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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  DODGE INTERID BEST CAR ON EARTH - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By DODGES ARE COOL - August 16 - 12:55 am

  My car runs and drives great I got it in 1999 the only thing that was changed on the car is the spark plugs and oil since I got it I neve had any mechanical problems on this car at all I change the tires on it as well thats it I drive it every day it drives like new still nobody makes a car like this it sure is comfortable and I feel safe in this car I like the size of this car and it gets good gas mileage for a big engine sure beats hybrids and this car is very sporty for the size of it I take it the coast every summer and I never get tired of driving it even on long trips I hear tat everybody hates this car I dont know why because its very reliable and fast bring back the intrepid Dodge

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  My baby - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jaime E. Carball II - August 4 - 3:25 pm

  Overall fun car, I had it since college graduation. It has taken me everywhere no problem. It is a big car but it handles just fine. Add on a few aftermarket products to enhance mileage and performance and youll be set for quite a while. Its reliable, dependable and just plain fun. General maintenance upkeep, regular wash and wax and it to this day still looks brand new. I have the dark blue one and I still love driving it to this day. 8 years and still going strong, best vehicle ever made, best vehicle I ever owned.

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  All good but the engine. - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By vince - August 3 - 4:14 pm

  Bought the car new with 18 miles on it. Everything was great up until around 75000 miles and the water pump goes out and the water and antifreeze get mixed into the oil. Had it fixed for $1300. Then a few thousand miles later the oil light would come on at idle. Had to have the oil light indicator sensor replaced. And a bad rattle also developed and had to have the timing chain and guides replaced for $1500. Had them check the oil pump while they were at it, said it was okay. Oil coming on at idle again. Maybe Ill run it till she dies. Sure do love to drive it!!

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  Still going strong - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By John - July 28 - 9:09 am

  Ive enjoyed owning this vehicle. I have had some problems with the AC and the electrical at times, but seven years into it, the car is still going strong and still looks good.

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  The Good and The Bad - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Mr. Rogers - July 20 - 9:53 am

  I was given this car as a hand down. So it was not my first choice in a car. The intrepid is about to go to the shop as i am writing this review. Over all this vehicle has been reliable. For the size of the car and what you get it could be considered the 7 series of Dodge. (haha) There have been many parts that have needed to be replaced. The headlights especially, $500+ for the two headlights, and they are broken again not even 6months later. Steering is another huge problem. Basically its a great car if the proper time and money is invested, reliability is great. But I would have to say that i would not purchase another intrepid, but a challenger would look great in the driveway!

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  Wouldnt buy it again - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By jackrelax - July 13 - 9:40 pm

  Car was bought new and had no significant motoric or electrical problems for several years. The first non-driver related issue (that I can recall) was a cooling fan stopped working. This came about in 2006/07. The alternator seems to be going out now, 2009. The oil has been changed on a regular basis. A new battery was required, for the first time, a few months ago.

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  Do.Not.Buy.This.Car - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jessica - July 3 - 10:38 pm

  Listen to all of these reviewers when they say that the 2.7 engine will die on you. Because it will! Mine just happened to chose 5 months after I bought it. And replacing the engine was not an option because they are so hard to find and the fix will cost more then what the car is worth. Do yourself a favor. Stay away from this car!!

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  All talk no walk - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bill C. - June 30 - 9:56 am

  The car is roomy, the interior and exterior styling is attractive and comfortable. I thought it was a lot of car for not a lot of money. It was in and out of the shop on a bi- monthly basis and eventually had the motor lock up. Not at all surprising for this year and model.

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  Expectations met - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By steve - June 30 - 9:42 am

  i started reading the bad reviews about 4 years ago and was nervous until i realized I had the 3.5 engine. Bought it new and have had it now 10 years with 145,000 miles. It is the most comfortable riding car i have ever had. Transmission problems in 2003, but other than that, nothing major. there have been a lot of little annoying things that have gone wrong: power windows, heater fan, power locks etc. Right now it seems to be running like a clock!

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  Still love this car - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Orchid - June 28 - 3:16 pm

  Still gets 20 in the city and 28-30 highway. Had to replace the timing belt and water pump(second one) and the starter but heck it is almost 15 yrs old!!! I will just cry when I finally have to give it up but let me tell you, I will drive it until the wheels fall off or I can qualify for the $4500 credit - not likely due to the mileage it gets. Never a clunker and there are still a number of these big guys out on the road here in GA.