The 1996 Dodge Intrepid offers full-size space with mid-size handling. Its cab-forward design increases visibility (with an extended sloping windshield) and a sturdier and stable drive (with a longer and wider wheelbase). With a standard engine of 3.3-liter, 161-hp V6 in both base and ES models, and an optional 3.5-liter, 214-hp V6 in the ES, the Intrepid is fast too. Combined with the easy handling and spacious interior, most owners agree this is a fun car to drive.
The 1996 Intrepid gave some upgrades to its base model, bringing it closer in line to the ES, by making 16-inch wheels, front fascia fog lamps, power heated mirrors, power locks, and a tachometer standard. Its exterior was made a bit more stylish, like the sportier ES. On all models, an on-board engine diagnostic system was included. The ES distinguished itself by offering more luxurious options, such as leather seats and a sunroof, but also came standard with ABS brakes and a suspension designed for sports handling. New in 1996 was a more soundproof design in order to reduce road noise and vibrations.
The 1996 Intrepid is popular for its energetic acceleration, particularly with the 3.5 V6. It's a roomy family car that can seat five or six, but it's also a bit of a racer and hugs the road deftly. Downsides are constant mechanical problems with the transmission, brakes, and tie rods and the high maintenance cost that goes with it. And despite its updated insulation, some drivers complained of excessive road noise.
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I have owned it for almost 4 years- it has driven me crazy many times and has cost a lot of money in repairs- but I enjoy driving it- a good handling car that is just what I need right nowFeb 18, 2015
by Jeremy Z
Feb 11, 2013
good family car or starter car has alot on trunk space only had to replace the windshield whiper arm on drivers side over than that never had any issues it would start up for me evry single time on frist crankFeb 11, 2013
by Jeremy Z
Feb 11, 2013
good family car or or just a starting out car it comfortable rides well has never gave me any promblems ive never had to replace anything on it except for the windshield whiper arm has alot of trunk space alot of leg room in front and in backFeb 11, 2013
User rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 18, 2015
I have owned it for almost 4 years- it has driven me crazy many times and has cost a lot of money in repairs- but I enjoy driving it- a good handling car that is just what I need right nowFeb 18, 2015
by Jeremy Z
Feb 11, 2013
good family car or starter car has alot on trunk space only had to replace the windshield whiper arm on drivers side over than that never had any issues it would start up for me evry single time on frist crankFeb 11, 2013
by Jeremy Z
Feb 11, 2013
good family car or or just a starting out car it comfortable rides well has never gave me any promblems ive never had to replace anything on it except for the windshield whiper arm has alot of trunk space alot of leg room in front and in backFeb 11, 2013
by Tee D
Nov 12, 2012
I liked the pick up power, cruise control and quiet smooth ride. Great gas mileage cost approximately $35 to $40 to fill tank when just everyday local driving. Love the weight of the car, the power windows and large trunk storage space. Great car for young person or commuter. Get details for 1996 Dodge Intrepids here - http://www.web2carz.com/dodge/intrepid/1996/4dr-sedan-es/USA60DOC071B0 .
Only drawback has been the transmission. That scares me because being a disabled old lady, don't have time or money to get it fixed. Need another car ASAP!Nov 12, 2012
by Elizabeth L
Aug 24, 2010
I loved my car. It had minor stuff that needed to be done. Transmission liked to shift itself every now and then. This car got around KC and yes it was fun to drive. I miss it so much lol...Aug 24, 2010
by Anonymous
Aug 24, 2010
I loved the styling and layout of this vehicle. The performance was great, great handling and acceleration. This car was a blast to drive. I bought it used with 20,000 miles on it and I finally wore it out when the odometer hit 190,000.00 I wish I could have afforded to rebuild the engine and transmission and restore the interior and the exterior. If I could have fixed it up I would still be driving it today.Aug 24, 2010
by Rachel H
Aug 17, 2010
Acceleration has improved since I put a new engine in, but braking and handling are below par. It has needed multiple repairs, but granted, it is getting old. I like the styling both of the exterior and interior, but it's not my favorite.Aug 17, 2010
by Josh H
Jun 13, 2010
this is a very good car if you handle it right the performance is good as long as you keep up with the maintenence parts are easy to find for it and there pretty easy to install has the potential to b a very good car if you have the money to put into itJun 13, 2010
by Anonymous
Jun 09, 2010
likes;
roomy, great on gas, good power and tow package, can be fast on the track too.
dislikes;
ugly color, automatic, leaky/non working sun roof, can have a bad transmission if not kept up on maintenance.
thats it bye
Jun 09, 2010
by Matt E
May 19, 2010
awesome car. runs good. i would recommend getting it to anyone who is in need of
a car and has the opportunity to get one. the car gets around 27 mpg on the
highway so it is good on gasMay 19, 2010
by Teresa P
Jan 13, 2010
Handles well, has water pump issues. exterior hood dented, gass mileage was decent nice for family car. repairs are a pain in the butt, fro example the water pump is internal. was an okay drive. Heater was awesome in itJan 13, 2010
by Dan H
Nov 19, 2009
Dodge had a great idea with this car; cab forward design, 212 hp 3.5 Liter SOHC V6. But this car is an electrical nightmare. The gas gauge doesn't give a reading half of the time, ignition switch needs to be replaced (gauges sometimes do not go on after started, causing car to die out. Airbag light comes on for no friggin reason. ABS and traction control sometimes disable themselves. The positives are; very roomy interior, decent acceleration and gas mileage for a car this size, lots of bells and whistles with the ES package (leather interior, automatic climate controls (although these are problematic; had to replace mine), excellent infinity sound system straight from factory, comfortable to drive, and onboard computer that calculates gas mileage, outside temp, digital compass. Hasn't cost me much to maintain considering the build quality. Upper and lower intake manifold gaskets were pretty easy to replace and only 7 dollars for Fel Pro replacements. Did plugs and wires, and the car drives MUCH better now. The previous owner neglected maintenance on this car so I had to make it right. Only paid $500 for the car with 151,200 miles on it, so I can't complainNov 19, 2009
by DeJuan L
Aug 25, 2009
its a decent car , it takes my abuse , so im good with it , and i never have any issue with it , so id get another dodge. for as big as it is , i drive pretty good. Ima have to scoop an avenger r/t tho haha.Aug 25, 2009
by Christian R
Jul 30, 2009
Performance-Incredible due to the mods
Build Quality-more than 10 yrs in wisconsins winters and it has little rust
Appearance-reminecent of the viper
Cost of Ownership-i get 35 mpg in mine due to the mods but the maintanence is cheap and affordable
Fun Factor- get in sit down shut up and hold the hell on cuz when i drive it i go to win the damn race!Jul 30, 2009
by Chrissy M
Oct 15, 2008
it is a dodge want a chevy well about to have a chevy anyway.. but it does drive somewhat ok i guess i am just a chevy girl plus i like trucks not cars i had a tahoe and miss it bad but i guess the car is ok just not for meOct 15, 2008
by Alex B
Sep 15, 2008
Lets see, i like and hate my car at the same time. Its got great pickup and rides smooth on the highway. Great interior terrible exterior. Gets about 25 mpg on the highway but only 14 in the city. The only fun thing about driving it is not knowing if my engine will fall out....literally.Sep 15, 2008
by Gary W
Sep 11, 2008
Yes the car is a four door, but its a sport. Not fully loaded, but able to be personally customized to be fully loaded. What do I mean? I have now, a Kicker ZR240, Mephis/Vaskinsons subs 12". The car is fast and strong. A paint job is needed, the the sports fin really throws it off and makes it really look good. I have alot of ideals for this car. You see alread 96 Intripids, but not as in shape as mine. One day, it will end up being the hottest show car in Ohio. Gas is alright, just be careful, when you street race, it kills the gas. So your able to beat them new G6's, but still pay the price for the gas. Sep 11, 2008
by Logan Z
Jul 06, 2008
The cars performance is solid it has excellent acceleration and pretty good braking also the turning radius is okay.Jul 06, 2008
by Sarkis A
Jun 30, 2008
Great Car, big like boatJun 30, 2008
by Anatoliy M
May 20, 2008
Handling is good; exterior is good; i wish that interior was leather; the factory paint sux, it ships fast; parts rust very fast, including struts, rotor plate cover, doors, etc; the motor and transmission still doing good; car has some performance problems because of the high mileage and age.May 20, 2008
by Tony D
May 20, 2008
all the extras - retractable rood, awesome stereo and so much moreMay 20, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 26, 2008
Decent car with a good amount of room right amount of power and decent looksApr 26, 2008
by Damian P
Apr 16, 2008
was good till the car dash cought fire ran great till thenApr 16, 2008
by Jim I
Mar 17, 2008
Quick and inexpensiveMar 17, 2008
by Steve S
Jan 25, 2008
I owned this car for two years, and it served me well for them. It was comfortable, had decent performance, handled well, but lacked alot of character.Jan 25, 2008
by Scott B
Jan 06, 2008
This is a really good car. Good acceleration, considering its age and weight. It's registered 120 and could probably hit it if it didn't have the governor at 106. It has good handling for a big sedan. Plenty of room on the inside and lots of trunk space. Has steering wheel mounted cruise control. Does not have anti-lock brakes and has drum brakes in the back. Jan 06, 2008
by Jason D
Dec 30, 2007
I fixed it up and sold it for a missionary friend of mine to raise money for his miossion workDec 30, 2007
by Ishan J
Dec 23, 2007
huge interior nice guages goes to 240kmsDec 23, 2007
by Anonymous
Jul 10, 2007
Great looking body,comfortable to drive,lot's of interior roomJul 10, 2007
by Anonymous
Jun 19, 2007
nice to drive good on fuel good all around car,except with this transmission probblemJun 19, 2007
when the check engine light comes on after it has warmed up the trans will not shift into 4th back to park then you lose first gear and car will start in second gear and only shift into 4th some times there are no vaccuum lines so it most be electronic and there doe's not seem to be any down shifting happening ,is it an electicail moduel or what is the cause of this probblem
One day my car just quit while I was driving. Waited a few it started back up and I drove it home. The next day a similar incident. About a week later I drove it about 30 miles to another town and it finally quit running again. I had it towed home. Changed the fuel pump with a used one and the same thing happened. Took it back and bought a new one. Still won't stay running. Changed the fuel filters, the ignition switch all with the same ending. Changed the ignition switch, and got used computer and changed it. A mechanic looked at it and he changed the relays around and got the car started. He let it run for an hour and then drove it to another locaton about 20 miles away and back. I got the car and drove about another 20 or so miles and it was ok. The next day went about 10 miles and it died again. After waiting about 10 minutes it restarted and died once more on the way home. Let is set for about 10 minutes and it started again. Now it will just start and then die a few seconds later. It will not stay running.
96 intrepid ,3.5 L Had my head's redone last year all the sudden it starts overheating I replaced the thermostat can started it today ran for 45 mins B4 it ran hot checked it several times for any drips /leaks none to be found only after it gets hot
I OWN A DODGE INTREPID 96 I TOOK OFF IN MY CAR THE OTHER DAY FOR THE FIRST SIX TO SEVEN MILES THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT FINE WHEN I CAME TO A STOP THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT DOWN PROPERLY IT SHIFTED STRAIGHT IN TO FIRST AND STAYED IN FIRST NO MATTER WHAT I DONE I CAN LET THE CAR COOL DOWN AND IT DOES THE SAME THING EVERY TIME. I THINK IT MIGHT BE THE MODULATOR VALVE BUT I'M NOT SURE IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEA PLEASE LET ME KNOW