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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  no major problems - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By alot for the money - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Never had any major problems with the car, original tranmission, no engine problems, its my second intrepid, i had a 1995 intrepid, and got the new body style, car could have better pick up, and tighter steering,

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  Do NOT buy!!! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By bmharrison - April 25 - 2:00 am

  On the surface, it looks like a great car and until recently, I loved mine. However, the engine has a defect and the timing chain will slip at anywhere between 60,000 and 80,000 miles and destroy the engine. The cost to replace is generally 5,000 and Chrysler refuses to do anything about it. It is a safety issue--the engine will seize while youre driving and you lose all steering and breaking. This is affecting hundreds if not thousands of owners at this time. If you want to confirm, do a search for timing chain and dodge,I now have a car that is worth nothing (its not worth it to replace the engine) and I still owe $6,000 on it!

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  My 2nd Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By captken - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Second time around with Intrepid. Great road call. Too big for DC commuter traffic. My favorite chair is in this car. Looking over right shoulder to see traffice is a challange...view blocked. Never did get used to slooping front end. Have to memorize where your front bumper is.

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  95,000 Mile Suprise - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Flying Barnster - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new and for 3 years was exceptionally pleased. The car was corporate maintained with regular service intervals. The transmission went out at 88k, $1,400 owwee. At 95k the radiator, water pump, fittings were replaced. Then the head gasket to failed, $2,700. 30k miles later the timing belt failed again damaging the valves. $2,400. More problems:battery, coolant,struts, brakes, front end fittings ...I could go on. I keep hoping I will recoup my repair investment, but I never do. Im finished now. Tomorrow I pick up a used Navigator.

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  Lemon - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By tonywk1 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I Like the car when its running, which isnt often lately. Try to trade it in and somethen else goes wrong. Timing belt twice,once it busted valves and head gasket, rack and pinion, a/c, sensors,heater fan, etc.... Major pain in rear.

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  Hate the car - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Very disapointed - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Before I bought the car I always wanted one. I heard nothing but great things, untill I had one for myself. Maybe it is just the year or something but, it came with many problems, the steering, went through 2 transmissions, radiator, headgasket, breaks every 2-3 months, and the list goes on. If Dodge was good to their people, they wouldnt have allowed anyone to take this car off of their lot. Or they would fix the problems for FREE. Especially the more dangerous items like the steering. Also the car feels and sounds like it is just going to fall apart one. Very loud clicking noises

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  Great Car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By stoneked - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is a fantastic vehicle! Fun to drive, great fuel economy and roomy. My only complaint is it is a little loud as far as road noise. Needs a little more insulation under body and wheel wells. Also the door rubber seals come loose.

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  GREAT CAR! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By F A - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this auto for 3 weeks now, great rise. Very smooth and aerodynamic, great stylying and comfort. I love this Inrepid.

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  Intrepididation - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By pdg - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Within 8 years: ~ replaced MacPherson struts ~ replaced rack and pinion steering ~ replaced brake cylinder ~ replaced tansmission - TWICE!

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  Love My Intrepid - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Erin Barnette - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I didnt like the way the intrepid looked at first, but I test drove it off the lot, and feel in love with how well it handled. I drive in a lot of heavy traffic so I need power to get on the highways, and great brakes. This car has gone well behond my expectations of it. I would buy another one but my inprepid is still running just as good as when I bought it. For people with children, this car has plenty of room in the trunk for all that comes with having a child. I can fit two large strollers, and all my groceries with still plenty of room. I would tell anybody to consider the Dodge Intrepid. Mine has been a wonderful vehicle.