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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  Best Car I have Ever Had - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By blndbrm727 - October 22 - 3:36 pm

  I bought my Intrepid ES new in January of 2001. It now has 143,000 miles on it and have had to put only $1,000 into it -about a month ago. I love my Intrepid and wish they still made them! Would buy another one in 1/2 a heartbeat! Mine still has a good 30K- 40K miles left in it. My original goal was to get 150K miles. My secret has been this: Firestone! I purchased the lifetime tire rotation and lifetime alignment along with their tire protection plan. About $500. Each time oil is changed - tires rotated and aligned. Firestone is great about letting you know what maintenance is due when!

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  Disappointing - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By hocus pocus - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2000 base model. Had to have the front rotors changed at 30K. Dealership said they were warpped. Most of the mileage has been hiway so the rotors never got that hot. Dealer wanted to cut them as if that would help. Dealer told me they see it all the time in these cars. Car was still under warranty at the time however found out brake system is only covered for first 12k. Had the dealer look for shimmey and grinding noise and they never found anything. Its still there off and on. Now the sending unit for the gas tank level is going bad. For 20K this car should be better. Not long before it goes away in a trade.

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  Shame on you M&M Dodge in Kalamazoo,MI - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Sara - October 3 - 5:01 pm

  I never though my 97 Intrepid would have turned out this bad. I replaced almost everything. I even had a friend make me a bolt for the engine because no one had a replacement. On my way to work my car just died. The only thing I havent replaced was the computer and I had done nothing to the wiring. Towed it to M&M Dodge in Kalamazoo, MI what I told them what the problem was but they didnt want to hear it. Woman are dumb! Joking. Well they figured out it was the computer, after they pulled off my new water pump,wanted $400 to put it back on. When my mom took the car back they told her it was unsafe,give them the title. The car was safe, they took the car.She fell for it. Shame on you M&M Dodge!

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  Nothing but problems - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Rick - September 25 - 4:58 pm

  After reading all of these reviews from when people first bought their Intrepid Id like to hear from anyone that still owns a 2.7 L. I bought mine used with low miles and thought I got a deal. Then the problems started. Water pump, timing chain, tensioners and on and on. I believe the 2.7 is a lemon.

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  Love my baby - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By eric - September 24 - 6:28 pm

  I bought this vehicle used with 36,000 miles. Ive put over 27,000 miles a year on this baby and have had little or no trouble. She now has 230,000 miles and just needs a speed sensor. As long as you service and change your oil and fluids,your intrepid will run forever. She has the 2.7 and Im very impressed. Too bad they have taken them off the market. I would not hesitate to buy another as long as I have the maintenance schedule. In all Ive only put about $1000.00 into her, other than oil and fluid changes/tires and brakes.

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  Probably wouldnt buy another - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By J K - September 17 - 6:45 pm

  The good things: Roomy, handles well for size, no absolutely major break downs. Perfect alignment despite crashing it. Pretty tough in crashes. Bad things: Had to replace steering rack at 66,000 miles. Has always had a very slow oil leak. Head lights dim due to excessive oxidation. Moisture in headlight housing. Does not maneuver well when parallel parking. LOTS of blind spots. Fishtails easily at speeds over 65 mph. Transmission shifts roughly sometimes. Breaks wear quickly. Has 3.3 L engine but wont due over 50 mph uphill on the freeway. Some Intrepids of various years have had major mechanic failure of the steering system. I feel the car has too much wear for the amount I drive it.

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  Love Dodge - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Michael - September 17 - 2:52 pm

  One of the best cars that I have owned. I love my intrepid and have only had normal maintenance.

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  Good car - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Wayne - September 8 - 12:34 pm

  It has a very strong 3.5 liter, 24 valve engine. Problems we have encountered are the water pump goes out at 70,000 miles, according to the mechanic who says he fixes about 4 a week. If you are lucky, the pulley seizing on the pump will shred the timing belt and kill the engine immediately, otherwise, the engine will overheat and warp the heads, increasing the cost from $700 to $2800. Some sort of bolt on the steering mechanism has stripped a couple of times, needing the front end to be dropped down to replace, which has been spendy.

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  Nothing but problems - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By diesel580 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I have a 99 Intrepid with 65k miles. Ive had nothing but problems with this vehichle. So far Ive had 2 window motors replaced and a clamp bite through a hose causing an oil leak. This car loves to warp rotors. Now Ive shelled out $1,400 to have a new Rack and pinion replaced and I still have problems related to steering. Dont look to Dodge to stand by their statement of "dependability". If this is the new Dodge, I think this will be my last Dodge.

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  yo r/t - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By vin231 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  great car fun to drive great on gas also very roomy interior. very reliable car to drive daily