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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  We all make mistakes... - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Disappointed - January 17 - 6:27 pm

  Bought this car used in July of 05 with 90,000 miles. Looked sharp, interior was good. Engine was a disaster. Oil pressure sending unit was bad, engine burned oil (1 qt. every 1000 miles), had to do extensive engine work 3 months later, and now a valve has blown, throwing off timing and other things. No longer driveable getting a salvage/rebuilt engine for these cars is difficult to the apparent very high demand for replacement engines. Expensive, too. It looks pretty, but I can get lawn ornaments for much cheaper somewhere else. It died at almost 116000, but from what I hear, thats pretty long-lived for an Intrepid.

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  My used Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tom - January 14 - 12:29 pm

  I needed a larger auto as my kids were getting too big for the back seat of Prizm. The Intrepid has fantastic legroom, drives well, is comfortable for trips and gets very good mileage (a real need) for a large car. I have had NO mechanical trouble, perform maintenance myself and have been pleased with the car. I do not regret purchasing this auto at all.

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  Above expectations since purchased - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By wjr - January 12 - 1:37 am

  The Intrepid was purchased to replace my European car used in multi-state selling. I was leary of the 2.7 engine not being strong enough to withstand long sustained trips but I was surprised. The car (loaded with 200 # of brouchures and tools)is excellent in any road conditions, any time of year. Balanced mileage is over 22mpg, on freeway alone I usually record 28 or 29 mpg with over 105,000 miles. Usual freeway speeds are 75. Biggest surprise is firmness on ice and the way the body style cuts through head winds. Road noise is more than I like when the surface is chewed up from studs. The 3.5 engine would be better for quickness from start but this one does all I ask and more.

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  Intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By J B Leabhart - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Transmission does not hold up well. The brakes have to be replaced more often than on some other cars that I have had. Would not recommend the dealer for service or repairs. To many errors.

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  Awesome car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By renee - January 7 - 12:27 am

  Single mother of small child. Plenty of room for all the toys in back everywhere. Easy to keep clean and detailed. Great on gas and wonderful for long trips. Smooth ride.

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  Pleased - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Nathan Whitney - January 6 - 4:09 pm

  It has some pick up and is reliable. I heard so much negative about Dodge but I am very happy and will buy one again.

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  Great Car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By metrostreet - January 5 - 11:43 pm

  I just bought my Intrepid and was very happy with the performance. I have the 3.5 v6 and it is a great car. Well balanced comfort and speed. A good sporty look and great reliability. Recomend it to everyone. 30MPG!

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  CAR-LESS - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jean - December 28 - 10:30 pm

  The car started off great and roomy enough for two kids, great trunk space. I sit here today car-less because the engine is gone. For the past six years we have dealt with sensors going out, airconditioning, and oil pan problems. The rear passenger window rolls up when it wants to. Steer away from this car.

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  1993 Intrepid outstanding - 1993 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bob - December 22 - 8:18 pm

  Bought the car because it had plenty of room compared to the Volvos I was driving. At first I was afraid that it would be unreliable as I was trading down from a Volvo. The car has never let me down. It has been one of the best three cars I have owned. Only minor repairs and just going to retire it and get a Charger. With over 150,000 miles on it the engine and transmission are strong ... it can MOVE!!! The air conditioning just lost its charge but with winter, no problem. I would buy another in a heart beat. Just change the oil as you shoiuld and it will last.

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  Beauty is only skin deep - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jim Adams - December 20 - 1:43 pm

  I bought my 99 Intrepid new expecting to have it for a long time. The engine siezed due to oil sludge before I hit 60,000 miles. The repair was very expensive and time consuming. Since replacing the engine I have had to replace numerous other components and I still havent gotten to 80,000 miles. I cant afford to sell it because of its reputation and depleted savings.