Hey, it IS a good car. I do prefer it over the Camry and I would never think of buying a Camry, but many people do!
What irks me is that I, and others, pay a premium to buy an RT. One of its features is a cd 120 watt stereo and so on. Of all the Rts I saw when acquiring mine and not many for sure, all had a $580.00(?) upgrade, 240 watt 4cd changer.
Man, look at all the upgrades and postings on this site re upgrading speakers, decks and so forth. Forget about the subwoofers. To have to turn the wee-little bass lever down to zero to prevent the speakers from going bomp, boo boo, bomp everytime the bass kicks in, is ridiculous!
My wife has a 2000 Sunfire GT with the 1SB pkg. which includes an 8 speaker 200 watt Monsoon stereo/cassette/CD. Man, go to your local Pontiac dealer and listen for yourself. Puts my $580.00 option radio to sh*ts. And this is on a $23,000 CDN car? That yes, is small, so is the price, but torquey and fully equipped.
All I'm saying is that I am happy with my Intrepid RT. Others, who are out shopping, will take these things into consideration. The editors are really not lying, although we don't like to read what they are saying, but potential buyers will and do!
Would I recommend the Intrepid to friends and fanmily?...Sure will, whole heartedly.
But if they are looking for great sound or fast off the starts, I may have to tell them to go elsewhere.
I am Not particularly happy with the stereo however I am pleased with the higher end torque. I am not racing ricers or anyone else. Since the car is leased, I am not investing in mods. I would like to upgrade the speakers, especially the rear, but it is not a priority. Actually, for the money I spent, I shouldn't have to.
Anyhow, let us help Ottowrkr keep his job. I'm only 1 person, changing cars every 3 years. Maybe the 2004 LX models will satisfy the cravings of all the current participants of this site and maybe the tranny will change, the low end torque improve, the sound improve and when the damn thing says 242 HP, it IS 242 HP.
My 2 cents Canadian!! Still love the car. Buy one, everyone!!
Danny
Capitalcity RT