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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  Middle of the Road - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By supaguy80 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  The Intrepid I own is a pretty fun car to drive. Have no major issues with it. I would reccomend it to someone who is looking for a good commuter car, but not if youre looking for something sporty.

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  On the road again - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Roger Nafts - December 18 - 2:00 am

  I havent had any trouble with this vehicle. Oil Changes on a regular basis.

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  Exceptional Family Car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By meredetrois - December 14 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought our Intrepid new in 10/01 with 5 miles on the odometer. Now, 2+ years and 32,000 miles later, I cant say enough good things about it. The 2.7L six does everything I ask of it, returns 24 mpg in small town driving, and between 28-30 mpg on the highway (depending on how heavy my foot is). Everything has worked perfectly on this Dodge, and I expect to own it many years after the final payment.

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  Good solid car - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By ReyReyRep - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been dependable and looks nice. I have driven it in a sales territory. I drive a great deal. Good car.

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  Excellant Auto - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By Intrepid Owner - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Not my first Chrysler product-3rd cab forward design. All have been excellant family cars. I drive long trips and need a car that is dependable, pleasant to drive, has good fuel economy, and can carry a reasonably heavy load.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By buellman2003 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car to drive to college 215 miles away. I have put almost 5000 miles on the car in the last few months. It runs perfect. It gets great gas mileage for a car this big. I expected 24, but I get a minimum of 26 in all conditions. On the interstate with the cruise at 70 I get 30 mpg, 28-29 with the AC on. I bought this car well below blue book trade in value. It was a company leased car. It has a few scratches and dings, but nothing terrible. The price made up for the problems. It drives great and is really smooth.

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  Keep building the Intrepids - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By C. Bieker - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever driven. In high winds the car keeps straight into the wind with no sway, also still gets excellant gas milage. They drive like a sports car and fun to drive.

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  Fan - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By jukeinc - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The car is very solid and could be a blast to drive but my feeling is that there is insufficient air flow to the engine. I am working on ways to improve this horesepower issue and would welcome any ideas. In the future the car should be built with dual exhaust to help a little with whatever drag is occuring in the engine.

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  Nice but probably not again - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By michelle sykes - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this baby new off the lot and have had a lot of problems. One week after driving off the lot, the driver side power seat broke. Since then it has gone down hill. Had the seals around the doors and trunk replaced, the entire ac unit after 3 trips to the dealer, 2 transmission pumps and a transmission mother board and a few other minor issues. Very comfortable seats & the trunk is roomy enough to store my double stroller with plenty of room for a entire grocery load!

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  liken my trepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By yippikayeh - November 30 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is very comfortable and very fun to drive. The styling is still fresh even after three and a half years of ownership. Interior trim is very luxurious and of high quality.