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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  Intrepid - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By estelle - September 17 - 12:10 pm

  I got this car at 36000 miles. Three months later, the water pump went out (it was so bad that all of the fluid would come out as soon as I out it in). The thermostat was replaced twice and needs it done again. The dome lights in the car blink on and off. Sometimes staying on for more than 15mins ( I was told it was the DCM). The car overheated and they dont know why. The oil light comes on and off. All in all I do like the car, I just wish there werent so many problems.

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  I love this car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By HappyOwner - August 30 - 11:42 pm

  I have been so happy with this car! Ive had absolutely no problems with it, I love the looks of it, and it has zip and great handling. The car has close to 140K miles and so far (knock wood) I havent had to do anything special except change the oil every 3000 miles and fix the brakes once. I think it was really stupid of Dodge to stop making this model, but given that they have I hope to keep my car forever!

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  Wish they still made them! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By goldintrepid2002 - August 28 - 5:50 pm

  Ive driven intrepids for years. The first was a 1995 se model. I love the safety and security of a larger car, and finally found one with the handling and performance to match. When the time came for a new car, I knew I wanted to try the second generation intrepid. I put over 200k on the 1995 model, so I had no doubts about buying another one. So I went with a 2002 Intrepid se. The performance and handling were drastically improved, which was suprising sice they were already fabulous. Not to mention the sleek new exterior, and finally, awesome headlights. Dodge made all the right improvements to this car. The only complaint I have is that they were discontinued after 2004.

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  Drive Over Durability. Good is Enough - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By roadrunner - August 7 - 4:34 pm

  This vehicle came off lease with a full warranty and has got me to and fro safely on many road trips on the east coast. However the warranty paid for several issues: bad lock, bad evaporator(a/c), transmission cooler lines, oil sensor, and output sensor. Nothing catastrophic yet at 92K, just annoying stuff. It was stolen and broken into twice because the locks are cheap get an alarm in the city. The motor runs great with KN Filter and regular engine cleaner additive every 4K.

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  Great Car for the money - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Love It! - July 6 - 9:41 pm

  Just bought the car used and am thrilled with it so far. This car had everything but the kitchen sink! Dodge really knows what the customer wants. Other vehicle brands from 2000 just dont cut it when compared to Dodge!

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  50/50 Chance - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By NYYFan - June 21 - 7:14 am

  The Dodge Intrepid with the 2.7L engine seems to be a coin toss. If you get the good engine, the size and style of the car make up for its other shortcomings which include a higher level of maintenance issues. If you do get the lemon engine, the car is worthless past the magic 60K mark. I had been crossing my fingers, but sure enough, at 65K, my engine died. My mechanic said even if I wanted to fix they wouldnt do the job because the engine is so unreliable and hard to find because of the demand for replacements. Avoid this car at all cost. Buying an auto shouldnt come with such a high level of risk.

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  140K - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Edtexas - June 11 - 12:44 pm

  I bought this car at 75K. I had never bought a car with so much mileage on it, now it is at 140K and the time to get a new car is coming. I liked it so much that I feel tempted to get a newer model, but I dont want people to think that I suffer from lack of imagination. It has been such a great experience to have this car it was worth every penny.

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  Looks are deceiving! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Brenda - June 7 - 11:49 pm

  My 99 Intrepid ran great, looks great and is great, unless you have to diagnose a malfunction with it. One problem consist of 4 or 5 smaller problems together and will cost you an arm and a leg to fix correctly.

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  Best purchase ever made! - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Susan Patnode - June 1 - 7:49 am

  Bought this car in 1996 with 36,000. Purchased extended warranty. Had transmission issue in 98, covered 100% by warranty! Have had no other issues! Never had a day when the car didnt start (gets cold here in winter) When I purchased needed reliable car..single mom 3 kids. My youngest were 5. They are now 16 and learning to drive. Guess what theyre driving? The intrepid! 175000 miles, a year in storage, and still going strong!

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  May, 2007 - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Nancy Davis - May 30 - 2:42 pm

  I love this car! It has been very reliable with no big repair problems. I have put two new starters on it and it is using about a quart of oil /1000 miles. The mileage is 20 mpg in town and on the road. It rides with a soft ride and is easy to drive. It has no big problems that I know of. The color makes it look classy and the style of the body is very sporty. I just want a newer car with dependability--or I would keep it!