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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  Electrical - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By SLYGOOSE - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 99 Intrepid SE in Oct 99. With 60000 miles on it, all window switches and regulators have been replaced at least once, the main computer 4 times, electric fuel pump, speakers, brake computer module, radiator hoses. Very Poor Quality

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  I was in love - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By flyboy843 - August 16 - 5:32 pm

  I bought my Intrepid in November of 2001 and have had a great experience with the car. The ride is compliant but not soft. It handles nice . Has good power. I had done nothing to the car except for maintainance (oil changes, brakes and tires) for 52000 carefree miles. Then then the honeymoon was over. The engine died with some serious knock deep within the block. Spun a rod bearing among some other things. At 52k miles! Ended up replacing the engine. Im now afraid to drive it but I commute 68 miles daily. The car runs nice now and looks exceptionally nice, but beware of Intrepids with the 2.7l engine. Find and ES or R/T model as they have different motors. I wont buy Chrysler any more!

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  My Dodge - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jim - August 10 - 4:31 pm

  I am very happy with my Intrepid ES. I bought it with 65,000 miles on it. {100,000 mile warranty} It was a program car that was well taken care of. Leather interior and the works. Beautiful riding highway cruiser. I have 140,000 and its ready for lots more. So far I have only had to put in a new starter & flywheel. I replaced the front struts and its back to the ride it was when I got it. The only problem I have with it is the weatherstripping around all four doors has shrunk about 1 inch from time and weather. Dodge wouldnt do anything about covering it under the warranty for replacement. The mileage could be better, but I am really happy with it

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  So far, so good - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By DM - August 5 - 7:21 pm

  Bought this car off a mechanics lot with 96,000 mi. for $1,900. After owning it for two weeks, the "anti-theft system" (which in this case causes the steering wheel to lock up unless the [proper] key is inserted into the ignition) went ahead and locked up the steering wheel even though I was indeed trying to start the car with its own key. Had to take the car back to the mechanic, who removed the "anti-theft system" for about $300. My faith being shaken, I began to prepare for the worst, but (so far) the car has given me no problems since. I find acceleration with the 3.3 to be sluggish, although the car does handle well for its size.

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  Decent Large Car - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By DK - July 26 - 9:12 am

  Fun to drive, responsive and powerful full size sedan. Handles well for its size. Plenty of room for passengers. Powerful and reliable engine

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  My 99 supercar - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By clydedernitt - July 20 - 9:55 pm

  i purchased this car used with 16000 miles. It was for taking the kids to school, a 10 mile trip daily .I did go from TN to FL once and the fuel mileage was not as expected. I added Chrysler alloy wheels and the nose and deck spoiler like comes on the later RT models. I only have 43,000 miles on it now. I went to trade it for a new Caliber dodge and the dealer offered only $1600.00 trade-in! The Dodge dealer stated that the motors in these cars are bad. My car runs and looks new. We kept the Dodge for a back-up vehicle for my soon to be a driver teen son. No major defects. 2 recalls. One speed sensor and oil change. Brakes, rotor

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  Dependable & handles deep snow well. - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Pat Lytle - July 12 - 11:37 am

  I live in Alaska, outside of town with a long uphill driveway. My Intrepid has pushed through snow many times to get me to town. I have had 4WD pickups & SUVs that have not handled as well. I get about 25 MPG, and have not had any major repairs to contend with. The car now has over 150,000 miles on it and burns no oil or has any problems. My teenage daughter, who is a careful driver, is buying it from me for her first car. With dual airbags and how well it handles icy roads, I trust this car to keep her on the road, regardless of the contions. As for my next car, I think I need another Intrepid!

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  91000 miles no problem - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By naskefice - July 12 - 10:17 am

  20+ mpg. Mobil 1 oil change about every 5000 miles. Replaced tires and brakes. Same antifreeze, still clean. Same battery. All weather striping still good. The exhaust system still good. The car is still tight including the sunroof. My wife loves this car. Have never kept a car this long. Still looks and drives like new. The key is to keep it clean and gararge kept. It does now use about 1/2 quart of oil by time to change oil. None needs to be added.

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  Dodge Intrepid - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Patsy Warlock - June 27 - 9:59 am

  I just purchased a used Dodge Intrepid because the 1994 Intrepid I owned was totaled while parked in front of my home. So far I am very satisfied with the 2002. It has a comfortable ride, gas mileage is acceptable and I am looking forward to a good ownership with the vehicle. I also purchase an additional warranty just in case.

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  Run For Your Life - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Denise - June 14 - 6:51 pm

  This is by far the worst car I have ever owned. The first year was okay, but it went "downhill" after that. The a/c and heating is far from adequate and very loud especially on high. It took the dealership three years to figure out what was wrong.(it was the condenser) The power locks and windows have worked much less than perfect for the last four years. Now 62,500 miles and 7 years later the motor has thrown a rod and I am receiving information that I am not the only one that has had the motor go "kaboom" at 60,000 miles. So, beware if you buy a 1999 Dodge Intrepid.