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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  Just Intreppin - 1993 Dodge Intrepid
  By Insane~Mayhem - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in Feb. with 141,000 miles on it. Good price on the car and I have been wanting the Intrepid for a long time and this is my starter Intrepid next will be the SXT model but this car is great, A/C pulley bearing needs replacement and a couple of side panels need to be replaced also but otherwise Intrepids should be on the top of list for family size sedan cars, you cannot beat the price even on the brand new models!!!

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  not stock - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By dkrhardy - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Great car, very good performance. Ive added oversize TB, exhaust, intake, and it will walk away from 300M specials. Now it has GREAT power and still good MPG. Time to move on to more luxury though.

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  great looks.......poor quality - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Koziol - February 18 - 2:00 am

  It is a well designed car and powerful. However, there are many mechanical problems. The steering locked in a circle when turning. The windows fog up all the time. The worst problem was when both of my front tie-rods broke off the rack completely disabling my steering after only 50000 miles. Fortunately, I was only pulling away from the curb, or otherwise there may have been a potentially fatal accident from a instantaneous loss of steering. I was told that my bushings had worn out and transferred the force to my tie- rod bolts.

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  PERFECT 10 - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By jhonny chimpo - February 18 - 2:00 am

  the dodge intripid in my book is a perfect 10, it has never let me down and probbally never will

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  Nice car - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Brad C - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Nice car , fun to drive . Only problem in 40,000 miles is it needed 2 transmissions replaced and a differential. All warranty work but still a pain. Had a 96 Intrepid for 5 yrs was a much better car than the 2001

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  My second Intrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Charlene Wilmes - February 17 - 2:00 am

  In 2003 I purchased my 2nd Intrepid. This is a SE. My lst is a 1996ES. I have to say that I still prefer the ES to the SE. I love the extra power on the highway. And I prefer the openness that the 96 has compared to a more closed-in feeling of the SE. Bottom line...the Intrepid has the best ride of any car...even the 2003 Lincoln cant compare.

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  OK CAR BUT BUILD QUALITY STINKS - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By TIMOTHY SMITH - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I LIKE THE COMFORT OF THE INTREPID AND THE LOOKS AND THE WAY IT DRIVES VERY MUCH HOWEVER THE 2.7 V6 DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH POWER FOR THAT SIZE CAR AND IT DOES NOT KEEP ITS VALUE ANY BETTER THAN A FORD PINTO OR A CHEVETTE USED TO SO I REALLY WISH I HAD NOT BOUGHT IT

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  lot of fun for this 50 year old - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By nethealthy - February 15 - 2:00 am

  lot of fun for an old guy. powerfull, roomy, great high way car.

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  Dodge Intrepid---Awesome Car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By soniannette - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This has got to be the roomiest car I have ever seen. I love the design and just overall look of it. If you need to get up and go--this car will do it. I have no complaints on this car. I used to own a firebird and this car is just as quick and sleek looking, but better for me now that I have a family. Just overall an awesome car.

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  2000 Dodge Intreped - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By kfordxxx - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Intrepid ES for four years now. It is a great car and very reliable. I would put it up against any Japanese car in its class. I laugh at my co-workers who drive Japanese cars like the Accord, whos doors "ting" when you close them. This car is solid, and well styled, unlike the boring Camary which people sadly buy for whatever snobish reasons.