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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  Intrepid SE - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By David - December 9 - 12:03 am

  Fun is where you find it. For a car of this size, the initial acceleration from a stationary position upto town driving speeds is enough to embarass quite a lot of boy-racers without taxing th. The V6 isnt especially powerful but, for a V6, is reasonably economical. The gearbox is well suited to the engine, actually using some of the engine rev range rather than just cruising or screaming like a lot of other automatic gearboxes tend to do. The size of the car, with its armchair seats, its air-con and soft suspension makes for a very comfortable ride, even on the rutted Seattle highways. Dont go too fast round a corner though - you might have to reverse back and pick up your wing mirrors.

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  a poor excuse for a 2000 model car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tlc - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a lemon from the start. Started out being a check engine light that they could not find the problem for. Finally taken to another service dept in another county only to find out that there was sludge in the engine. Considering that I had the oil changed app every 2-3 I was pissed. I feel that chrysler really messed up this time. i wont ever purchase another one.

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  Custom ES Intrepid - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By TXSPARX - November 28 - 7:26 pm

  Since I purchased my 01 Intrepid ES in 04 she hasnt ceased amazing me! I live in NORTH Idaho where the weather turns quickly & have NEVER had traction or handling problems even in the very worst conditions. Talk about comfort!!! My husband is 65" & has room to spare! Not only is it a roomy, quick family car, she has tons of personality. Custom striping, purple LEDs in the headlight compartments & tint & she turns the head of even the most dedicated of the street racer crowd! I love my Intrepid & wished they still made them! Only costs Ive incurred are those of maintenance which arent bad!

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  Dodge Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By rhjones6 - November 27 - 2:16 pm

  First of all POOR service by local dealers. The car has had numerous small problems. Wheel bearings, cog&chain in the tranny, power window closers, electrical harness,third brake light and the car still has a shake in the front end at highway speeds with a rumble noise. All tires and balance have been chaged and rechecked several times. Dealer says they know its there dont know how to fix it. Oh what a feeling!!!! I think a Toyota is in the future.

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  2.7 Engine-Watch out - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By stackumup - November 18 - 3:23 am

  I really did like my Intrepid but as many others have experienced the 2.7 Engine started to flutter when accelerating, then a ping, next a knock, and then advice from my mechanic-after a temporary 300+ fix was to get rid of it ASAP. They said I was one of the lucky ones to get 99K on it but it would not last much longer-these engines have blown at 15k and Dodge blames poor maintenance-BS- and wont cover it-I am amazed no lawsuits have been filed

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  Gotta Love It!!! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Starry - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This car has been wonderful to me and my family. It is very roomy and provides space for five, tall adults. The ride is very smooth and comfortable for long trips. The only complaint is that the driver window sticks and falls off of the track. Other than that, there is absolutely nothing I would say is wrong with the car!

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  Overall decent - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By joe - October 10 - 8:57 pm

  Fast enough to get you a hefty speeding ticket but not fast enough to outrun a police cruiser! This car is quite good if you take care of it. Yes it doesnt run like a $50000 luxury model but what did you expect? Good value for a large car. Ask around your town for opinions about local dealers, Ive had good service where Ive bought it but bad experiences with the ability of other dealerships to perform maintenance when Im out of town,

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  Pretty Good Car - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Shane - October 6 - 2:25 pm

  I have known owned it for a year and a half, bought with 77000miles, transmission stop shifting at 78000 miles, and it was replaced with a used one what a mistake that was. Shifts good most of the time, leaks fluid, shifts hard when fluid is full. The 3.5 gets about 16MPG in the city, and 27 on the highway. Good car over all, except the transmission.

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  Love my orchid - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Orchid - September 19 - 9:57 pm

  This car, once it had a new transmission that matched the engine, there have been no problems. I love this car. It is a dream to drive and at almost 11 years old still gets 20 mph in the city and while driving on long hauls at 75 -80 gets an unbelieveable 28-30 mph. with a truck full of luggage. Too bad they do not make cars with seats this comfortable these days. They are wide and gently curved with tremendous back support. This is especially good if you have sciatic nerve or back problems.

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  Excellent Car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dan - September 14 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased this car as my first vehicle and I absalutly love it. It has been very, very reliable and have not had any problems with it. I have owned the car for a little more than a year and it has been treating me very well. My Dodge has almost 100,000 miles and it runs like brand new. It has never leaked ANYTHING since I have had it. The gas mileage is not as bad as I thought considering that it is a big car. The turning radius is excellent and the confort if great. Its an awsome family sedan and I could not think of anything bad to say about it. The interior and interior design was well thought up and I am very satisified with my car. If they still made them I would by another.