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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  I think you all drove my car - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Intrepid John - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Transmission cooling problem around 60000 miles, most of the a/c has been replaced (half in extended warranty), a/c still doesnt work. lots of brake replacements, lots of headlight replacements. Think Dodge supplement their income with selling necc. parts. Funny rattle in steering took a while to find. Currently at 125,000. Suprised I had to replace rear engine mount and outer tie-rod ends. But car is still going strong. Ive had it since 1998 (& 50000 miles), with really no major problems since then, plenty of minor. Definately had to be a home-mechanic with this car. Selling garage had to put new shocks on at 50000 miles.

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  Great Sleeper - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By jamesrolander - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This car drives like a BMW. Quiet, fast, corners great, great mileage, faster, tons of room, and the Audi/ BMW crowd are not even aware of what just passed them. Love the car and the price you can get these used.

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  A sexy value packed family car - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By carguy85 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is drop dead gorgeous. It is easily the best looking car with four doors. The interior is huge and very comfortable and it dash and gauges look sporty. While the car is really big physically, it handles very well and is quite tossable on backroads. The base V6 could have been more powerful though, but it was adequate enough for most situations. Reliability is actually quite good with no serious problems to report, though with 75000 miles on it, the power windows are begining to short circuit sometimes. Overall, though, it is a very good car with good value, lots of style, and a high fun to drive quotient.

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  Reliable, but quirky problems - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By makattack - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Well I will have to admit the vehicle has 150k on it and runs like a champ, did have to have the trannie rebuilt and quite a bit of front end work done on her. Either way i have to admit she has never left me stranded on the road, except for maybe a tire going flat. The only key with Dodge is you gotta follow the recommended maintenence. Although the suspension isnt as smooth as i would like.

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  Be careful!!!!! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By rawolfee - July 9 - 2:00 am

  If you are going to buy this car, make sure it was well maintained. The standard 2.7L engine that comes with the car, will eventually fail if the oil is not changed religiously every 3000 miles. If you dont believe me, do a search on the interenet for 2.7L engine failure, youll be amazed at how many people, myself included, have had major engine failure at low miles. It happened to us at just over 70k. Its going to cost us $6000 to get a new engine, becuase they are in such high demand. That fact alone should tell you something. The engine failure will happen with little. BE CAREFULL or you might end up with an expensive lawn ornament!!!!

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  Looks Flashy...but the Powertrain Isnt - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Flyingcessnas - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car a little over 7 months ago. The first 2 months with it were great, however then things started to fall apart. In the last 8,000 miles, the transmission, water- pump, A/C, keyless entry module, shocks and tie rods went out. I have never had a car fall apart so fast on me. And the sad thing is, I actually take my car in for rutine maintenance. You would never guess. So if your going to buy this car used MAKE SURE you have a mechanic check it out and run a scan tool on the engine and transmission, otherwise you might end up screwed just like I have been. This really isnt the best car to buy used.

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  ecstaticaboutmyTrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By grabbedlifebythehorn - July 8 - 2:00 am

  bought used with 24000 even though its the plain jane SE i was surprised by 2.7 love the interior one of the most comfortable rides ive ever drove i like pass through back seats plenty of room got a pair 12" thumps in the trunk only compaint is on rough roads the road noise gets to intrusive oh well just crank the subs up a couple of notches havent had any problems whatsoever great looking car love the style with the factory 16" rims and tires this thing handles like a scalded cat climbing a curtain great driving dynamics put almost 20000 since last year aint got no stink from her and i dont expect any been a superletive driver love my Trepid

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  Dissatisfied - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By VERY Dissatisfied - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I am very dissatisfied with the car. We had trouble with it with a cam shaft cencor whitch ended up costing us better than $500 and now the timing chain went threw the engine and is goiing to cost us about $5,000 to fix. We only have 81000 miles on it. My old 96 Monte carlo has 194000 on it and only uses a court of oil between oil changes every 5000 miles. We changed the oil on the Intreped every 3000 miles and it is JUNK. I dont think that I could ever buy another DODGE produt again. JUNK JUNK JUNK

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  Its just "OK" - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Countess - June 27 - 2:00 am

  at 34,000 miles the Cruise control had a problem that caused the rpms to go above 3000mph when sitting Idol. The car would try to move forward with my foot on the break. The car dealership had to replace the cruise control. Also at about 35,000 miles the air compressor stopped working and caused the fan belt to break while I was driving. I lost Air conditioning and to fix the belt and compressor it cost $1200.00 at the Dodge dealership. The car is big and comfortable but I would not buy another Intrepid.

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  Be Aware of 2.7 engine - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By TamiinIndiana - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Dont buy this car! Theres a defect in the 2.7 engine and Dodge wont acknowledge. After 62,000 miles my timing chain needs replaced, but I cant find a mechanic in my area that will do it. They will only replace the engine and it would cost me overe $6,000 and a 6-8 week wait to find a motor because of the high demand. I had been very pleased with my car up to this point. But now Im without a vehicle and still owe $8,000 on it.