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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  Mine has been great - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Happy - August 1 - 4:17 am

  I bought my ES 3.2L new in May 99. Weve had it for a little over 6 years now and just recently had to replace a transmission speed sensor. That is the only non-scheduled maintenance in 6 years! Guess I got a good one. We had it in Europe for 4 years and this thing will cruise the autobahn all day at 100 MPH with no problem. It really has been an exceptional family car for us.

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  Love my 94 Intrepid - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Suzette Gregory - July 19 - 7:59 pm

  I bought my 94 Intrepid new, have had it 11 yrs. Ive kept it properly maintained, with tune ups, etc. When mileage became higher, I routinely had the oil changed with a new oil filter every 3,000 miles. I have purchased new tires 3 times, had some transmission and air conditioning work done about 3 different times. Considering the car currently has 121,000 miles, maintainence does not seem unreasonable over an 11 year period. I still drive around town, and on the freeway in southern California. Ive had 6ft plus rear seat passengers amazed at the room and comfort. I plan to sell soon, and was surprised at the unhappiness I read from other owners.

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  ehhh - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By evie - July 19 - 12:16 am

  I purchased this vehicle with about 90,000 from my Aunt and Uncle who always kept up with the maintenance on this car and had no problems, because the problems were waiting for me. I have had the vehicle for 3 years and I replaced the struts (which my aunt and uncle had already done), brakes, rotors, tie rods, water pump, hood hydraulics just dont work, serpentine belt 3 times and the tensioner pulley. And then there is the AC, the vents up by my windshield blew out that hottest heat ever all the time full blast and would not stop! Of course I couldnt afford to fix it right away so I just had to drive around all sweaty until I shelled out $750.

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  My 98 Intrepid - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bruce Bryant - July 17 - 3:24 pm

  I purchased this 1998 Intrepid used from a Buick Dealership. This being my first Chrysler purchase, I was astonished at this vechicle. The car has NASCAR looks about her and handles excellent. Having owned several Corvettes and numerous muscle cars in my past, I still cant get over the value Chrysler has packaged into this low priced domestic automobile. In the future, Chrysler will be my first consideration when purchasing my next vechicle. I love my Intrepid!

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  Looks nice, is powerful, but lousy quality - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By BJ - July 16 - 12:44 am

  Drove it for about 6 months before it started to overheat periodically. No mechanic could figure out what was wrong with it. CV joints went out. Steering was sloppy. Couldnt keep brake pads on it without them wearing out. Will never buy a Dodge again.

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  This car is awesome! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ib2yz4u - July 8 - 4:17 am

  I love this car! I got all the upgrades, remote starter, spoiler, custom air intake, custom exhaust, tinted windows. This aint your mamas Intrepid, (Even though I am a mom )I wouldnt be selling it if it had a 3rd row of seating! It is so much fun to drive, 3 kids in the back seat and plenty of room for me and daddy in the front. Only complaint is the 60 lb puppy under my feet! Thinking of buying? Get the upgrades, 3.5 ltr v-6 with auto stick and stick some pipes on it. If your kids wont talk back to you this car will. It will just take what you dish out and keep on giving it back to you. My only regret, that I didnt get the car when I was younger. Man, I could have had some fun!! It is a great car. You wont be disappointed. I never was! It will be a sad day when mine goes!

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  Valuable advice - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Badintrepid - July 5 - 5:15 pm

  I bought my Dodge Intrepid used a few years ago. I loved it despite the window problems I had initially. It was very comfortable to drive and a fun car in general. But then one thing broke down after another and they were all major concerns. My transmission has died costing $2,000 plus the speed sensors and other problems you can find online very easily. The oil system is also a major concern in most models because it was designed very poorly. Although this car seems great at first - try asking repair people their opinions on this car. Youll get a good laugh. Although my family members are employed by Chrysler, after this experience, I will never ever buy a Chrysler/Dodge product again!

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  Known engine problem - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By mh - July 2 - 1:02 pm

  I always enjoyed the car. It was comfortable, roomy, and the 2.7L is economical. It was reliable in Chicago winters, and only had minor repairs. At 70,000 miles it threw a rod. Dodge wants $6300 for a new engine. Turns out small oil ports sludge up and kill the engine. Dodge says the problem is poor maintenance, but dealer changed the oil every 4-5,000 miles without warning me that 4-5,000 mile changes are only good on the Hondas, Toyotas, Volvos & Pontiacs on which weve put 125-150,000 miles each in the last 20 years. Who knew? Oh - wait - Chrysler did. If youve got one, find out what you can do to de-sludge it, or trade it in by 50,000 miles.

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  Had some bad luck. - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By IdahoBogeyBoy - July 1 - 2:50 pm

  Bought as a "program" car with 27K miles. Kept up all routine maintenance. At 103K I had to replace the engine, found a 70K mile engine and had it installed. The timing chain failed at 126K, with 23K on second engine. I have heard from 2 different mechanics that the 2.7 liter engine is not a reliable model. It was a good car until the problems began. I would not recommend this car to buyers looking at used cars.

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  Love my Intrepid! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By azjoyce - June 29 - 4:56 pm

  The only problem I have had was the cooling fans being replaced at 60,000 miles. I had a 96 and loved it, bought my 2001 with 12,000 miles on it and have had no problems at all. I love the air conditioner - the best- especially in Arizona! I think the gas mileage is horrible! Window has always squeaked - map lights go on and off by themselves while driving. Of course it wont do it for the service dept.