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:

• 

  Beware - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By shelly - March 24 - 11:10 pm

  I was seduced by this car. It is beautiful. However, I have had one problem after another. I still owe 4k on it and am having to trade it in. Engine is going on it and it only has 85000 miles on it. Was told the engine will lock up eventually. I am so ticked off...DONT BUY ONE!

• 

  "Old Friend" - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Chrome - March 22 - 6:56 am

  This was my very first car and I was so in love with it, that I now own another one... Before my first one died though, I purchased it in 2004 with already over 120K on it. This car reliably and safely got me all the way from FL to WA state, while towing a U-haul trailer, and also on one blown cylinder... only one glitch to the trip was it wouldnt go over 40 over the Rockies, but hey, it was missing a cylinder and towing a u-haul. It had its share of minor problems, but the engine never failed to fire up. I got a good solid 3-4 years and about 60K out of mine before it finally died. Loved it so much I bought another 99 just yesterday! Looking forward to life with this one now too!

• 

  Unconditional Love - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Joes Intrepid - March 17 - 12:09 pm

  I bought my Intrepid at the beginning of last summer. $500! It had 142k miles, I thought Id hang on to it as a backup/work car. I ended up selling my LeSabre instead. This is a great car. My only problem to date is I had to replace the water pump an a belt. But overall, WONDERFUL CAR! She now has over 185k and feels brand new. I just finished installing 2000 watts of subwoofer in the trunk... love the car, you should get one if you have the means.

• 

  Last of a Great Breed - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By LoneRanger - March 14 - 3:34 pm

  Traded in a 1995 for the 2000 ES and what a great choice. Now have over 180,000 miles and have only had to replace the water pump at 110,000. Great roominess, comfort and style. Super MPG for a large car always above 22 and up to 28 on trips. Cant understand why its being discontinued, the 3.2 engine runs great with enough power and durability. Door seals shrunk but that is common, 1 window motor gave out, but everything else has been iron clad. Dodge wake up! The Intrepid was your best car...so aerodynamic and stylish...Im looking for another if I can get one I will grab it!

• 

  Not a Safe Car! - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Marc H - March 9 - 6:41 pm

  I may have only had this car for a year, but since then I have experienced a broken inner left tie rout and outer right tie rod. The inner left one broke and made it impossible to steer while going around the corner. The transmission is absolute garbage and has a rough 2-1 downshift. The oilpan is almost rusted through. Car has gone though a set of brand new front tires within 25,000km, with no alignment issues. Engine overheats periodically, and there has been a mysterious check engine light for about 3 months now. Ill be honest with you, this car may have been wrecked before I even bought it. But many of these problems are far too serious to be blamed simply on abuse or negligence!

• 

  My review - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By dodge intrepid - February 12 - 11:50 am

  This car drives really good. Most of the miles are highway miles. I enjoy driving this car all the time.

• 

  Dodge Interepid-2000 - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By L. Gebo - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my 2000 Intrepid. The problem I have had with it thus far includes the front bumper hitting high driveways which has caused paint damage. Paint defects in other areas as well. This takes away from the quality, look and appeal of the vehicle. I wish I would have been informed of this problem at the dealership. The trunk leaks as well. I am not sure if this is a manufacturers problem or something happened to it in transport.

• 

  Good for the money - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By AABlue - January 26 - 10:00 am

  After 108,000 miles car still runs great. the only mechanical problem has been replacing the rotors and pad, and shocks. Overall excellent vehicle.

• 

  Overall Great Car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Johnny - January 14 - 10:14 pm

  The 2000 Dodge Intrepid is one of the finest affordable cars Dodge has ever made. The 200 horses in the 2.7 litre V6 is fun to play around with. This car has great handling. I have accidentally burned out at red lights before. It has a surprisingly light body for its full sized design. I have had only one electrical issue with my Intrepid, but other than that I think it is worth it.

• 

  Dependable and Stylish - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bill - December 28 - 7:50 am

  I bought this former rental car off a dealers lot in 11/01 with 24,000 miles and now has over 135,000 miles on it. I commute 60 miles a day primarily freeway driving and consistently get 23- 25 MPG. Im 6"6" so I need a roomier car and this fits the bill and I get good mileage to boot. Good reliability as the car still is working off the original battery and I didnt replace first set of brakes until 80,000 miles. It has yet to start leaking any fluid and still has orginal transmission. Ive replaced a water pump that expectedly went bad at about 120,000 miles but thats about it so far. I may trade in 08 for something new-but will need to go long way to beat value this car provides.