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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  Bad Interference Engines - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By T - December 23 - 11:07 pm

  I had this car for two years beginning this week and the engine has been rebuilt and I am still having engine problems. So many others have had the EXACT same problems, which amazing to me. Obviously the car was built with nuts and bolts.

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  our best Mopar - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By sandra - December 15 - 10:34 am

  Intrepid is best Mopar we have eve owned. Will certainly buy another.

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  Comfort, Room, Style and Value - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Susan Power - December 12 - 1:39 pm

  My Intrepid is a fun and reliable vehicle. It makes the driving and traveling experience a true joy. It is an incredible value considering its base amenities and available options, for an extremely reasonable price.

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  Buy it if you can... - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By caz - December 5 - 9:54 am

  I chose to buy a mid-range top of the line vehicle. You may ask, "why top of the line?" Quite simply, they are built better and with higher quality parts. My 2001 Dodge Intrepid R/T is very comfortable, sound, and reliable. Of course, I keep the vehicle maintenence and I plan on driving the vehicle through 200,000 miles. Outstanding gas mileage - 26 MPG. Very roomy - plenty of leg room

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  This is the car! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jim - December 4 - 10:48 pm

  This car is the best car I have ever driven. There are many extras I wasnt even hoping for ... but now that I have them ... I am so glad I bought this car !

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  Dont buy this car! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Robin W - November 30 - 9:44 am

  The engine went on my well maintained 3.6L engine at 59,000 miles- no warning- no (reliable) explanation. After LOTS of headaches Chrysler paid half the repair bill directly to the dealer- refusing to speak directly to me at all- and I had to pay the remaining $4000 bill for a car that was not even 5 years old! I have been told that this is COMMON in this car but no one (Chrysler, BBB, Attny General, etc.) will do anything about it.

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  So far, so good - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jerome Barry - November 13 - 9:38 pm

  My wife drives this car and drives it badly. Ergo, my fuel economy when she drives around town is about 16 mpg. When I drive on the highway, I get 29 mpg. Its difficult for me to get my fat self into the front seat, so the the power seat is a plus. It handles well and runs quietly. Ive changed the oil twice so far and it hasnt siezed up yet, imagine that! Anyway, the looks of the car are superb, but looks wont hold value if the guts of the car are weak. Depreciation is a big minus on this car, so Id recommend you buy one used after one or two years and not more than 20,000 miles. The car handled our family vacation marvelously, the trunk room and back seat room were worth it!

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  Disappointed in Quality - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By vfornelli - November 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Intrepid after looking at the Volkswagon Passat. The Intrepid was roomier, it cost less, and had a better sound system and climate control. However, after just 37,000 miles, I had to replace the front bearing, rotors and pads under normal driving conditions at a cost of nearly $800. At 61,000 miles, I had to do the same for the rear. I also experienced transmission problems at 61,000 miles. I have enjoyed the room, comfort and gas mileage (23mpg city, 32mpg highway), but I am very disappointed in the mechanical quality of the vehicle.

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  The good outweigh the bad - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By ghbatb - November 8 - 2:55 pm

  I purchased my Intrepid about 3 years ago with 65,000 miles and have been pretty satisfied. I now have 112,000 and have had to replace fuel pump and tie end rods but pretty much normal maintenance things. Lots of power and comfort, good ride. AC still works great and electric windows as well with no problems. The only thing I have not been happy with is the rubber around windows keep popping off, the paint on top (clear coat) is peeling and looks tacky, and the hood will not stay up.Also problems with headlight lenses condensating. Otherwise been happy with.Plan on purchasing a newer model, but still want to keep this one for husband.

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  The most comfortable car (and reliable) - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Kherson - November 4 - 4:08 pm

  Bought it with only 52K on it. Owned it for 3.5 years and had almost no problems with it. It is so comfortable and fast enough to make a great everyday as well as highway car. Suspension absorbs all the bumps better than any import in this class. Great mileage for the size. Loved it!