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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  2-late-to-trade - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By 2late - March 3 - 2:00 am

  WE BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND HAVE OVER 100000 HIGHWAY MILES. WE HAVE HAD NO MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS UNTIL THIS WEEK WHEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE LOCKED UP WITH AN OIL LEVEL (WE HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AROUND EVERY 5000 MILES) NEW ENGINE WILL COST MORE THAN THE CAR IS WORTH! hOW CAN THAT BE? WE SHOULD HAVE TRADED IT IN BUT HOPED IT WOULD LAST ANOTHER 100000. WILL PROBABLY BUY A HONDA CIVIC NOW.

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  Sport and Business - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By way satisfied - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Wow did i get more than i thought. This thing is fun to drive. It fits business and pleasure. Moderate speeds are soft rides, while "on ramps", corners and wide open highway shows you how responsive this thing is. Its not a laggard like most takes on sport sedans. It seems to hunker down when accelerating. Equally amazing is the sensation of leveling when cornering. Best value found by far in a high output or evening out sedan.

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  AMAZING - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By mcnamara43 - March 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the most AMAZING car EVER. Its got the best handling great stereo and even more

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  Outstanding - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By jwc553911 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding. owned 3 intrepids, this is the most exciting!

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  never buy a dodge again - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By no more dodges - February 29 - 2:00 am

  driven under 4000 a year and tranny went after 2600 miles (lucky it was covered under warranty) air conditioner went bad every year for 4 years (documented by dealer themselves, again,lucky for warranty) because of extended waranty they finally fixed it and they admitted they still werent sure how. paint chipping since day 1.MY WIFE LIKED THE WAY IT LOOKED AND WE BOUGHT IT. ONE OF THE WORST MISTAKES I EVER MADE, STILL CANT FIGURE OUT WHY I LISTENED TO HER.

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  More than pleased - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Keys - February 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new in March of 2002. I am extremely happy with both its performance and reliability (Zero Problems). Though not as refined as some of the foreign competition, the bang for the buck quotient is very high. Interior room is amazing, and I wouldnt be surprized if this car has the largest trunk capacity in its segment. It just doesnt seem right that a car this big should handle like it does. Just think, a car with 244 ponies, great handling, tremendouse interior space, and distinctive exterior styling for under thirty grand MSRP. What more could you want.

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  car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By kendrajoan - February 23 - 2:00 am

  this vechicle is really great

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  Great Car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By grayghost - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car three months now.I really enjoy driving my car. It handles real well,very comfortable.The Dodge intrepid is very durable and handles very good in certain weather conditions.

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  Cheap overall cost - but needed repairs - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By 150kMileIntrepid - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought in 96 w/ 64k mi for $9k. The car rides great, good mileage for a car of its size, and is roomy. Here are the repairs Ive made: A/C rebuilt $1200, Steering Rack $1000, Cyl. Head Gaskets & Engine Cradle Bushings $1200, Sway Bars, Struts, Tie Rods $1700 at 145k mi. Susp/steering has a bit to be desired. Overall cost of ownership was ~ $0.29 per mile. Cheap to own - but it has its problems - calling it quits w/ when the next repair bill rolls in - cant really expect too much more than 150k mi w/ this car I think. Yeah, I needed to make alot of repairs but it was still cheaper to own than a camry etc. - and roomier to. Id buy another used one.

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  Intrepid SXT 2004 - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By sheryl heile - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is all I needed and more. Its fun to drive and fits the kids and the huge trunk fits all their gear too. Its a great car I would recommend it to anyone who shudders at the thought of a minivan.