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Driving Impressions
While generally praised, last year's 3.3-liter engine caught some flak for being somewhat hesitant during such tasks as climbing steep hills. The boost in horsepower this year may overcome that criticism. We found that our test model accelerated smartly and cruised smoothly, suggesting that Intrepid has hit a nice balance between power and economy. Gear transition was truly seamless, attributable to the newly refined four-speed electronically controlled automatic transaxle. Asking for additional acceleration between 60 and 70 mph did not require a downshift. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard on the base model; optional is a new speed-sensitive variable assist steering. This provides the most power assist during parking maneuvers an t1le least at high speed, returning so-called road feel to the driver. This latter system is standard on the ES. We were impressed by the smoothness of the ride, due in part to the four-wheel independent suspension as well as the long wheelbase and 62inch track. We passed over various road bumps, pavement cracks and ripples, but the suspension serenely smothered those would-be rattle rousers. Chrysler increased damping in the wheel housings in response to past criticism about road noise. Our test model option package included four-wheel disc brakes that earned our confidence. An anti-lock brake system is also available.
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