1996 intrepid chugs when taking off - almost sounds like a back fire?

Question

check engine light is on,sounds like it runs rough, has stalled when taking off.

Answer 1

Before you go throwing parts (pronounced MONEY) at your car, address the "Check Engine" light first. There are a host of components and circuits monitored by the car's computer that can cause these very symptoms.
The car is '96, so it is the first year of OBD II compliance, which requires a code reader or scanner to retrieve the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
You can probably get someone at a discount auto parts store to gather them for you, and probably for free, in hopes that you will buy the parts from his store.
Another way to gather the codes, though they will follow a different identity scheme is to go here-------->

http://autorepair.about.com/library/ts/obd-i/bl-dtcs-71a.htm

...and scroll down below the descriptions and follow the instructions for retrieving the DTCs. These codes will address most of the same information though the failure codes follow a different convention than the OBD II codes.
Pay close attention here, you must be un-distracted. You cannot space off here, because the DTC display will not wait for you, and will only display once per cycle.
If you lose count, or if you get distracted, turn the key off and wait for 30 seconds and try again.
When you get a code "55", all codes have been displayed, and there are no more coming.
Use the descriptions listed in the chart to identify the failed circuit or system fault.
If you are not familiar with the diagnostic and repair routines, either secure a repair manual from a parts house, book store or the library in the REFERENCE section, or go here------>

http://www.eautorepair.net/

...and subscribe to the same professional level information that we use in the industry. For an annual fee, you have ALL the repair information available for your car conveniently delivered to your computer, and you can print it out as well.

Good Luck

Answer 2

1. How many miles are on it?
2. Has ANY periodic maintenance been done on it?? (Oil Change every 3,000 miles, Fuel injector cleaner in the tank every 6 months, a tune up???)

I would start with the fuel system and the ignition system. New fuel filter so it gets all the gas it needs. New spark plugs and spark plug wires. ( The high heat under the hood destroys spark plug wires in about 75,000 miles and the engine will misfire.)
Add Fuel injector cleaner to the gas tank for 3 or 4 tankfuls to clean the fuel injectors.

Answer 3

Sounds like the head gasket needs replacement. That's about a $500 fix. When the head gasket goes, water and oil are mixing in your engine. The head gasket separates them.