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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  99 Intrepid Review - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jim Katso - February 20 - 11:39 pm

  I bought an Intrepid ES with all options new in 1999 and have taken the car about 65,000 miles. While granted my annual mileage is low, I have kept a detailed log of repair expenses and have found the Intrepid to be very reliable to date. My transmission control module went at 35000 miles (warranty). Other repairs have been Keyless remote motor went ($200), Sway Link (warranty),passenger rear window motor ($150). So overall a very high quality level. The car is fun to drive, especially on long road trips. Handles well and has excellent acceleration for highway. I have found the performance in snow to be disappointing. Overall, when I see these cars listed for around $6K, its a value

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  intrepid: one dad commutes comfortably - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By ldog - February 5 - 10:00 am

  after owning a 1991 accord and commuting 60+miles to and from work, i decided i needed comfort. my new job however, is only 43 miles to and from, which makes me wish i had the intrepid back a year ago. my daughter loves the spaciousness and so does the mrs. (if shes happy so am i).

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  Keeps on going - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jeff in Denver - February 3 - 11:39 pm

  I have had this car since new and it does have some issues. cam sensors, heater fan is either off or on high. However, car has never left me stranded by the side of the road, gets good gas mileage for its size, and its a great interstate touring car. Transmission line leaks a little(only in winter) Yes,I would buy another.

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  Big car room with small car handling - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jimo2000 - January 31 - 9:06 pm

  Im happy with my Intrepid so far. It handles very well in turns. I have a 3.2 liter engine and thought that with 225 horsepower the car would move faster. Its enough to get on highways with but off the line it takes a little bit to get going. I also drive a 98 Altima and found that the 4 cylinder engine in that is much quicker. Weight is an issue with this car

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  I loved it, when I bought it - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Les Lloyd - January 29 - 7:14 pm

  I really loved this car when I bought it, but at 61,000 miles, I believe it is going to be a service departments gold mine. Ive had the left front hub assembly replaced, it has been recalled 3 times, it has just started mis-firing when you start it up and when driving at highway speeds and the brakes are applied, the steering wheel starts shaking, I was told if the tie- rods have to be replaced, the engine has to be removed, Jeez..its time for it to go....

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  Above average - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By paul - January 28 - 9:24 pm

  We bought this car a year ago and fell in love with it. Its roomy and fun to drive. Had a few minor repairs but what do you expect with 128,000 miles? Overall not the best car Ive ever had but I would not be afraid to buy another one

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  Cant Complain - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Otis - January 14 - 3:00 pm

  I drove my Intrepid 165k miles before having to get rid of it (had 32k at purchase). With only routine maintenance a few medium repairs (Alternator and major brake work) coming in the last 50k miles. Good performance (especially highway), better than average interior, decent mileage for a car of its size and performance specs, and tons of trunk space. If you can find a 1998 and later model with decent mileage, buy it.

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  Bad ass SXT - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By T-REX56 - January 3 - 3:45 am

  I had a 97 Intrepid sport, loved it! So I bought a new one. The car gives you all you would expect in a Intrepid.The 3.5 litre 250 ponies is a real treat.

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  Piece of Junk - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Chris - December 31 - 11:15 pm

  I bought my Intrepid brand new and have been plagued by repair after repair since the warranty ran out. One highlight was when the power brake booster went out and had no brakes! There have been plenty of repairs in between, but now at 60,000 miles the air conditioner went out and the 3rd cylinder has only 60% compression with an idle of a tank. Also, like many others, the motor on one of my windows is also out.

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  Nice car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Steve - December 30 - 9:53 pm

  Just got car in Nov 2004. Very surprised with this car. I never paid much attention to Intrepids. Very tight, rattle-free and solid. Lots of power from the 3.5. 24 mpg!