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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  2000 Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By jkzn - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Many misc. minor problems as well as major problems with 2.7L engine. Not very reliable.

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  Great car to drive!!!! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By NikkiT - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for almost a year, its been great fun! No problems whatsoever, I have had it dealer maintained from the beginning. It is a great speed demon car, and the spoiler and rims make it look fabulous! I really like the car.

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  UH oh Watch out - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By jdl44lfhs - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Well I bought this car as a used Rental car and I saved a bunch of money on it. I am not sure that this is going to catch up to me or not. I have over 26,000 miles on it now and its been a great car so far, there is a rattling type noise that just started happening towards the front of the car which I have no clue at all what the noise could be, but let me tell you that it is very annoying. I work for a CarMax dealership and we will not even sell a Dodge Intrepid when it has over 60,000 miles on it because as I was told that "they are junk once they get over the 60k mark".

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  Great Car! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By tericoke1 - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Why Dodge decided not to make any more Intrepids is be on me. This is my 3rd. Theyre a nice looking car. The dealership had to drive 150 miles to get this car for me. The only reason I give up a car is because of milage. I put alot on a car.

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  1996 Intrepid - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jym Sparks - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Good all around car. Good in snow and ice. Very dependable with just general up keep. Have had some problems keeping the brakes in check and have replaced them multiple times. It seems to be alright now. Also the engine is loud when you jump on it.

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  Liked my Intrepid until year #3 - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Yates - August 24 - 10:00 am

  My car has been great until the last six months. Ive had to replace the speed sensor ($200), light switch sensor $200), now the air conditioner evaporator ($1200)and the security system goes off whenever since I had the a/c checked. Its been back in the shop twice and they cant find the problem. So, until six months ago, I loved my Interpid but now Im not sure if Im going to keep it and wonder what will go wrong next!

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Lorri1968 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have purchased. I love the look, the feel the comfort and reliability. It feels great to drive such a classy car. The gas mileage isnt bad either, about 25 miles per gallon on a regular basis. What an awesome car this is!!

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  Reliable as Anything Out There - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ferrari_Rules - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Intrepid. I was going to buy new, but did a search for a Candy-apple Red ES with Climate Control, the Infinity sound system, Trip Computer and a tan leather interior. Found one with only 16k miles, paid what they asked for it and its been a real pleasure to own. Any car will go 100k miles these days with oil changes and new plugs every so often, and you get more car than a Honda.

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  DO NOT BUY DODGE/CHRYSLER! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By AliasdislikesDodge - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Had to buy a new engine at a price of $3,000.00 with no help from Chrysler or Dodge... They would not release parts to any other mechanic due to the "newness" of vehicle. You know, nothing of this magnitude should happen to such a new car... So we were forced to see dealership to fix. Constant alignment problems- the car has never driven smoothly. New fuel injection pump also... and now mechanical problems. Also hubcabs are rusted through- no protected finish originally. We are presently looking to purchase a new car and will more than likely take a loss due to all problems.

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  I love this car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By KGB - August 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the most comfortable car I have purchased. The Intripid is affordable and looks stylish. Dodge really made a great car! Please dont stop making this model:)