time. Exterior, Kinda ugly but could be made to look better, With the right color and a little wing and maybe some rims it could look really good. The gas mileage in this car is really good!! i get around 26-29 depending on how much city i go or how much hwy. maintenance isnt to bad pretty cheap on the parts and a lot of room to work on
May 30, 2013This car was really nice. Sure, the fact that there was some sort of electrical problem was a drag but it was still a nice car. It used to go 250 miles on only half a tank of gas. Acceleration wasn't that great, but it braked and handled well. This was by far a favorite to drive, despite some mishaps. Would still have this car if it hadn't been in an automobile wreck and it got totalled.
April 26, 2012I bought mine used in January 07 from my sister-in-law, and I have only had minor complaints, but nothing that isn't too easy, or can't wait to be fixed, suspension is kind of a complaint on my part, because I'd like it to ride a lot smoother. Only other complaint, and I don't know of a fix for this, is that when it rains, the belt can get wet, and squeal like a banshee. Love the interior, love the speaker layout, love the ride on the highway. Things to keep an eye on after 75,000 miles: tie rods, struts, alignment, and also, the fuel rail leaking problem can be solved by simply doubling up the o-ring.
April 14, 2007Performance - acceleration is terrible, braking is alright, and handling is alright Build Quality - It has needed some repairs. The valves tick and the engine was just flushed a couple months ago Appearance - The exterior has a lot of scratches on it but the interior is alright Cost Of Ownership - It has average gas mileage and an average routine maintenance Fun Factor - It's not made anymore by Dodge
November 16, 2009Performance - Not the fastest but not to bad for what it was Build Quality - I had quiet a bit of suspension trouble with the car but it was still pretty tough Appearance - I taught the car was good looking, paint was virtually perfect, and I always kept it waxed and clean.
July 15, 2009Really great car. Good engine, V6, plenty of room inside. Also has surprisingly good trunk space. Lasts a good while, ran for over 150,000 miles. But has had continuius problems. I don't know if all of them do that or not. But still good, fun to drive, good speed. If you find one for good price and has no problems and good mileage, definate buy. Nice style both outside an in. Plenty of room for front, could be cramped in back. 20/mpg, Decent, but the v6 will eat up the gas a bit.
July 21, 2008129,000 miles and climbing fast, already put 29,000 on it in a year and a half. Has aged pretty rough since I bought it, but I wouldn't trade it for anything
June 8, 2008
