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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  147,000 - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By 147,000 Miles - May 9 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my car with 20,000 miles on it. Love the style of the car. In the past year I had a sales job and put 27,000 miles on it in one year. Currently IÂ’m at 147,000. This has been the BEST car that I have ever owned. The only thing that I have had to do is regular maintenance. I have run amsoil in the engine and transmission since probably 40,000 miles. Recently I had to have the water pump replaced and that was a very expensive fix since the front of the engine has to be removed. (2.7 engine) When the engine was apart the mechanic said that it was very clean inside, No sludge! I also had to have my inner tie rod bushing replaced. (pothole)

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  "THE INTREPID" - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By will intrepid - May 7 - 8:41 pm

  I bought my Dodge Intrepid just last year and its been a great car, matter of fact the best four-door sedan I have ever driven or bought even so it gives me some difficulties like I had to get the transmission rebuilt at 91,000 some odd miles but does get me from point A to point B when I need it to.

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  The best car I have ever owned! - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By KATRINA - May 5 - 5:55 pm

  I bought my car 3 years ago and it has been excellent. No problems at all. My car is the sport addition with the slap shifter, which is rare. It only had one owner prior to my buying and it only had 57,000 miles on it. I have never been stranded. It has never let me down. I have made several trips to Texas. A 600 round trip. The best car I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Generally good - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Alaskan - April 26 - 8:11 pm

  Our Intrepid has generally been reliable and fun. Pretty roomy. We live in the far north and yet, it has done well so far. I wish its electronics were more reliable and its headlights proper.

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  i love this car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By dolfinfan - April 26 - 7:41 pm

  This car is awesome. I have lots of fun with the auto stick and its real sweet looking too!

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  Sorry to lose this vehicle but medical - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Gloria Benner - April 25 - 1:21 pm

  This has been a very reliable auto and am sorry to have to sell but medical reasons insist and there is no one to drive it. It has been well kept and is very comfortable. Hope to find a good owner.

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  Awesome car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Love my dodge - April 17 - 5:13 pm

  My dad got the car with 20K miles on it when it was 2 years old. and not a single scratch or dent. We never had any problems besides the O2 sensor went out. We took this car to Denver from Twinfalls, Idaho. and to Portland Oregon several times. Now that it has 110K miles on it I own it now and the power, looks, reliability, and Gas mileage is awesome. This car with the 3.8 gives most V8s a run for their money. Even after my mom wrecked it its still been an awesome car i have put 22,000 mi on it and had to replace the rear brakes thats all!

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  Bought Used 6 years ago - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By radiumdial - April 11 - 11:02 pm

  Bought this car with 15,000 miles on it 6 years ago and still have not had any mechanical problems, regular maintenance and its running fine.

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  i love intrepids - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By macaframa - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I absolutly love my intrepid. when i drive it its like im in a leer jet, i have my windows tinted and its low to the ground and i have beats in the trunk, i love driving around and showing it off, i would definatly pick an intrepid over a bmw or lexus. the outside styling of the car is perfect, i cant imagine how they could possibly improve it.

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  Quality Ride - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By marty - April 3 - 2:03 am

  First new car Id ever owned, happy that it was this choice. Pretty decent car for the first completely built by computer. Gets around good in all kinds of weather conditions. Even though its the 2.7 standard model, the power is still there when you need it, and the comfort is there all of the time. At almost 50,000 miles, I am hoping to have a long, continued contentment with this car. I love the looks of it so, that I still baby it, and park it out in the back 40s so it wont get scratched. I have taken good care of this car, and it has taken good care of me in return.