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:

• 

  Great car best I had so far - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By ki2006 - January 13 - 4:46 pm

  When I got this car it had 40,000miles. l now have over 150,000 Went to Florida twice from St. Louis, Missouri no problems. But people trying to steal it and Im hard on brakes but other than that love it. Great gas miles. Wish I could find another car built like this one. People believe me this car is no lemon. Built to stand with the best Would take this over any sedan

• 

  Nice looking and roomy - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By brendan - January 8 - 10:22 pm

  My wife and I bought it used because she liked the loook of the outside and we really had to buy something that day. The price was right but the car stinks. It is a nice looking car and it is roomy. We have had the car in the shop at least once a month and we always think that it is the trans but it turns out to be something else. The car was not worth the stress and inconvience. i will never own another dodge, this is my third and it is the same story, cheap and ineefective.

• 

  Mobil1 oil for 2.7 engine is the secret - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ros - December 5 - 7:04 pm

  I had this intrepid for 4yrs. Changed brake pads, spark plugs, heater hoses, trans fluid, Mobil1 high mile, new tires, new speakers all around with the 2.7 v-6 engine with 170000 miles 3/5/08. Water pump still has not went

• 

  Second Dodge disaster - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By DG Rochester NY - November 19 - 9:14 am

  Fun to drive and looked good. Sold with 93,000 miles. Cheap interior plastic parts and carpet, door molds fell out of door, cheap leather on seats. Replaced power divers power motor. Window just fell to bottom of door. Transmisson died at 92K. $1,300 for tranny! 3.2 L engine ran OK but started blowing blue smoke. Cut my losses and sold. Second Dodge! Both were junk! Will never buy any other Dodge or Chyrsler again.

• 

  4 years and Still Strong - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Kasper - November 17 - 6:55 pm

  I bought this car in 04 for my wife. The only part I had to replace was the cable from the shifter to the transmission and tires this past summer. Aside from the dings this car is like new still and runs like it.

• 

  2004 Dodge Intrepid 3.5 LTR EXT - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Mark - November 17 - 3:14 pm

  68,000 miles had to replace the crankshaft position sensor, 3 cam sensors, 3 batteries. Car would die and not restart. Would wait for awhile and then it would start. Found that the coupling where the positive battery cable met up at the jumper post above the air intake filter box had become corroded. This was causing the battery and cables to overheat. Flickering lights and total shutdown of the engine ensued. Cleaned the corrosion and replaced battery cable. Car runs like new.

• 

  LOVE this car! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By techgirl - October 29 - 8:26 pm

  I have the ES with 3.2L and it really moves. The Autostick feature is impressive for improving acceleration. Trunk space is huge! White gauges are attractive and sound system is more than I expected in a car of this price range. With regards to road noise, I find the Intrepid to be a very quiet ride. And the leg room in the backseat is more than adequate. Its a VERY comfortable vehicle to ride in for the entire family. Overall, a ton of features and performance for a very reasonable price.

• 

  old faithful - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Lady Luck - October 27 - 10:55 am

  We got this car off a 2 year lease return in 1998, and Im still driving it. We have had absolutely no major problems with this car up until recently, and its almost 13 years old, and has over 150k. Up until the car went over 100k, it was nothing but oil changes, brakes and tires for this car, plus one timing chain change. After that small stuff started to go bad I cant say anything bad about this car up until now. Accelerates nicely, is comfortable, especially for a tall girl like me. The trans is going bad now, and Im still deciding on replacing it or getting something else. I really do love this car.

• 

  Dodge 2.7 Engine a Lemon - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By john - October 24 - 5:02 pm

  This is a beautiful car inside and outside. My complaint is that the oil got burned out the exhaust very slowly until the crank went! No warning lights, buzzers, or other indicators that the oil was extremely low and the engine overheating. Dodge refuses to stand behind their lemon engine. Thousands of sad stories like this are on the Internet. I will never buy another north American vehicle again. Im finished with them. Jds

• 

  My Second One - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By HotTopMan - October 24 - 4:13 pm

  This is my second ES AUTOSTICK, and like the first one I love it. Great car, no problems. Made to take the abuse. Just minor repairs, like any other car. People do not remember that you do have to replace parts they wear out eventually. I have 196,000 on it now and it is going strong. Still as powerful as a new car. One suggestion to people, this is not a good car for a first time drive, too much power, too large.