Overview & Reviews

Few changes as first-generation Intrepid enters final year of production. A Sport Group including the 3.5-liter V6 engine is optional on base models, which also get an upgraded cassette stereo standard. Bolt-on wheel covers debut, and a new exterior color is introduced. Automatic transmissions get new software.

• Large interior, optional 3.5-liter V-6 engine, good looks

• Poor headlight performance, final year before redesign

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 58.00

• 

  1997 Intrepid - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By tybri93 - July 27 - 2:26 pm

  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 its 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.

• 

  4Door 1997 3.3L V6 - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By dafletcher3883 - June 13 - 1:43 am

  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.

• 

  My Intrepid Rocks - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By doctorsib - June 30 - 12:12 pm

  My 1997 Dodge Intrepid was my first car...I bought it for $2,000 and Ive had it for about 4 years. It just hit 200k miles and is still going strong! This car is fantastic...its 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! Ive had to invest very little into the upkeep, replacing less than $1,000 worth of parts in the entire time Ive had it, excluding the cost of tires and oil changes. Extraordinarily reliable...=)

• 

  Not too bad - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By DarkSixAlpha - October 12 - 10:23 am

  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!!

• 

  1997 Dodge Intrepid - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Debbie Eubank - April 26 - 8:30 am

  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.

• 

  My "Bessie" - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By evelyn - February 21 - 8:47 am

  "Bessie" has been a great car. Through all the trials and tribulations she has been reliable and truly "intrepid."

• 

  Intrepid 97 - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By azurleigh - May 13 - 7:48 pm

  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.

• 

  Great Car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By treplover - February 12 - 3:09 pm

  I know all the ins and outs of this car. I now have over 200,000 miles on mine and the only problem Ive 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 its been the best investment Ive ever made. I have to put this car at the top of its 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!

• 

  Reliable Family Car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Al_in_OK - January 30 - 3:13 pm

  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.

• 

  Best Car Ive ever had! - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Amelia - March 21 - 10:48 am

  Truly the best car Ive 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!