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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  Liked it, lost it - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dodgey person - September 3 - 8:49 pm

  Bought it with 23k on the clock, great car, never let me down once. Had to swap some brake rotors out as they warped a couple of times. Bought the 2.7 that has a timing chain instead of a belt, never missed a beat. Someone pulled out in front of me and now I have to find another one! Aaarghh! Anyway, car was roomy, fun and very dependable. If I can find a decent one equal to my insurance check, Ill snag it, but they are a dying breed. Highly recommend this car, good value for money I think.

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  enjoy but be aware of potential prblems - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By ray - August 18 - 4:03 pm

  Ive had this car for over 4 years and have put on 85,000 miles. The engine is quiet & without problems primarily because I have used mobil 1 since new. The 2.7 engine has a history of sludging and failing by 100k (many times earlier) if you do normal oil changes with regular oil. I.e., the oil cooks in the engine. However, if you can find a low mileage version (2.7 L) or one with 3.5 L engine, you should be okay AS LONG AS YOU USE MOBIL ONE. (if you dont believe me ask any mechanic with real experience with the 2.7 L engine. YOU SHOULD BE REALLY SUSPCIOUS OF A HIGH ENGINE 2.7 L (definitely have mechanic check one of these).

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  Use to be a Ford Man - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Michael - August 15 - 11:29 pm

  Several months ago I purchased my first Dodge vehicle (2002 Intrepid R/T) Man...I must have been living under a rock! This car is awesome! Im 65 and have a traveling job. This car has it all style, performance, comfort, safety & reliability. If you can find one of these cars, I recommend that you buy it.

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  Used car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By silkynjoe - August 14 - 6:40 pm

  Not real happy right now with car problems two issues so far less than month. I love the style. Or should I say the teens in neighborhood love it. Already real nervous. Have learned a lot of people have problems with bushing going out right away.$200 total for parts only. Water pump already going out. Would love manual. Oil came up to over flow already that makes me nervous. Used 4ways first time made blinkers stop working. Found out bad wire on battery so its fixed. Would I buy another one. Dont know too many people complaining already never ckd out details before buying

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  Dodge Demo - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dodge Demo - August 9 - 6:57 am

  I bought my Intrepid in 99. It was a demo with only 3000 miles on it. I loved the car until about 65,000 miles when the engine seized up and had to be rebuilt. I later found out that this is common with the Intrepid. Very costly repair. I gave it to my son to drive about a year ago and he recently totaled it in a crash. At this time it had 140,000 miles on it. Worked out pretty good for me though because trade in value was only about $1000.00 but the insurance company gave me $3000.00!

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  Outstanding! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By jmoser - July 29 - 11:38 pm

  I have had no problems with mine. I get 32 MPG highway and 24 MPG city! I love it! I have owned/driven 8 different cars in the last 6 years, and this one rises above all of them! The 2.7 is a little sluggish when the weather is warm. In the cold temperatures it is quick and powerful! Great car to own!

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  My - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Charles Pinkston - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 95 Intrepid on this 2000 R/T and really liked the looks of the newer one. Ive had this one for only a week, so I actually cant pass judgement on the performance this soon. Ill keep in touch, tho!!

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  Bad Motor - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Joe - June 26 - 3:41 am

  Well the car broke in the middle of the highway and It didnt turn on again so call a tow truck ($80) to take it to the mechanic just to check it ($60)/ He told me that the oil pump went bad and it basically burned the motor so he told me that he can get me an used one for $1500 or a new one for $3000 and he also told me that those cars are very bad cars to get rid of it and I will as soon as I get more money.

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  The ES! - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By zinger69 - June 15 - 1:29 pm

  I have owned this car for 5 years now. It had 50,000 miles on it when I bought it. It now has over 150,000 miles on it as of today. I have had to replace a few things here and there, radiator, thermostat, ball joints, but the exterior and interior are still in great shape and the engine is still purring. I will drive it till it dies.

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  Highly recommended - but hard to find - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Moparz3X - June 7 - 4:11 pm

  I purchased this car after my 2001 Chrysler Concorde was hit by an off-duty cop. The 3.5 L motor is the best. Great power, high MPG (25 MPG in Denver, 30 MPG on highway). Highly reliable and extremely comfortable. I wish Dodge/Chrysler hadnt quit making this car - it is much roomier than the Charger/300 replacement. I put 18K on the car each year and not problems whatsoever. If you find one that has been maintained (Im a mechanic) youll be pleased.