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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  Best car ever! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dantone82 - September 13 - 5:01 am

  This has been the best car Ive ever had. One minor glitch in Feburary 05 with a leaking water outlet housing. Other than that, I am highly satisfied with this car and would recommend it to families that need a car with a lot of room. I average 23 MPG overall and it has enough power to get me down the road. As long as maintenance is kept up and as a suggestion to all, use synthetic motor oil, this car will last your over 200,000 miles. Awesome car!

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  Great Car - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By catandave - September 2 - 5:29 pm

  Everyone told me I was in for problems when I bought my Intrepid. It ran great for 220,000 miles when we got rid of it for something to pull a boat. I never had to replace the transmission or any other major repairs, just minor brake replacements. This is something for any car that I drive. I believe in driving them hard. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  One of the most underrated sedans - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dodge8 - August 27 - 7:31 pm

  I bought this car to replace my piece of junk 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera. This Intrepid has done more than impress me. I am getting 27 to 29 mpg with city/highway and 32 mpg with the optional 3.5l 24 valve SOHC V6 that was only rated at 26 mpg! I have almost 127,000 miles on the original motor and transmission and they both behave as though they have at least another 75,000 miles left on them. I have had to replace a intake and some other gasket on it but beyond that, it is been trouble free.

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  Pathetic - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Steffiesue - August 27 - 6:36 pm

  I bought this car off lease and it was great for 6 months. Since then I have replaced the speed sensor the power stearing pump 2 times, the same belt 2 times, and the alternator 2 times. I had it worked on at the Dodge dealership here in town. On top of this I have also replaced the computer. The car is well maintained and has less than 80,000 miles on it.

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  2001 Intrepid-Great Car! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By lil mac - August 26 - 3:18 pm

  I traded in a 2001 Stratus R/T 2-door with the 3.0 liter and 5-speed in 12/2003 for this car. Best deal I ever made! The Intrepid (with a 3.2 liter) handles better than the Stratus and has better pickup, not to mention is much roomier and way more comfortable for long trips. I change the oil about every 2000 miles and just had to replace the steering gear at 77,000 miles. Other than that, its been a remarkably trouble-free car. All Ive had to handle is normal wear-and-tear items. I love the looks of this car, but would have been way happier had it been available as a 2- door coupe.

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  WOW! Biggest Sports Car on the Road! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By delray - August 24 - 12:55 pm

  People seem to be complaining about gas mileage? Come on people, get REAL! Per SQ. Ft., this is no doubt the most economical SPORT/Family-"FunToDrive" car on the road!! At 234HP, this vehicle with a 3.5L Outperforms ANY car in its class/year and price range. More importantly, it does it with style, agility and room to spare! If you want 2-4 MPG more, go for half the room, no pep, flat, boring Honda and pay thousands more! Buy this however, and you can put a couple of those thousands in the gas tank and be very pleanantly surprised and happy with all the room and style you got, not even to mention the truely spirted drive youll experience!

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  Sorry to see it go - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By adeldrip - August 23 - 10:54 pm

  I bought the Intrepid off lease at 17,000 miles. Yes I went through the warranty window motors, big deal. The 2.7 engine NEVER gave me any trouble. The car handled well, I loved driving it. I finally had to trade it off after 115,000 miles. Its TERRIBLE driving on gravel roads. If you live in the country dont buy it, the fan fills up with mud and it takes hours to clean up. Its too close to the ground and it leaks dust in the car.

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  Fantastic - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dog - August 16 - 12:15 pm

  I test drove about 12 used cars, and then stumbled into the SXT, which I had not even considered when I started looking. After I drove it once, I was sold. Car is all around fantastic. Power is great and handling is superior for this size of car. Braking is superb. Styling of exterior and interior are both acceptable.

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  Fun Full size car. - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Brian M. Genthner - August 14 - 9:32 pm

  My 94 Dodge Intrepid is fun to drive and comfortable. Ive owned it for two years and the only problems Ive had was that the drums stick or a spring in the drum brakes breaks but I like the disc. It hugs the road very well. It has 164,000 miles and it still runs good plus its 3.3L is easier to work on than the 3.5L the my father has in his 1993 Eagle Vision the he has had cooling problems with. If you want a good car that will be there and that is good in snow, get an Intrepid.

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  Awesome, reliable car! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By cac - August 8 - 6:08 am

  We bought our Intrepid with 113k miles and it now has 144k and is still going strong. A very comfortable trip car, with no problems at all. Just stay up with the oil changes!