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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  So far so good - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By froggerSJC - June 5 - 2:31 am

  Grabbed this car due to an amazing deal I got. It does handle pretty well for such a large car. I lowered my reliability rating because of Chryslers apparent lack of responsibility as far as the 2.7L engine goes. So far all is well, though I keep Mobile1 running through her. If my engine does fail, DC better be ready for a stink!

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  Intrepid- well maintained - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Randy - June 3 - 8:32 pm

  With synthetic oil and transmission fluid this car served me well for seven years. Problems seen with this vehicle are generally due to following the recommended oil change schedule. 7000 miles is too long for normal oil and will get you sludge buildup. I had no sludge with synthetic oil. It still looks good and goes reasonably fast.

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  Lucky me! LOL - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Satisfied guy - May 21 - 2:27 pm

  I bought my Intrepid at the end of the model year, paid $19k for it new , 0% financing, no $ down. My car has never been back to the dealer, except once, around 65K miles on a roadtrip when the engine light came on. Found a local dealership, (while still driving, ty cell phone). Dealer took me in Friday 2:30pm, changed my cam sensor for $325, and I was on my way. Car now has 96K on it, and I havent had any other problems. Of course my door seals have shrunk, but no need to replace them as I see it. I change my oil at Jiffy Lube every 3-5k. After reading these reviews Id say I must just be a really lucky man-lol OH yeah, drivers window clamp broke,no doubt from overuse! big deal-

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  Love the Car - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By janie givens - May 16 - 9:02 pm

  I bought this intrepid with 26,000 on it. It was a program car. It has never given me any trouble. I change the oil every 3,000 miles. Have one set of tires other than the originals that were new when I bought it. I have the original battery. The only mechanical repair was replacing the brake pads. It is the most comfortable car. I have taken many long trips and sit in the front and back. It rides like an expensive car. Would buy another intrepid.

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  OK - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By ex-mopar - May 13 - 10:00 am

  When I bought the car, I loved it. After a few months, I found that the quality was more "plastic". It looks great and drives well, however too many squeaks and rattles make for a noisy ride. On initial acceleration, car seems to "jump" into first gear - enough to give you whiplash! Very odd squeaking when engine starts up - comes from rear passengers side wheel well - had it in to be looked at but they could not find the problem. It still "squeaked" this morning, but I dont care - trading it in for a Ford today - glad to get rid of it. Rearview mirror is in the way of everything - could be a bit higher. Dashboard is turning white from grey????

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  I love my 99 ES - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tihson69 - May 5 - 8:44 pm

  I have ownd my 99 ES since 00. I LOVE IT. I have had no major issues (with the exception of the brake rotors-- warping--COMMON PROBLEM!!) & a brake sensor -- I have only had to replace my cup holder (broken by my own fault) and my passenger front window motor is slow to roll up/down (due to someone hitting me as I was parked in a lot). I have added several 300 M parts (chrome shifter for autostick), chrome window switches, and 17" chrome wheels. If the gas mileage was better (or had a bigger engine --say 4.5L I would be EXTREMELY happy --I can carry all I ever need with 18.4 CU FT of trunk space!

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  My Dodge is great - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Kent - May 4 - 9:31 pm

  My Dodge has been great. 3.2 motor, ES trim, Sunroof, no leaks, no major problems, no complaints. I change the oil regularly but not always at 3K. My Dodge gets me an average 26.3 MPG, has 78K on it, and its fun to drive. The car handles well and is still all original equipment. I have replaced brakes and tires but thats it. This has been a very nice car, the ride is smooth and reasonably quiet. Very satisfied. My car is well made. Always a pleasure to get in and drive. Bought it brand new and have been pleased ever since. No plans to trade or sell it any time soon.

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  Good Choice - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Craig Bannecke - May 3 - 5:21 pm

  Purchased this ES Intrepid as a lease turn in with 30.K miles. It now has 70.0K miles and has been a good reliable vehicle. Gas mileage around town is average but on the road it gets 27 mph. Wife drives the car daily and we take it on most of our road trips. Very enjoyable vehicle

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  Pleased - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tall one - April 28 - 6:06 pm

  Bought mine new, use it on the highway in northern Canada. Great in ice and snow. Great family car, fits kids nice. Lots of passing power at highway speed. I am 65 and I find it to be a comfortable ride. It is a little bit of work to get in and out of though.

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  Very Reliable - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Matt - April 28 - 11:14 am

  176,000 Miles and still going strong. I still get about 25 miles per gallon ... not bad for being almost 10 years old. I would definitely recommend this car for anyone looking for a reliable used car.