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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Third Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
By bt1953 - January 5 - 2:00 amHave had three so far. 1994 had many problems. 1997 was flawless. This one has been the same. No problems and a nice, large, car that is sporty and fun to drive. Added a California wing (low arch) to the back and this car looks like twice the price. We plan on keeping this one for several more years as we have added a 03 AWD Caravan ES to the "stable" and it is getting most of the daily driver use.
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Not too shabby - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
By LAmx - January 4 - 2:00 amThe style, power, comfort, power and power were outstanding. Did I mention the power? Having driven a smaller V6 without punch, this is a dream come true without it having an 8. (Hey Dodge, this would be a great choice to drop a hemi in!). Stealing from Deniro in Analyze That ... you could but three bodies in that trunk! The only complaints I have are 1) the cup holders are too small and 2) the CD player should have repeat.
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This Car Is Garbage! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
By birdie - January 3 - 2:00 amWe have spent approximately $7,000 on repairing this car and now the transmission is gone and the dealership wants another $2,000! This car has had a new engine, sensors, a/c problems etc. DO NOT BUY!
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Dont Buy it - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
By KEH - January 2 - 2:00 amLove(d) driving this car but it is putting me in debt with the expensive repairs. Air conditioning went at around 75k, transmission went at 78k and cost me $2,000 to repair, paints chipping, logos falling off, water pump went, suspension is shot, alternator went, road noise is terrible, and the heating/air makes an irritating buzzing noise everytime I start the car. I am finally going to put it to rest since my transmission has again died. Its a beautiful car and rides nice(when it rides), but unreliable at best.
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Research didnt help - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
By Qdubb - January 2 - 2:00 amWhen I purchased this car in 01 I did the research. At least I thought I did. Consumer reports had positive things to say about it but now I regret purchasing this car. My biggest issue is the price I paid for this car ($15995). Now I d be lucky to get $7000 for this thing. Its a money pit. I have had my share of issues from brakes to oil pan issues and AC in the last couple of years and I am now just waiting for the next big break in my pocket book. The sad thing is I know three other people I work with who wishes they had never made their Intrepid purchase.
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Intrepid - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
By nao - January 2 - 2:00 amI bought this car because it had some nice features for the money, but after a year I have to sell it because I cant stand the seats on this car. I went to a dealer to try a new one and found that the seats are exactly the same...very uncomfortable.
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An Excellent Car. - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
By Mike Baker - December 29 - 2:00 amI just recently purchased a Dodge intrepid SE. I cant say enough good things about it. Its actually the second intrepid Ive owned!I bought one when they first came out in the early 90s and Ive just upgraded to the newer model. Its got a smooth ride and tons of room! I feel like I bought a $30K car!
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My 2004 Dodge Intrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
By SMO - December 27 - 2:00 amA FAMILY SEDAN DISGUISED AS A SPORTS CAR. IT IS LOW TO THE GROUND--YOU SIT DOWN LOW WHEN YOU ENTER-BUT YOU WOULDNT KNOW IT BY LOOKING AT THE EXTERIOR. HANDLES VERY WELL--ITS A BIG CAR BUT DOESNT FEEL THAT WAY-ALL IN ALL, ITS FUN TO DRIVE AND IT LOOKS REALLY SHARP!!!!!!!
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not so happy anymore - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
By sabrina1234 - December 21 - 2:00 amI bought this car looks and rides nice, had first payments deferred before even my first payment car was high idle and stalling. rpms high found out 2 senors went out oil leaks around transmission dealer ship fixed. also window motor went out total for dealer to fix car ($800) and two months later feeling like driving on pins and needles whats next car has stalled twice and now check engine light is on all the time, i dont know what to do. dealer wants money again just to look. cant afford to have it looked at.
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love the car - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
By broussardla - December 20 - 2:00 amthis is my second intrepid. I had a 96 intrepid with a 3.5 engine and never had no problems with it. i traded it on a 2003 se with a 2.7 I like the body style of the 2003 drives better than the 96 model the price of the progam car was great
