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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  Shaky Start - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Interpid SE - February 27 - 10:37 am

  When I bought this car, I thought I was getting a great deal on the car. After I brought the car home, the probs hit. Engine light comes on every other day, the oil light comes on after hard use of the car. Driver window will not work now. Thumping sound when breaking, and the CD player died the 3rd week. My friend keeps telling me that Dodges are great but after what I am seeing, I really dont know. The standard 6 in the engine bay has some pep. For being a larger car, it handles good, nothing like my old Ford Focus tho. Handles fair in the rain and it corners like a pig. Also watch out for dips in the road, car bottoms out some times.

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  Spacious but unreliable - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Kelly - February 22 - 3:26 pm

  Love the space and comfort of the Intrepid - hate the reliability. We had to completely replace the engine after less than 80K miles, were told it was sludge build up from poor maintenance although we run synthetic Amsoil and perform routine maintenance. Door locks jam trapping you in and out of the car without a keyless entry - told the rods are corroded and it is common, similar to the engine failure issues.

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  Love It! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By L Watkins - February 19 - 3:53 pm

  My husband and I bought this car new and I am the primary driver. I love this car. It has a big car ride without looking like it belongs to my grandparents. My husband is very tall and has a hard time getting in and out of it though. I can not believe that Chrysler quit making this car. Nice family car that looks sporty too.

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  Sweet Intrepid ES - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By crrusher - February 17 - 2:15 am

  This car is real cool, i love it. I just had a tranny problem but that was my own fault. I mean it is a little bigger than I like but the AC and heater are great and I love the leather. Oh and the 225hp is great

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  99 intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By CHRIS - February 15 - 8:16 pm

  Good car, no major problems. Im about 63" so the size is a plus. I can strech out and drive comfortably. Decent power. I like the stock rims. In town gas mileage is low, but I have a heavy foot. Good highway mileage for its size. It does unbelivably amazing in snow and ice so long as you dont go too fast. It will go anywhere on slick roads without sliding! But if you try to take off fast on snow, wet, or even slightly wet roads, you will not move, just spin tires like crazy. My A/C went out so it is hot in the summer. I had some problems with the power windows but they all work now and I havent had problems with them for a long time. It has never left me stranded

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  Great Car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By treplover - February 12 - 3:09 pm

  I know all the ins and outs of this car. I now have over 200,000 miles on mine and the only problem Ive had is the waterpump going, thermostat, and the timing belt (both expected on any car with that mileage). Other than that only tires brakes and a new battery and I was good to go. Never afraid to take it on a long haul. Bought the car new in 97 and its been the best investment Ive ever made. I have to put this car at the top of its class in all aspects. Great sporty, reliable, family car. I would highly reccoment this car to anyone considering. You just have to treat it well and it will return the favor to you!

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  Sport Cruiser - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By TL - January 30 - 5:18 pm

  Ive owned this car a year now and Ive grown to like it more and more. Great comfortable seats, enormous amounts of space front, back, trunk. Handles like a sport sedan if you push it. Still very tight at 87K. Good power I recommend the 3.5L. Ive found it to be great in the snow also. I read the car was top 20 in reliabililty somewhere. That made me feel pretty good. I like the dashboard and white instrument panel. Had a 93 Intrepid and a 96 LHS. This 2nd generation Intrepid has been refined. Much tighter than the LHS at the same miles.

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  Reliable Family Car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Al_in_OK - January 30 - 3:13 pm

  I love this car! With normal maintenance this car has been wonderful for our family and the many 700+ mile trips we used it for. We are the 2nd owner (1st was a rental company who put 25K mi on it). I average only 22 MPG, which is lower than others claim. Car is most bang for your buck for a full sized car. This car "floats" down the highway, making for a relaxing drive anywhere you want to go.

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  Good Deal - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By drey05 - January 27 - 4:56 pm

  I am a 18 year old college student. After hitting a deer going 60mph in my 1997 Intrepid I knew I wanted another intrepid. I found my 99 with 88k on it. That was 6 months ago, i know have 96k on it..it has power (mainly from 2500-4500rpm) My biggest complaint is gas mileage. I get about 19mph..but then again I do have a heavy foot and pick up speed fast. My other problem is it has a hard time starting (turns over but wont fire) but if you hold the key for like 4 seconds, it starts and runs fine.. So Im not to worried about it right now.

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  Great Automobile - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By ts397 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Very stylish and dependable.