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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  Love My Intrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By D Bascone - October 27 - 2:00 am

  For the feel of the spaciousness of a minivan, but the comfort and ease of a sedan, I would recommend this car. Large trunk space. Convenient access to all controls for the driver. Rear seat comfort controlls for heat and airconditioning an extra bonus. Love the styling of the exterior of the car. My model has a sun roof which I highly recommend. Good gas mileage.

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  99 intrepid es mechanical problems - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By altagent - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I was driving to Lake Tahoe on a Saturday and the engine just started spazzing out for no reason. It felt like the timing belt jumped or I lost fuel but I let it sit for 10 minutes and it ran fine. 20 minutes down the road the same thing. 10 minutes later it ran fine. I drove another 100 miles to Tahoe and parked it. I started it up 2 days later and the wipers were spazzing out now. I drove it 120 miles and half way home it Spazzed out again. Idiot light was on and I brought it to the shop. Code was misfire. Light promptly went off and I drive it daily now. These cars are so heavily computerized that I think there is a hot wire somewhere to the trans thats causing this.Disappointe

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  Avoid the 2.7L at all costs!!!!! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Avoid 2.7 L!!!! - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Whatever you do dont buy the 2.7L. Ours just blew up after 50,000 miles. If you dont beleive me do an internet search for "Dodge 2.7 sludge", you will see hundreds if not thousands of other people complaining of the same thing at even lower milage! The 2.7L has a design flaw where the top half of the engine overheats and causes oil to turn to sludge, it makes it look like it hasnt had an oil change in years even if it has and they void your warranty over it! If the sludge wasnt bad enough, the sludge screws with the timing belt tensioners and loosens the timing belts in a lot of cases too! Causing damage to lifters and requiring thousands in repairs! Class action suits have been filed

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  I WISH I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT THIS CA - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By LYNETTE PATRICK - October 21 - 2:00 am

  THE BRAKES ON THIS CAR ALWAYS GO OUT SO EASY.THE ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUE TO COME ON. THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG.MY CAR TAKE TIME TO STARTED UP. THEY ALSO SAY THAT ITS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT.I BELIEVE THAT THEY DIDNT PROPERLY CHECK IT BECAUSCE I WAS UNDER WARRANT.I WISH I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT THIS CAR.

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  worth the money - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By t j aguire - October 20 - 10:00 am

  just wanted to give a litle feedback about my Intrepid. My car is pretty much a base model ES. although it does have all power options including seats and aluminum wheels. i am very pleased w/ the performance, comfort, and reliability of the vehicle. Very much worth the price. if your looking for a good, comfortable, roomy, and reliable vehicle, but dont wanna pay an arm and a leg...this is the car to buy!!

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  Great Car!! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By tericoke1 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Its the best car Ive ever had/ And Ive owned 3 Dodge Intrepids.

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  dont do it - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jimmy1 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  My good friend bought a used 1999 intrepid with about 109k miles on it. With in a couple months, the engine seized up. As I look at other reviews, I am surprised the car made it as long as it did. Other things he has had problems with catalytic converter went out, problems with the electrical - there is a loose wire somewhere, and now to start the car, one of the doors has to be open. The battery is a full days job to replace, as is the alternator (you have to take off the radiator fans). After changing the battery and fixing a flat tire, we had 3 of the lug nuts come right off with the bolts. This car shouldnt have ever been put out for use by the public

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  BIGGEST mistake of my life! - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By MDS2004tg - October 10 - 2:00 am

  A truely awfule car. Bought the car at 72,000 miles. In 30,000 miles I had to have the following replaced or rebuilt: Engine, transmition-twice, starter- three times, cam berrings, inner tie rods-twice, AC-three times. Paint is peeling and the gas mileage is terrible. Instead of having a car free of worry, I drove around with a sick fear of what was going to happen next. I will never, never, never buy a Dodge again. Kelly Blue Book value of my 94 Dodge Intrepid? $223. Horrible

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  The Best Sedan Ever Made - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Papa_sword - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I leased a Dodge Intrepid for 4 yrs. and just purchased a new one. This car is the roomiest car I have ever been in and is great for road trips. My only complaint about the Intrepid I leased was that the back seats didnt fold down. I just purchased an SXT model and they have added that feature. I personally cannot say enough good things about this car. It has tons of leg room in the back, an enormous trunk, and a huge sunroof. It gets good gas mileage, has a powerful 250 hp engine(Ive squealed the tires more than once), and looks really cool driving down the road! Im not one to fall in love with a car, but when I saw Intrepids mischievous "joker

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  All around great car! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By jhuk21 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has everything you could need. Enough power, comfort, and reliability. I have over 110,000 miles and it still runs very smooth and strong and the interior is practically brand new. Nothing has gone out on it, yet.