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:

• 

  Worst Vehicle Ive Owned - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Terry Buckner - February 18 - 7:59 pm

  This was the worst vehicle I have ever owned. The second Dodge product and the last one! The engine died at 92,000 and a replacement one is 5-6k. The entire car isnt worth that! The 2.7 liter engine is horrible. Needless to say this one needs to be junked!

• 

  2000 Dodge Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Paula Zaloga-Nowak - January 29 - 4:32 pm

  Had a new Pontiac (terrible car!) My next purchase I decided to try the Intrepid, which caught my eye, and had good reviews. Had it for seven years and Im pleased! A great car for the money (paid $18,300). Drove it on a number of long road trips to a number of states in the west and in the south Last year put on 7,900 miles in just under four weeks! Roomy, comfy, totally reliable-esp. in the mountains-got 28- 31 mpg during the that trip! Great for a big car! Everyone that owns one loves it and have no problems. One minor problem with mine in 7 years! Dodge needs to bring back the the Intrepid. Ill buy another Dodge because of it! And I use to dislike Dodge! Not anymore!

• 

  150K and still going strong - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Robb - January 20 - 12:44 pm

  This car has been the best I have ever had. Bought with only 16 miles and now have over 151K. I want to go over 300K with it. I would buy another Intrepid but I look at new cars now, since this body style is not available and can not find a car I would like to drive. Highway driving every day I feel very comfortable. Strong engine and great handling. Michigan driving in all weather not a problem.

• 

  Dodge Intrepid 1999 - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By penman - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car for 3 years. Previously owned 3 Fords (Taurus). Liked the Intrepid very much, very roomy inside and large trunk. Car handles very well, with good power and great highway mileage. I would buy another Chrysler product.

• 

  My Car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By donna - January 3 - 5:32 pm

  This is my second Intrepid. It now has 72,000 miles and i have never had a problem. other than regular services, new tires, and windshield wipers I have not spent anything on repairs.it has been a great car.

• 

  Car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Chris - December 17 - 6:33 am

  I bought this car with 42,000 miles on it and I was the second owner. This car has been a pile of junk since day one. I have had all kinds of problems with it and only get about 19 mpg. It now has 104,000 miles on it and I have to get rid of it because it is making me go broke.

• 

  Give it up - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By kevin - December 13 - 5:31 pm

  This was my wifes car. She bought it brand new. She would not part with it even after it started having problems. After 10 years we have replaced the tie rods twice, the air conditioner compressor, had it painted, replaced the serpetine belt twice, the water pump three times, struts, tires several times more than we should have due to the tie rods. The motor after was finally replaced last year because the oil sending unit and pump went out and we could put a new engine in from a wrecked one cheaper than we could fix the oil pump problems. The car rides great, just not very mechannicaly sound. Also the door gaskets kept falling off.

• 

  A car that will be missed. - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Kyle - December 4 - 1:48 pm

  I have owned the Intrepid with the 3.2 V6. It was an excellent car, never any problems, always ran like a champ. I know people say this car has a bad engine. Thats only if you get the 2.7, so if you go with the 3.2 or 3.5 youll be fine. My Intrepid was a great car up until a couple of days ago. I had gotten into a small car accident where the front end went up the SUV in front of me. My passenger and I and the other cars were all fine. However the Intrepid is toast. It still runs and all but needs a new front end and radiator. I plan on buying an Intrepid that has a 2.7 engine that has failed and swapping it with mine.

• 

  Not bad so far - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bartbilt - November 19 - 4:32 pm

  Good reliability and MPG, up to 30mpg on highway witht the 3.3 V6. No transmission problems. Im 64" and have plenty of leg room, even with the console shifter. A\C broke and I have no intentions of fixing it. Currently have 147,000 miles on it with a few oil leaks. Handles well in the snow. I inherited the car from my wife and use it mainly to commute to work, 50 miles per day. Exterior is holding up well with regular washes and yearly waxing. Black exterior trim pieces are peeling. Also, lost two of the four center hubcaps on the wheels. Noticed that most others with the same wheels are missing some or all of the hubcabs. Wanting to see how many miles this thing will go.

• 

  My Favorite Car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Kerry - November 16 - 7:20 pm

  Owned many new and used cars in 35 years of driving. This car has been my favorite. Bought with 9,000 miles on it and now has 203,000. Roomy and reliable with good road manners. Needed a large car for entertaining customers and this fits the bill. Long legged passengers enjoy the roomy back seat. At 62", I never had to move my seat forward to accomodate rear seat passengers. No major work done, but she is showing her age. No rust in 6 yrs of Maine driving. Always serviced at recommended intervals. I have more than gotten my moneys worth from this car. I love this car.