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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  Unreliable - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Kendall - November 15 - 12:38 pm

  I owned the car for 3 months and in those three months it overheated, didnt start due to a computer issue, needed $700 worth of front end work (a major issue with all Intrepids according to my mechanic), needed new tires and alignment, and to top the cake, the transmission went (yet another popular issue with Intrepids). I spent another $1700 on rebuilding the engine. You tell me how my experience with the Intrepid was.

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  For a used car, its a great value for money - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By T Abraham - November 8 - 9:53 am

  Ive had this car for a few months now. Ive had to change the brake pads and some transmission components. Bought it for $6500. Have spent about $1500 since, but the car has been very very reliable since and has been great on long 17 - 20 hour drives. Plenty of storage. Great for families. Taut driving and handling. Plenty of power. Great car.

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  Chrysler rocks! - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By newharmony7 - November 7 - 2:42 pm

  This is the second car I have ever owned. My first was a Chrysler Concorde, and I loved that car. Figuring that the cars would be similar, and knowing that my Mom had no trouble with her Intrepid when she bought it new until the day the engine died, I knew I wanted another Concorde or an Intrepid. I find that this car has some slight electrical problems, but nothing that will stop it from running steady and strong even after sitting in campus parking all week without running. I love my Intrepid and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a car and wants one that will be decently affordable and very reliable.

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  1994 Intrepid - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jeff - November 6 - 10:12 pm

  My Intrepid has 319,000km or 198,000 miles on the original drive train. Does not use oil between changes and still averages 10 litres /100km or almost 30mpg. Easy to work on and the dealer has been very helpful with the few problems encountered. Original owner.

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  I love my car - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Intrepid fan - October 29 - 4:06 pm

  Bought this car in 2002 and have been very happy with it. Kids were still little and with all the storage room, it was the perfect family vehicle. Also handy that you can fit a full size bicycle in the trunk! Now kids are both 6 with long legs and all that leg room in the back is a bonus. No complaints from backseaters even with the front seats reclined. I drive this car everywhere, city and long highway. I havent had this much fun driving a car since I owned my 67 Camaro. Husband does all the mantainence and the engine is a dream to get to. I wish they were still making this particular styling, only with the better motor. We have the 2.7 and sadly, it is now going.

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  Excellent Fullsize Sedan - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By 3Moparz - October 27 - 2:02 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used one year ago and have put 19,000 miles on it since then. Absolutely no problems whatsover. Great handling on dry, wet, and snowy roads. Very good fuel economy (24MPG average communting in town). 3.5L motor is a true workhorse, with lots of power if you need it, but quiet cruising at 85MPH on the interstate. More room inside than the new Charger. I expect this car to give me at least 100,000 more miles without a problem.

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  The new Dodge, same old same old - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By James - October 8 - 12:16 am

  I bought this car from an individual. I paid just $500. I found the acceleration with the 3.3 to be more than ample. The drivetrain is good for the engine, and shifted smooth. Even though the car has never left me stranded, I have poured quite the sum of money into it. When I bought it, it needed brakes. Thats maintanence. After driving it for a month, the inner and outer tie rod ends on the drivers side are going bad. Map, and O2 sensors went bad. The rear transmission mount is broke. The downshift linkage in the transmission is sticking. Dodge did a horrible job on fit and finish. Same old Same old.

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  Best car ever - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Rose - September 23 - 2:03 pm

  It was such a mistake for Dodge to discontinue making this car. It was super comfortable, aerodynamic (for good gas mileage), and spacious. If they still manufactured this car, I would buy another in a heartbeat! Bring it back.

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  Roomy Wreck - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Wallace - September 8 - 3:55 pm

  The car has been OK. It is very roomy in both front and back seats, and has a huge trunk. The mileage is pretty good. Have had several problems with the brakes and sensors. It does ride good on road trips.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By sjkearney - September 5 - 7:53 pm

  I bought the car in 1997 used with 19,000 miles and its still running strong at 160,000. Ive never even changed the transmission fluid! The engine is still strong and has never had any mechanical issues except normal wear and tear. In fact, it still has the original exhaust system! I wish they never stopped making them. Unfortunately its time to retire the old girl. Im selling to my niece.