Speaking of quality, Chrysler Intrepid owners experienced additional problems over and above those already mentioned. The car's water pump was troubled, reportedly failing prematurely. In its first year Chrysler issued a recall potentially affecting 3,000 vehicles as to a suspension control arm washer defect in which the washers could crack and fall off rendering potential loss of steering control. While both engines experienced premature oil leakage, 3.5-L versions suffered valvetrain problems. Also, early examples of both 3.3 and 3.5-L engines had an O-ring and fuel rail defect causing fires due to fuel leakage. What's more, the lower suspension control arm brackets could crack resulting in the half shaft pulling out of the transaxle and loss of power. When the problems were finally resolved DaimlerChrysler estimated that over 800,000 vehicles were potentially affected. Then, in mid 1999, DaimlerChrysler issued a recall affecting more than 400,000 vehicles for the suspension control arm bracket problem.
 |
| Despite the number of problems that plagued the 1993-1997 Intrepid, owners report day in and day out reliability. (Photo: DiamlerChrysler) |
Despite this list of problems most Intrepid customers enjoyed their 1993 to 1997 cars, reporting day in and day out reliability. It was the first domestic product in years to truly compete with the Taurus, at that time the domestic leader, and actually brought many import shoppers back to the domestic fold. Model year 1998 saw an altogether updated Intrepid that is still with us today. It will be succeeded shortly with an all-new replacement.
 |
| While reliability is suspect, the Intrepid offers a lot of style, room and features for a meager budget. (Photo: DiamlerChrysler) |
So where's the best place to find a first generation Intrepid? Well, they were popular across the country, but especially so in Alberta and Ontario compared to British Columbia where imports rule the sales charts. Prices range anywhere for just over a 1993 STD at a thousand bucks (probably best to stay away from that one) to $14,000 for a 1997 ES with 50,000 km (too much). Price averages seem to sit around the $4,000 to $8,000 range, depending on model and condition.
Is it a good buy? While reliability is suspect, the Intrepid offers a lot of style, room and features for a meager budget, a perfect fit for midsize families trying to stretch their budget.