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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  2.7 engine is garbage - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By jbrogz - May 30 - 10:11 am

  Bought car used. I use full synthetic oil and change religiously at 3000 miles. Oil sludge is still there (propbably prior to when I bought it). Will be changing engine to a 3.5 liter. If it wasnt for the problems with the 2.7 L. it would be a perfect car.

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  1997 Dodge Intrepid - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Debbie Eubank - April 26 - 8:30 am

  I bought the 1997 Intrepid for my teen. She learned to drive in this car. I felt that it was very safe for her. I bought the car from a neighbor who had kept it in the garage so the paint was in mint condition. The Intrepid has been reliable and is a very comfortable ride. It has quick acceleration and power. It is a great car for road trips and handles well. It is not economical on gas because it has a 3.5 liter engine. It definitely has the power when you need it. Have never had any major mechanical problems with the Intrepid.

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  Engine Blow! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Alice - April 20 - 10:24 pm

  I was another victim of an engine blowout on the 2.7L engine. The car was also a pleasure to drive because of the amount of space, but the brakes were a bit of a hassle and required new break pads more often than similar cars in its class. The engine started giving me troubles a couple years ago and I kept putting small bandaids on the problems (mostly to do with the way the car handled oil). Then one day, I noticed a louder-than-normal knocking and then grinding and then.... Im disappointed I didnt get more life out of this car, but it did get 146,000 miles, so its not a total loss, but I wasnt prepared to buy again so soon.

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  Nice ride, but utterly unreliable - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By dfr - April 8 - 9:07 pm

  The car handles well, looks nice, and gets good mileage but is a maintenance nightmare. I was stranded twice by the electrical system while under warranty. In the last 6 months, the car has needed a new oil tray and oil pump ($600) a new timing chain and tensioner ($1200) a new water pump ($800) and a new ais motor and pcv valve with odds and ends for $700. All these repairs were needed between 50,000 and 58,000 miles! Although all cars have problems, having this many on a car this young is completely unacceptable. Aside from the financial hardship, this vehicles lack of reliability forced me to miss two job interviews and a vacation.

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  Dodge Intrepid - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ron808 - April 2 - 5:30 pm

  I used to own an 01 SE intrepid with the 2.7L and I didnt have any issues with the engine at all. I did have to replace the tranny at 95,000 miles but other than that it was the perfect car. It got totaled by a drunk driver at 125,000 miles and I decided to replace it with another Intrepid. which I have now and it is even better. It is an 01 ES with the 3.2L fully loaded which i would recommend to anyone, the ride is so smooth and the size is great. The only advice I have if you are thinking about getting an 1998-2004 Intrepid is even though had no issues at with with my 2.7L engine, you should look for an Intrepid with 3.2L,3.5,or 3.5HO engine.

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  IMPRESSED OWNER - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Rafo - March 30 - 4:43 am

  I was impressed with this car the beginning. Plenty of room and good performance. Grabs the road real well. Good acceleration in the highway. I have not have to see the dealer for a single service item. Road noise is a little loud compare to luxury sedans but not for a sport sedan like this one. Impressed with the quality of the build and the interior finish. Almost like a European car. Fuel mileage is between 23 and 26 miles per gallon. Own the 3.2 liter version.

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  Roll of the Dice - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Pauly - March 23 - 9:28 pm

  I bought this car used in Spring 2006 and wish I would have checked on Edmunds first before buying my Intrepid. I didnt realize that the 2.7L engine was a lemon. The A/C didnt work either. It started to leak oil last month so I traded it in for a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix with the 3800 series engine and now I sleep a lot better at night. I really liked the design of the Intrepid but didnt want to roll the dice for when the engine would go. Interior also was nicer than my Grand Prix. If you are going to buy a used Intrepid be sure it has the 3.2L or 3.5L engine in it. DaimlerChrysler has known for quite a while that the 2.7L engine had problems with oil sludge build up but did nothing.

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  I Love It - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Sweetgirl - February 21 - 9:16 am

  I got my Intrepid about 3 years ago. It was my very first car so, I took extra good care of it. My dad replaced the engine when we bought it because the previous owners did not take care of it. It runs smooth for me(and I do a lot of highway driving). Plus, the car is very roomy and it has a lot of leg room for tall people, I have a tall family and I am tall myself (im about 62) and I do not like trucks so I fit very comfortable in it. I recommed this car to any one who knows how to take care of a car, cause lets face it you treat the motor wrong its going to blow!!

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  My "Bessie" - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By evelyn - February 21 - 8:47 am

  "Bessie" has been a great car. Through all the trials and tribulations she has been reliable and truly "intrepid."

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  Excellent car! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Marybeth - February 20 - 3:10 pm

  I like this car so much that the couple of times Ive gone to a dealership to trade it in, I ended up deciding to keep it. I test drove numerous brand new cars, but couldnt find any I liked as much as this one.