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:

• 

  my intrepid - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By WhiteIntrepid02 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 02 Intrepid last year at 27,000 miles. Now at 42,000 engine check light comes on once a while and just turns off, even computer diganosis couldnt figure out where the plm is coming from. My car has a spoiler and tinted window. It is very sporty looking same time a family car. Its like a small airplane on a highway. However, the radio should be better and u cannot even see the front part of the car when u are parking. MPG should improve thou...

• 

  good buy for the money - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By rodshkin - May 11 - 2:00 am

  very comfortable and great handling

• 

  Love of my life... - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By KingZilla - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I love it...No Question ask.

• 

  Not bad for the price - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By josh - May 7 - 2:00 am

  A very reliable car that you can take the family to the park or take it out for a race. As for the car , you get what you pay for. Your not going to expect luxury and comfort as if you do in a BMW for example but it still is a very enjoyable/fun car .

• 

  So Far So Good!! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Brian M. - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car with 11,000 miles. I have been a GM and Honda owner. Traded my CRV in for it. I do alot of highway driving & I am getting 25mpg so far.It handles great and ride nice,very stylish!! I have the SE model. I havent figured out if the rear seats fold down yet?I hope dodge deosnt disaapoint me. I need a good reliable car.

• 

  A Great Ride - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Customized - May 5 - 2:00 am

  An outstanding ride for a relatively low price. I love sport sedans and the exterior shape of the Intrepid gave me a lot to work with. I had it outfited it with a Spoiler, air Scoops, rims, flames, sports exhaust and more. In terms of interior comfort, it rides like a cadillac, with spaciousness to spare. The cab forward design allows the intrepid to sit glued to the road at all speeds. Power to weight ratio, with anything from a 201HP - 250HP sealed engine, it really moves. The ride is super quiet & when idling you are unaware that the engine is running. No problems whatsoever with this car. Recommend it to anyone wanting a good sporty sedan.

• 

  Nothing but mechanical problems - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Sad Dodge Owner - May 4 - 2:00 am

  After five years of continuous mechanical problems, the 2.7L engine siezed for no apparent reason (we changed the oil pretty regularly), resulting in a total write-off. I wish Id never bought the car.

• 

  Lotsa car for little bucks - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By dhughes1 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  ES with 3.2 and Autostick. I bought it used with 21K. More car for the money than most. Ive put 10K on in 6 months no problems other than a vibration in the engine compartment on a cold start. Much improved over my 96 Intrepid quieter, many design improvements. My only real gripe is poor low end torque. You have to get deep into the throttle to make it really go (which it will!).

• 

  Dashtop reflection - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Spidereyeing - April 28 - 2:00 am

  To much reflection in windshield causing poor visibility.

• 

  Good for road warriors - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By BillYBoy - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 96 intrepid as a program car I have driven it 30K+ mostly interstate miles each year and it hasnt let me down yet. I am still on orginal engine and transmission. A/C sucks breaks every 2 years like clockwork 500-800 to fix. 2 water pumps 1 set of brakes (@180K), and many various issues with Suspension about as often as A/C. If you need a cheap car that will go long distances its perfect.