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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  Excellent Pick - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jaime - June 12 - 4:12 pm

  I bought this car only three days ago and I am in love with it. Took it straight to the mechanic and the only issue was a tie rod that was easily replaced and the car is in perfect condition. Got it for 3200 with TTL at the dealership. Interior is in excellent condition and the only think I am going to have to replace is the CD player. Not bad for a great buy.

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  My 1996 Dodge Intrepid - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By FireBird - May 27 - 10:43 am

  I traded in my old Saturn for this car and only paid $100.00 for it. I have only had to replace the water pump one time at 181K, This car is a real nice build, about $35.00 will fill it up, and I drive it all year round. The A/C is nice and cold. I love this car!

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  Long distance driving only - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By ArtNickel - May 22 - 5:09 pm

  This is the second Intrepid weve had and will buy another in the future unless Dodge comes up with a more comfortable, better driving car with better performance. We use the car for long distance trips (over 2 hours) because I have ankylosing spondylitis, a painful spinal and large joint arthritis. It has been driven in the Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee mountains and in Florida with equal ease and enjoyment.

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  Intrepid 97 - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By azurleigh - May 13 - 7:48 pm

  I find the seats uncomfortable and the split seat where the arm rest is to be quite annoying. Items places on the seat in that area always slide through to the back of the car. The front door is quite difficult to close forcing the driver to grab the pocket to pull the door closed. Headlights are also not as bright as I would like.

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  This car is very versatile - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Reds Trep - April 17 - 6:56 pm

  My mother originally bought the car in 01/98 for $7300 from a guy in Chicago. Top of the line stuff was added its whole life. I got the car in 06/99 as a gift. The car had 120,000 miles on it. Now as of 04/06, 288,350 miles on original engine and tranny. Body is rough due to the people I trusted. Rust is minium considering it was from Indiana. Overall, wonderful car

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  Cant wait to get rid of (leased) - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By loveartis - April 14 - 10:00 am

  (Bought new) Had locks on 2 doors replace, made a loud noise when operating. Low front end scrapes inclines/declines. Had thermostate replaced dealer said soon to overheat. Heat/AC vents just fell off of two - had replaced. Gears skip when pressing gas pedal in stop and go traffic. Does not hold value. Small back seat for legs. Trunk to high.

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  Lemon - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Kelly - March 17 - 4:26 pm

  As soon as I got it, the transmission started to slip. I had to replace that once it just wouldnt go anymore. Then, there was a consistent problem with tie rods and wheel bearings. Ive replaced them three times. Its unreal. They are bad again, and now theres a fuel leak, but Im just going to drive it until I cant anymore. That cars almost ready to be put to rest though, it has around 150,000 miles now. The transmission is also starting to slip again. At times I just hated this car, but then again, I loved it. Its very nice and roomy, and for the most part, reliable. It always started fine, my only problems were transmission, and those stupid tie rods.

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  Going GREAT GUNS at 100,000 miles - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By quenoharts - March 13 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car at an auction. At the time it was only a year old but had been taken care of well. It had 60,000+ miles when we purchased it. It had been a corprate car used for a lot of highway miles. We got it with new tires & we believe new brakes. No problems so far. We get over 350 miles to the tank (17 gal, I believe). Great excelleration, even on long uphill stretches. Runs away from anything. Smooth ride but all weather tires make for a noisy ride. Very comfortable for long drives or short. Handles well in cornering. Loads of trunk space. Full size snowboard (for 6 son) fits inside trunk with all the other gear. Cant say enough good stuff about this car. Thanks Dodge.

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  Invigorating Intrepid - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Karl Becker - March 10 - 12:11 pm

  The most recent 4 vehicles of my wifes and mine have been Chrysler products so I looked for another when someone rammed my Dodge Stratus (that I drove for 218,000 miles). I was able to find this Intrepid through the AutoTrader.com link from Edmunds while I was evaluating a Dodge Neon.The Intrepid is a remarkably smooth riding vehicle, especially considering that I purchased it used with 96,000 miles on it. I drive 45 miles one way on country New England roads each day and suffer from a fractured pelvis, the ride of the Intrepid is so smooth that I am able to handle the commute easily. The 2.7liter V6 engine has remarkable pick up and cruise ability. Handling in snow and rain is also great.

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  Dodge, Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Amanda - March 9 - 11:24 pm

  I love this car. Im a mom with two kids. I can still take two other adults with me easily and at times I have fit six people. I can easily fit three carseats across the back and not feel crowded. I can feel young, even on the way to story time or kindergarten. Ive taken my beloved across country and she handles beautifully! Acceleration is instant and I can pass anyone. I love how I feel driving her too. I have a lot of pain, but I can drive long hours in this car and not die later. My old Saturn couldnt do that for me.