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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  Great car for gas mileage - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By rangejeep - June 5 - 1:07 pm

  Bought with 42,000 miles and racked up 160,000 Miles. I like the pep of the ES engine. Nice room inside (Im 6-6). The auto stick is fun and useful when driving bumper to bumper traffic. Just pop into 2nd gear until you clear the traffic. I originally bought to have a large car now I keep for the good mileage. On the highway Im at 30mpg. Im surprised that no other large car gets better mileage in 10 years! Sure it has its issues and Ive kept up with major maintenance like timing belt (a must at 100k miles). Some electric glitches and interior fading from the sun but its held up well. The clear coat is now starting to peel but not too bad. If I keep forever a paint job would be in order.

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  I like it!!! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By DanL - May 25 - 8:40 am

  Bought with 23,000 miles and have been on 3 road trips with it. Mileage is great for a larger V6, performance is smooth and ride is quiet. The trans shifts smoothly and the car handles a lot like a smaller and lighter vehicle. Mileage on trips has been around 27 with in town driving around 19 or so.

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  No repairs in 145,000 - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By erics intrepid - May 24 - 5:25 am

  I just had my first repair besides normal items for an oil leak and the cost was $75.00. Almost traded it in for $800.00 before a second opinion and had it fixed for $75.00. Keeping it and giving to my daughter. Had the car fully evaluated when the repair was done and found nothing wrong at all! Needs front brakes thats it! Great car, never been back to the dealer sine I bought it! 8 years body and mechanical perfect shape, no rust at all. Rides and handles like day one upper 20s on mpg on all highway miles! Two minor items still remain, rear door seal fell off a few years ago and I took it off. Drivers side electric door lock sticking. Looks great, runs great. Another 145,000? Hope so!

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  1999 Intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By James Smith - May 24 - 3:13 am

  Excellent vehicle. Runs well with minimal problems. Good pick up and great for long drives. Lots of trunk space and interior space.

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  And It Keeps Going... - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By G V - May 17 - 10:49 pm

  My husband and I have had our Intrepid for 7 years now and we have enjoyed it thoroughly. It is a 3.2 L and we have not (thank the Lord) had an expensive maintenance record. It is the only car on the road that we have seen still on the road, besides the VW bug. The paint job isnt my favorite, but I love, love, love the trunk size and the room it provides me with four of us.

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  Amazing Intrepid - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Amazing Car - May 17 - 10:45 pm

  I have owned this car for 8 years, I have 184,000 miles on it, general maintenance kept it in great shape. My wife had a couple fender benders, still runs like a champ. I would recommend this car to anyone. I had the cloth taken out and leather installed. I still get about 22 mpg around town, and it is as classy as anything new I have driven, and it can still jump off the line.

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  Dodge intepid es (3.2 Liter engine) - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By LOVDODGE - May 17 - 2:43 pm

  I love this car it is a great car although I have spend a lot lot of money to maintain the car like tires, battery, starter, timing belt, oil pump etc. But I hope my car last me a long time I just love this car and also it seems that its different from other es Intrepids most say 2.7 liter mine is 3.2. Does any one else have one that is the same please let me no. If you can do that on this site.

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  More time in shop - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By hammerdrop64 - May 16 - 10:02 pm

  About 15 days after I bought this car, the check engine light came on. I had to replace the EGR valve. Four days after that, I had to change the valve cover gaskets, it was leaking oil on the exhaust manifold. Two weeks after that was the worst problem, a bent valve. It would stick at times. I didnt wont to spend the money to have the heads reworked. Also, Dodge seems to have cheap plastics, especially on interior parts. I had this car about six weeks. I sold it for $800, I wont get another one.

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  Wont buy another one - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By jfreeman - May 14 - 12:39 pm

  I bought this car used. Plastic parts breaks easily. Engine had a number of problems, the worst was a bent valve. check eng. light stays on. leaked oil from valve covers. and had to replace the EGR valve, $370 at dealer. All of this in a 45 day period.

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  Great car ! But? - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By concerned8 - May 11 - 11:17 pm

  Hi, me and my husband bought this car in 2005. It was a used vehicle the car runs great we love it! But we have experienced a few problems. The starter has been replaced also the battery and now Im being told that the bushing need to be fixed on passenger side. I dont know. A lot of reviews say they only changed tire and brakes and thats it. So I am a little concerned, if I am getting ripped off or the maintenance is really needed. Please if you have any advice let me no or if you have similar car would appreciate your feedback ad opinion of my repairs.