Overview & Reviews

Value is a concept that conquers the affections of car buyers every time. Dodge knew this all too well, and made value a cornerstone of its strategy for the Dodge Intrepid, turning out an affordably priced car that offered a lot for less. It proved to be an astute move for the automaker. Introduced in 1993 and retired in 2004, the Intrepid distinguished itself as the division's best-selling car in many of its years on the market.

The word "intrepid" means fearless, and this Dodge proved to be just that when it came to its styling cues. Stodginess and full-size sedans go together like Seattle and pouring rain, but Dodge's designers set out to create an alternative that broke free of this mold. An innovative, "cabin-forward" layout resulted in a steeply raked windshield and short front and rear overhangs. The Intrepid's sculpted look (which became even more striking in second-generation models) didn't necessarily light everyone's fire, but it was, undeniably, a bold standout in a notoriously bland segment.

Practicality came via the Dodge Intrepid's spacious amenities. The Intrepid's cab-forward design and front-wheel-drive layout freed up considerable interior space, and the sedan could seat five adults in comfort as well as haul much of their luggage. Nimble handling was another of the car's assets; the Intrepid had the portly size of an operatic tenor, but you'd never know it from its impressive composure and agility. And Intrepid buyers enjoyed the car's power. Its athletic engines gave the car somewhat of a split personality, enabling it to cross the line from family sedan to value-priced sport sedan with ease.

Buyers had to make a few compromises. Materials quality and fit and finish within the cabin weren't up to snuff. Rearward visibility fell somewhat short, and its engines could get raucous when challenged. Still, a late-model Dodge Intrepid shines as a great pick in many respects for buyers seeking a used car that delivers when it comes to competent handling and capacious passenger and cargo room.

Most Recent Dodge Intrepid

The most recent Intrepid generation spanned model years 1998 through 2004. This car continued on the cabin-forward theme of its predecessor, but offered styling that was sleeker and almost coupelike. It also got an engine upgrade, with two new V6s beneath its hood.

This generation's early Dodge Intrepids were offered in two trims: base and ES. Base models featured air-conditioning, heated mirrors and cruise control. ES models added amenities like keyless entry and a power-adjustable driver seat. In 2000, a new trim, the R/T, joined the lineup. R/Ts catered to performance-oriented buyers, offering a sport-tuned suspension and traction control. The base trim became the SE trim in 2001, and the following year, a midlevel trim, the SXT, made its debut. SXT buyers got the same engine as that of the pricier R/T, without many of the performance features. That changed in 2003 when the R/T model was dropped; the SXT was given a performance upgrade that gave it many of the capabilities of the departed R/T.

Base Intrepids were powered by a 2.7-liter V6 good for 200 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. ES models were available with either the base model's 2.7-liter or a 3.2-liter V6 capable of 225 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. Intrepid R/Ts got their mojo from a 3.5-liter V6 producing 242 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. In 2002, Dodge dropped the 3.2-liter engine; replacing it was a 234-hp version of the 3.5-liter V6. All Intrepid models came with a four-speed automatic transmission, and Dodge's "AutoStick" manual-shift feature came standard on the R/T.

A few tweaks were made to the car's appearance and feature content over the years. Chrome badging was added in 1999, along with improved floor carpeting. In 2000, base models got new seat fabric, child-seat anchors were also added, and an in-dash CD changer joined the options list on ES models. The following year, side airbags became available, as well as steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a four-disc in-dash CD changer. In 2003, the four-disc unit was replaced with a six-CD changer.

At the time, our editors were charmed by the Dodge Intrepid -- so much so that in 2000, it scored an Editors' Most Wanted award in the Large Sedan category. We liked the sedan's huge interior, gigantic trunk, communicative steering and pleasing balance of ride quality and handling ability. Cons included a propensity for wind and road noise, low-quality interior materials, disappointing fit and finish and poor outward visibility.

Past Dodge Intrepids

The first-generation Dodge Intrepid was built from 1993 to 1997. Two trims -- base and ES -- were offered. Initially, both were powered by a 3.3-liter V6 good for 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque; the engine saw power increases over the years, though, and by the time this generation drew to a close, it offered 161 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission sent power to the car's front wheels. A more advanced 3.5-liter V6, producing 214 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, was optional.

ABS was made standard in ES models in 1995, and traction control was added to the options list. Intrepids got upgrades to improve noise, vibration and harshness in 1996; the following year, the car benefited from an improved audio system and a refined transmission. At the time, this Intrepid scored good marks for its roomy interior and power from the optional 3.5-liter V6. Downsides included dubious build quality and weak headlight performance.

User Reviews:

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  2000 Intrepid RT - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Paolo - November 17 - 1:02 pm

  I have owned this car since 2001. I bought it with 14000 miles on it and drive it hard. The car is now 10 years old with 120,000 miles on it and I have never had anything on the drive train cause me a problem. The one area that has been a pain is the upper front sway bar link which has been replaced by me twic in 10 years. I replaced the brakes once so far but have to replace the front rotors and pads again. I also need to replace the front struts which is not bad as they are the originals. This car is in Massachussetts with its winters, the car is terrible in snow, and the worst streets and highways in the country. I would buy this car again in a hearbeat.

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  Intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Billz - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used about a year ago. Car has proven a reliable and attractive vehicle with great mileage for a car of its size.

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  Dont buy this car. - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By mnessel - November 11 - 11:05 am

  Purchased used in 2003 with 10,000 miles. Needed breaks in 2004 and again in 2006. Automatic windows stopped working in 2006. Paint on bumper is slowly flaking off. Needed new transmission and cam shaft in August of 2009. Now in November of 2009 oil sludge has completely ruined the engine and car has only 110,000 miles on it.

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  Best Car I EVER Owned... - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By MoJo1491 - November 3 - 6:21 pm

  in 50 years of driving including U.S., Japanese & English, all expensive to maintain & needing major work. On advice of mechanic, bought 2000 ES w/2.7L engine. Have NEVER had a major problem. In 10 years & 126K miles, have replaced one power steering pump & put new bushings on inner tie rods. Preventive maintenance is key brakes, tires, check up & detail every 6 mos. Use 100% synthetic oil. No kids, no smoking, no food in car. Around town and in trips between TX & CA, routinely average 33 mpg. Hauled 5 adults & 2 tons of rock & made 4 household moves. Shes still cherry inside & out. Will get another 200K or 10 yrs from her. Just bought a 2nd 2000 Intrepid cuz they dont make em anymore.

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  BEWARE OF INTREPIDS 2002 - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Joyce Tucker - November 2 - 1:57 pm

  Had this 02 Dodge Intrepid 3 months and the engine blew after needing a water pump at the time. Engines are bad news for Intrepids as stated on the internet and mechanics opinions. Do not buy an Intrepid, there was no warranty whatsoever and this vehicle had the engine light on upon my leaving the parking lot with it. European Auto fixed it somewhat but then suddenly went "out of business" without giving me the $1300 check for promising to buy my Isuzu Trooper and issue me a check for it. Repairs were not completed by them on this vehicle and no check was ever given me for the Trooper even tho they sold the Trooper the first week.

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  Best car I ever had!! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Doug - October 31 - 12:09 pm

  I currently have 213,000 miles and still running fine. No transmission or engine rebuild yet (knock on wood). Guess this car was built on Wednesday at the factory. Still driving it every day and honestly cant complain. I hope to run it to a 1 million miles+

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  Worst car ever! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By jay spivak - October 21 - 2:41 pm

  Had more problems with this car then any other. Very poor quality. Rims rusted. Interior door lining fall off. All kinds of mechanical problems. Vent system in fuel filler. Computer. Brakes. Windows. Door locks break, door wont open. Engine light issues. Winshield Wipers, electrical problems, oil light. goes on and on! And it only has 57,000 miles on it. Well kept and always serviced! A real LEMON!

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  double trouble - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By mike - October 16 - 8:55 am

  Bought this car for the room and price. Its huge inside. We got the 2.7 for the milage and itll do 30 on the highway. Everything was good until 90,000. It started with a water pump and ended with $3,000. Now the transmision is on the way out and 130,000. Dont forget about the front end falling out of it also. If your going to buy a Dodge go ahead and purchase a transmission with it, theyre terrible. Im done with dodge.

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  Many miles and more to go - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By KLL - October 13 - 11:09 am

  I have had this car for 5 years and have put over 190,000 miles on it, i have done just routine maintenance and replaced the tires. I have been extremly happy with this car and hope it lasts me past the 250 mile mark.

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  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!!