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:

• 

  Intrepid - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By whit - April 20 - 10:55 pm

  Great feature such as cruise, power windows, power seats, and electric trunk lid. But, I dont feel like the engine is all that great. Had to install a new timing chain tensioner at a little over 80,000 miles and now at a little over 100,000 miles its doing the same thing. Pretty sure it needs another timing chain tensioner installed. This is definetly not normal. Ive been using Sea Foam which seems to be taking care of the problem pretty well but when ever I change the oil I have to add more Sea Foam. Eventually this will not work any more.

• 

  Best Car Ive ever had! - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Amelia - March 21 - 10:48 am

  Truly the best car Ive owned in terms of reliability, handling, gas mileage to engine size ratio, and cargo/trunk capacity. Feels like a luxury sedan, but handles like a Nascar. Hard to shake loose on the turns, just hangs in there and remains stable. I plan to drive this one till the wheels fall off and they MAKE me go get something else!

• 

  Great car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jim - March 18 - 4:49 pm

  I wanted a decent-sized 4 door, and the Intrepid is more than I expected. The engine is just the right power, the handling is superb, seats very comfortable, styling is pleasing, good brakes and its very roomy in front and trunk. Visibility is ok - driver side blind spot needs some attention, and front of car is invisible. Otherwise excellent.

• 

  2000 Dodge Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jan - March 16 - 9:20 pm

  This car is roomy - especially the trunk - its very large. Even the back seat is comfortable and the driver doesnt have to reach for the radio and other controls.

• 

  Good Car - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Brian - March 10 - 2:33 am

  Weve had the car now for 5 years, we bought it 1 year used. We currently have 166,000 miles on the 2.7 V6 and its doing fine. Weve had Honda Accords in the past. Compared to the Hondas it rides smoother (except over sharp bumps), similar seat comfort, and is much larger inside and in the trunk. It is not as tight or refined as the Honda. Problems weve had include: Window motors, wiper motors, front ball joints (lower control arm), input and output speed sensors. Overall were talking maybe $1000 repairs over 5 years and 166000 miles. Though we had fewer repairs on the Honda, I would still consider the car to have been very reliable. Its still running strong and we love driving it.

• 

  So far lovin it. - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By yng_byr - March 9 - 3:32 am

  Got this vehicle with lots of highway miles, which made me worry about the engine but so far I have gotten great mpg... It handles very well... Great power for such a large vehicle with a 2.7L V6. Only goes 115 mph tho, and cruise doesnt work when driving faster than 86 mph. Havent had any engine trouble. Big back seats and large trunk.

• 

  110k and going strong - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By sm598 - February 27 - 8:44 pm

  I bought this car used at 68k 5 years ago. I love it, it is great in the snow and ice. Ive read about a lot of problems, but weve been very satisfied. The timing belt did break within 100 miles of purchase, but the dealer fixed it Id recommend replacing water pump at same time due to labor costs. Ive kept up general maintenance and had no issues. Trunk space is great as is the strong engine. I have the "autostick" trannie and it is wonderful in the snow and ice. At 109k the trim did start to come loose, but not bad. Hauls 2 kids and all their stuff wonderfully. We drove it cross- country and it did great, got 29 mpg and had room for all our stuff!

• 

  Great Big Car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Interpitor - February 25 - 2:23 am

  This is my first Dodge product out of 24 vehicles I have owned and can say I am plesantly suprized.... Tons of Interior room, Fantastic highway gas mileage and feels like you have a car under you when you drive it... I highly recommend this car... I have had no major problems other then 2 Oxygen sensors needing replacement... they are a bit costly but not a problem... They are easy to find so you can be selective and get them for really good prices... The exterior styling looks good and doesnt seem to be dated... I have the 3.3L which is a great and SIMPLE engine

• 

  Great Big Car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Interpitor - February 25 - 2:23 am

  This is my first Dodge product out of 24 vehicles I have owned and can say I am plesantly suprised.... Tons of Interior room, Fantastic highway gas mileage and feels like you have a car under you when you drive it... I highly recommend this car... I have had no major problems other then 2 oxygen sensors needing replacement... they are a bit costly but not a problem... They are easy to find so you can be selective and get them for really good prices... The exterior styling looks good and doesnt seem to be dated... I have the 3.3L which is a great and SIMPLE engine

• 

  Good safe car! - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By mel - February 21 - 4:03 pm

  We bought this car new, very few problems. We did regular maintenance, and it took care of us. Air conditioning went out early, however was covered under warranty. We handed the car down to our daughters for their use. My 21 year old had a hard rollover accident recently with the car (slippery roads). I was very gratefull that I saw her before I saw the car, as she suffered a broken collar bone. When I saw the car, I did not recognize the vehicle as ours. I thought the top was cut off, but it was pushed down that far! I am not at all certain that my daughter would have faired as well in a lesser car...Thank God the Intrepid held up the way it did.