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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  2.7 L Engine Problems - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Todd N. - June 27 - 10:36 am

  I purchased this Dodge Intrepid for my 87-year old Mother. It had 32,000 miles and I had it checked out by the local Dodge dealer who gave it his stamp of approval.I had the dealer flush the engine and replace the oil with synthetic and a 5 micron oil filter. When I picked up the car, a mechanic told me very quietly, “This won’t help.” He knew what I was trying to avoid. He said these engines are junk. I gave the car to my Mother and she was very happy, for about 1500 miles when the engine blew due to an “Oil Sludge” problem, so said the dealer. I ended up buying a kit to have a 3.2L installed. It is still on the road today but this will be my last Chrysler I ever own.

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  So far so good - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By frank-egny - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! At 20000 miles I have had only one minor problem with the car. The bracket that holds the parking brake handle broke and was fixed under warranty. I find most of the complaints about this car true (low roof line, hard to get in, hard to see the corners,strange noise coming from upfront, the window motors start with a big bang) but I still think this car is a really good car over all. No problems with the seals or the A/C or the trany or the steering.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Clackerhead - June 19 - 5:05 pm

  Bought this car in 2002 and figured to get 100-150K mileage at best. Still driving with over 205k. Have a solenoid pack switch to replace, but other than that, best car I have ever owned. I still brag that I have a Dodge with over 200K and no serious problems (I am shooting for 300k now). Chrysler, bring back the Intrepid!!!!

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  204000 miles before retirement - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By tc - June 10 - 11:50 pm

  I loved this car and hated to junk it. However, I got my money out of this car. I brought it brand new with 7 mile on it. I had to buy to 2 rebulit transmissions $1900 each time. I got an oil change every 4-5 weeks because I drove 750 miles a week. I had to replace the brakes quit often and the seal around the doors would not stay on. The car was a good car but the transmissions where the only major problems that I had with the intrepid. I wish Dodge would make better transmissions. I will always LOVE the car and the 204000 miles speaks volume. R.I.P Trepy 10/18/1999-06/05/2008

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  AWESOME CAR!!!!!!!! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Johnny S. Garcia, Jr - June 6 - 11:12 pm

  I bought this former rental car off a Dodge dealers lot in Mar. 2002 with 35,000 miles and a MFG date of 06/01. My baby NOW has as of todays date (06/06/09) 218,171 miles on it!!!!!,,,Its a V6 2.7. Most of my miles came from highway miles. Read this and weep people, this car (MY CAR) IS AWESOME!!!!!,,,,Ive done regular maintenance, tires, in fact, I went to the maximum width tire on 17 inch rims. The only major thing done on this car is the power steering pulley. It still has trhe orig tranny and batt. THANK YOU for this awesome car!!!!! I hear Dodge made a 2009 Intrepid?????

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  Edsel/Intrepid separated at birth - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By alex - June 4 - 3:52 pm

  out of the box ownership, pampered miles, lots of preventive maintenance due to be in love with car, Im in the process of ditching it: second tranny is need it, OEM went at 60K now 100k and starting to act up same way...nothing isolated: rented a brand new magnun in 2007 did the same thing, needless to say drove it150 miles in second gear for a replacement.

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  Love the Intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By tinamichele - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, fun to drive. It handles well in high traffic cities. Very safe car! I was involved in an accident recently (was rear-ended) and my car came out looking much better than the one that hit me. I love my Intrepid!

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  It just wont die! - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tim K. - May 26 - 1:02 am

  I bought this in 2000 with just over 100K on it. Only external flaws were light hail damage and faded paint where a cell phone antenna used to be. Eventually, the faded spot spread from the elements, but no lower body rust at all. Living in Minnesota with the ice and salt on roads in winter, its held up well. Ive put mostly short trips on it, and it always starts and runs, except once. Battery was old and died. Only had that replaced, one water pump and one starter in 9 years. Tires of course. For having been over 100K when I bought it, 9 years of driving and only put that much into it is great! Idle is rough sometimes now, so may need to have it looked at, but cant complain.

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  owned intrepids 5 years - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ray K - May 25 - 8:11 pm

  This is my 2nd intrepid, my son has the 1st one ,an 03 SE 2.7L engine with 100K miles. The 03 has had only 2 repairs totaling $450 (air cond line & ignition key swithc) besides brakes (which lasted a long time). Because of 03 reliability, I bought an 04 with low mileage. Have had 5 months with no problems. 2.7L engines do require frequent oil changes. I used Mobil 1 and the engine is whisper quiet with 100K miles (no other oil would produce these results). The new one is a 3.5L but I still use Mobil 1. These are great road cars but are hard to park & backup due to poor visibility. I obviously like them & will buy another one, even when they are 10 years old.

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  MAINTANANCE NIGHTMARE - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By pstorm - May 19 - 12:42 pm

  The comfort and everything about this car is nice. The dependability is terrible. I payed $2500 for the car. i know a great eal , until i started having to repair it. in the past two years i have paid out almost $12000 in repair. if its not one thing its another. i have replaced the engine the torque converter, the brakes the shifter cable, cv joint( snapped when i was driving .... not fun ) struts. and the list goes on and on. I could have bought a new car for that. i know i kinda did it to myself but i cant get a loan to pay for a car.