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:

• 

  great and fun car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Drip - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Easy to handle and doesnt feel like a big car. Very surprised how well it handled in the snow this past week.

• 

  mikeeee - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By mike hollaway - March 13 - 2:00 am

  reliable, but front tie rods give me trouble

• 

  Great car except for transmission - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By homeowner-commuter - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought car new for my wifes 25th aniversary. Loaded, really a nice car, right up to when the transmission came unglued at just under 55K. Dodge wouldnt touch it as the warrenty had expired. Dealer said it would cost about $3K to fix and take 4-6 weeks. Too many plastic parts (to save weight?) Basically, I traded it in on a new Ford for what I still owed on it.

• 

  Good family car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jim Dolan - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of its size and low price w/incentives. It handles well for a large car and rides smoothly. No problem in winter driving (I got the antilock brakes). Some blind spots but side view mirrors help.

• 

  Love my "Trep" - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By SteveCollins - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought an Intrepid because I needed a car that would tow my 19 foot power boat, have room for my skiis, look great, and have an attitude on the road and in the twisties. The Intrepid, with front wheel drive and traction control can easily pull my 4000 boat up a slippery ramp with no problem. With leather seating and the optional wood inlayed dash, and the inferno red exterior, it is an exciting too look at in the driveway. I get compliments on it wherever I go.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By Pink - March 10 - 2:00 am

  So far I am really impressed with the overall vehicle. Comfort,power,roominess and so far no problems at all. The dealership has been great and I am proud to be a Dodge Owner. Needs more advertisement. In my opinon Dodge does not promote this vehicle. It is far superior to its competition.

• 

  Intrepid Small but mighty - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Steven Kirschner - March 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my company car. I drive it 3000 miles per month and have not had one single mechanical issue on this car or its (2000) predecessor. I think the intrepid is a wondeful car for the right sized person. I am 6 2" and it is tough to get in and out of, but it is ok when you settle in. The low roof line can be a pain.

• 

  Wow, was I surprised! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Racin Roxy - March 9 - 2:00 am

  The Intrepid had never caught my eye before, however once behind the wheel, I was hooked. This is my first Dodge, and so far, I would purchase another. This car is responsive, handles incredibly well, rides like a luxury car and looks great. The pearl black finish and chrome wheels are a real eye catcher. The interior is roomy and comfortable. The sound system is above average. I hate to arrive at my destination when driving this car... Id like to keep on driving.

• 

  Good reliable car - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Zipster - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I have not had any major problems except for the transmission slipping into neutral off and on when you were driving. After I took it in to get the transmission fluid and filter changed I havent had any problems since.

• 

  Thank God it is gone - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By akent - March 3 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car it was clean and very nice looking.Test drove well,after about 3 months front end had to have work,then I had to buy a computer,a couple of window motors,front end work again rack and pinion cost$1,100 to fix. radio only worked when it wanted to.The a/c was really ice cube cold,when it worked.Did not have any trouble with heat.I did have to put a water pumpand a thermastat.Finally gave it back to the finance company,did not care about credit.going broke on repairs anyway.