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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  Paint problems - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By trademark - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The biggest problem I had was at 20,000 miles the clear coat started to peal off the front of the car. Chrysler ended up repainting it and doing a lousy job. The trim "ES" and "Dodge" emblems look like crap now that the chrome plating has pealed off. Roters and front brakes at 40,000. Roters warped very bad. The driving lights are very disapointing, very dim, 35 watts and nothing larger available. Water in the headlights is very common. I am told that it is due to a pluged drain. I cant find it! Gas milage is awful. Average is 22-23. Basically the interior trim is ok. Everything fits together but the noise level in the car at 55 is awful.

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  Very disappointed - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By angel - February 19 - 11:43 am

  Purchase car August 28 2008. Motor went out December 24, 2008. Also the power window motor went out 3 days buying the car. After going to about 3 auto repairs shops trying to get a rebuilt motor or use motor I was told not to waste any more money on this car because it is no worth it. After talking to previous and past owner of this car mostly the same review, that it is a worthless piece that Dodge could have put out on the market

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  A large car with class - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By renderedconsequences - February 16 - 11:16 am

  I bought my car last spring with 86,000 miles, since then have put 9,000 miles on it. All Ive replaced is a power steering hose and the headlights. A great face lift for oxidized, old lenses. It hugs the corners, and feels great driving, comfortable. Handles great and has enough power to pass at anytime yet not so much thats easy to get into trouble all the time - though manageable. The only complaint I could possibly think of is how the air intake disconnects from the engine, this making the engine heat rise, but easily fixed by coupling it back. I do love this car and it looks terrific, though 13 years old it still has a near perfect paint job and has had no body work.

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  If it werent in the shop all the time.. - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Melissa - February 11 - 2:18 pm

  Bought this car with 60,000 miles on it, full service records and no history of problems (Ive put three years and 22,400 on it). Supremely roomy interior, we *used* to take several long trips comfortably, however this engine has completely seized up and shut down in the middle of interstate driving (talk about excitement...), while applying the brake in city driving etc. despite regular and routine maintenance. Ive replaced most of the electrical system and half the replaceable components of the engine for more $$ than I care to admit. Nothing but trouble from this engine (I though it was just the 2.7s, guess Im just lucky)!!! Shame, too...its comfortable, and a ton of fun to drive.

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  Never Again - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By pepsi512 - February 8 - 11:03 am

  Stay Away, I will never own Dodge again. within 1 month of owning, blown head gasget, blown pressure relief valve, Replaced. Then engine lght stays on..no power uphills, sludge build up in engine (oil changed correclty) Misses, overheats. Cant see when backing up vision field limited. I would highly recommend if you are thinking of buying an intrepid research not only this year but many others have severe engine trouble. I cant wait to trade it in if I can ever get it to run long enough to trade in! Value drops.

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  A Rough Fifteen Years - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By mobilemechanicman - February 6 - 1:43 am

  I bought this intrepid from its third owner. Considering the abuse it recieved from the last owner, I was amazed to see it even run. It has the 3.3L and it gets 16mpg in town and 28mpg on the highway. I will swear by the intrepid as long as Im a qualified technition.

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  Worst thing ever built! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By buckeyekitty - January 19 - 10:17 pm

  This car is honest to goodness, the biggest piece of junk ever! We have owned it since 2002 & have had nothing but trouble. The brakes have been a major issue from the start. The air has gone out multiple times. Replaced the engine at 60k miles. Oil light flickers..been to 2 dealership, neither can seem to figure it out. Had to replace a window motor. Now the heater box needs to be replaced. Nothing is simple to fix on this beast. Nickle & dimed to death. Way too may issues for one vehicle. I have cursed this car for many many years & this week I finally get to junk it! Yea! Done with Dodge!

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  2001 Dodge Intrepid SE 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6 - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By vince - January 18 - 2:48 pm

  I bough my 01 SE when it was 14 months and 20500 miles old. Now 72000mi. Dealer change electric fan second year. Check engine light which dealer took 6 months to figure it was an leaking polution hose. Under extended coverage dealer changed a/c coil under the dash. I changed front rotors radiator drain plug tune up tires and pads.Had smog stuff serviced. Headlight buckets getting dull. Engine and front wheel drive noise after 50000 mi.

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  Love my Intrepid! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Johnny - January 16 - 1:16 pm

  I bought my car less than 1 yr old with 20,000 miles on it. Ive taken it to Vegas 3 times, LA nmerous times and my baby is as strong now as she was when I first bought her. Oil change every 4 months, full tune up every 10 months, 2 sets of tires and now she has 198,000 miles and still going strong. 2.7L engine could use a little boost, but love it just the same. Especially on cruise control going uphill. What a boost in rpms! And road curves? What cornering! What road hugging. Makes me feel like Im driving at Talladega Speedway!

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  1998 Dodge Intrepid with 182,000 miles - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By matthew - January 16 - 9:55 am

  I own a 1998 Dodge Intrepid with 182,000 miles and it still runs without a problem. I can say I got the good built 2.7 because Ive never experienced any problems with it since Ive had it for the past year. I keep up on the maintnence I get my motor cleaned often and change the plugs every once in a while. I love this car and am glad its been good to me. I dont know anyone that has an Intrepid with 182,000, miles.