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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  What problems? - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By AliciaMNC - November 30 - 1:07 pm

  I was weary about buying a Dodge due to rumors of tranny issues. But when I went looking I found mine, well within my price range and with only 36k miles on it. And I have to say - this car has been a God-send! Its now at just under 100k miles and in all this time, I have had one issue - at 80,500 miles, the transmission controller module went out. Cost nearly $1000 to fix (it was 500 miles outside the part warranty), but considering the many years without literally any issue, this was the best vehicular purchase Ive ever made. I am a Dodge lover now!

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  Life with my 2000 Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Leahcim - November 27 - 2:10 pm

  My intrepid has 125000 miles and has been for the most part a reliable car. It still rides great and is the most comfortable car i have owned. Problems that I have had include the following. Both of the electric window motors went up at about 32000 miles which were covered under warranty. The rack and pinion went up in the car at 58000 miles $1200 to fix. The rubber door seals have shrunk so that they do not fit around the doors. The interior plastic trim around the doors has cracked and fallen apart.

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  Engine oil sludge problem - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Eagle - November 19 - 7:47 pm

  The salesman pushed this car on me. Said I was getting a great deal. My Intrepid is beautiful, nice ride, and nice to drive however, shortly after I purchased it, the water pump went. All has been downhill since then. Because access was so difficult to replace the water pump, I spent over $600 on labor. My mechanic said he has seen this problem many times with this particular car. He recommended that I get rid of it ASAP. I am so disappointed because I love everything else about the car.

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  Great vehicle and fun to drive - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By jaeggergs - November 17 - 11:23 am

  Bought this vehicle as a demo with 5200 miles on it. It has been one of the best reliable, dependable vehicles Ive ever owned. Love the performance of the vehicle. Hugs corners with Pirellis. I have 187,000 miles on the vehicle. Replaced the engine, rebuilt the tranny & it still runs like a dream. Front end now goes about every 2 years. About $800. to repair. Having a hard time letting this vehicle go. Prefer driving it in bad weather over my SUV. Dont like the black "paper" between front & back doors as it peels off. Thats the worst I can say about this vehicle. Only stuck once and thats when the engine went with no warning. This vehicle owes me nothing. Would recommend to anyone

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  Still love the intrepid - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By long commute - November 16 - 10:25 am

  I bought my 1998 Intrepid ES new in 1998. After 321,000 miles I still love this car. It still runs well even though its beginning to show its age. If Dodge still made them, I would buy another without a second thought.

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  Wonderful Car - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By luvmydodge - November 7 - 9:55 pm

  Overall this is a great car. I bought it with 60k miles on it and I finally had to let it go. I sold it because the transmission finally went out but this was after 280k miles. That was the only mechanical problem with this car.

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  Already Issues! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Heidi - November 6 - 12:47 pm

  I just purchased the 2004 Dodge Intrepid for my daughter (it is her first vehicle) 2 weeks ago and at first she noticed she had issues starting it. I thought with 38,000 miles, it would be a reliable car but it has stopped on her while she was driving twice now! Found the camshaft sensor needed to be replaced. We also are looking at the crank sensor but I am frustrated with the reliablity of a 2004 car with low miles. My husband was upset that we purchased a Dodge and I regret our decision as well.

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  Great car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By harrison - October 29 - 6:14 pm

  I bought this car with 34,000 miles it now has 184,000 and still running fine. I have never had any major repairs. My car gets 32 mpg on the highway. Wish they still made Intrepids, I would buy another one.

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  Decent.... Not reliable - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By smitty - October 9 - 9:42 pm

  I had this car for 2 years. First let me say, while the car was running, I loved this car, but For the first 6 months the car seemed to be doing great, then after that, problem upon problem upon problem. I bought this car for $3000 and put probably another $3000-5000 in it for problems. In the end the head gasket went and I was done with this car, got a 2000 Mustang, love it! This car looks great, very comfortable, when it ran, it ran great, nice power, on the 3.2 engine at least. I love the looks of the car and the size, I love big cars, but I just had way too many problems with this thing.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Harvey - September 28 - 4:58 pm

  I now have just over 240,000 miles on this car. It has the original engine and transmission. I just had a valve job done on the car about 4,000 miles ago for $750. No repairs to the transmission other than standard maintenance. The interior is slightly faded from the desert sun, but still in almost perfect shape the dash isnt cracked and the upholstery is completely intact. I havent even had to change the struts yet. Every day I drive this car the durability and reliability of it continue to amaze me. I believe this car will go over 300,000 miles or more. This is the best car Ive ever owned. Dodge really, really, really needs to bring this car back!