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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  04 intrepid sxt 3.5L HO engine - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By dennis williams - October 10 - 4:14 pm

  bought the car late in 04 when they were phasing it out. car is great on road trips and plenty of power w/ the 250 horse 3.5L. religiously change oil every 3000 miles and obey all scheduled maintenance. had a cam shaft sensor go out 2 yrs ago covered under warranty. had a recall last month for the crankshaft sensor once again it was free. bought new tires last week after 63000 on the original goodyears.

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  2000 Intrepid base - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By andre1969 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Typical Mopar, but thats not necessarily bad! Great drivetrain, roomy, attractive inside & out, but build quality could be better. 3 door frame seals have shrunk, the plastic cover around the shifter is loose, passenger-side mirror wont adjust, and a power lock actuator had to be replaced. Mostly minor items...as this car ages, itll probably be the kind that nickels and dimes you to death, rather than catastrophically fail all at once! Base 2.7 is a bit slow around town unless you stomp on it, but at higher speeds its pretty quick. Roomy in most dimensions, but a bit lacking in front-seat legroom. 62000 miles.

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  2000dodgeintrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Francis H. Schott - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Very good car, reliable and comfortable.

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  Review - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Rachel - September 29 - 11:59 pm

  I have had this car for 3 yrs. it has been a lot of fun to drive even got me into trouble a couple of times. I have had a lot of repair work done on it, but what can you expect from a 12 yr old car. The main issues I have had with the car have been major, such as the brakes jamming, fuel pump breaking, bad connection to the battery, and the tie rod. Other than having to fix all of these things on it, it is a good family car. I wouldnt recommend it for really long distance travel. but if you are a college student like me it at least gets you from point A to point B. I have no problem with the shop that I bought the car from. they do an amazing fix it job. The car has been Murphys law.

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  I love my car - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ranchero_gurl - September 24 - 2:52 pm

  my intrepid is my first car. i got it from my grandfather my junior year of high school. i had to rebuilt the trani at 120,000 and until 208,985 i havent had a single issue with it. fuel pump, water pump, front tie rod, and timing belt are the only issues ive had with her. its the perfect first car, sporty, efficient, reliable, and comfort, dodge so needs to start rolling them out again. i call her my old man sports car becuase of the comfort as well as the pep that it has. most amazing car ever, ill hate to get rid of it.

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  REGRET BUYING IT - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By nam - September 22 - 11:18 pm

  I bought this car from a old guy. It looked Nice. The owner saTransmission, engine, everything under hood, and gas mileage id its good works fine. My dad said dont buy it. 2 months later my transmission broke. 10 days later my engine stopped working and my reverse never stopped. Every 10 days it was with my mechanic. Now the check engine light is always on. It runs like a piece of junk. I tried clunking it but wasnt excepted. Dont buy it

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  TROUBLE!!!! - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tam - September 17 - 3:28 pm

  The intrepid was my first car and at first I loved it until a month later it started giving me problems. Every month I had to buy a new tire and my transmission went completely out like a few weeks ago and my battery died like five times or so for no reason. My water pump went out and overall the car stinks!

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  Perfect - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jaeger - August 31 - 9:49 pm

  I bought my 96 Dodge Intrepid at Stans Auto Sales in Kearney Nebraska and absolutely love it. It dies every thing you would expect and more. It doesnt have all the usual 90s Chrysler drawbacks, The paint doesnt fade, the seats are in perfect condition, etc. This car is just about perfect. I would strongly recommend a Dodge Intrepid for anyone.

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  Lemon of the year - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By ReppyT - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Extreme wind noise exasperated by shrinkage of the door seals. Steering problems. Crummy wheel covers. Overall a dud of a car.

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  Dodge had a WINNER! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By HMR - August 19 - 2:04 am

  Hello...I bought my Intrepid ES new in Nov. 2001. I was not sure about buying a Dodge, but I liked what I saw, and I was right. Dodge had a WINNER with this car! Only minor teething problems at first, but it quickly grew into a strong and reliable car. GOOD looking also. I recently had to replace a wheel/rim due to corrosion, which was causing an air leak in the tire. I have read where this is a problem common to certain styles of wheels. I would still have this car, but it was recently (8-2009) totaled in a crash. It took a SEVERE high speed rear end impact, but no intrusion into the passenger compartment! If Dodge still made this model, I would buy another one. HMR