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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  Bad engine 2.7 liter - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Mr. Roberts - November 29 - 2:00 am

  The intrepid was a great car UNTIL the engine fell apart at 73000. According to Jasper Engines, Dodge has a problem with the 2.7 liter engine in the Intrepid. Our Intrepid had to have new engine put in. Wish someone would have told me about the problem engine. Buyers beware.

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  Great car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jayo - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my intrepid with 30000 miles on it in September 2002. Now the car has 53000 on it. This has been a reliable car no breakdowns or anything, has not been to the mechanic once. The car gets fantastic gas mileage 30mpg on highway. For the small 2.7 liter V-6 the car has great performance, great accelaration, when accelerater pushed all the way to the floor the rpms go way up wich slows down acceleration but its still pretty peppy. Has Good handleing and braking.

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  8 Years with Dodge Intrepid - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By mholdensr - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I have driven Dodge Intrepids for the last 8 years and find my 2004 to be the most powerful. Dodge Intrepid has always been a great handling sedan, but the new sxt seem to handle even better. The only complaint I have is the goodyear tires on the older models. The sxt came with goodyear eagles and they have helped to improve the handling. Im a big person and there is plenty of room for five people. Over-all a fine famly sedan with a good chunk of sport sedan thrown in.

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  Dodge snuck a sports car ina family car! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By TAL2GK - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a company car for me, but the Intrepid has me truly enjoying the many miles I spend behind the wheel! The 234 ponies really like to be pushed hard, and youll surprise more than a few stoplight dragsters out there with its agility. Styling may be subjective, but this one has the sporty appearance, too. Its a large car, no doubt about it - but it sure doesnt drive like one! The trade-off for sporty handling is that its not very good in the snow with the wide tires its dressed with. Pick up some snow tires, though, and youre in great shape. (Then again, I live in Upstate NY).

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By TeddyKelly - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I am really pleased with my Intrepid. I have an arthritic back and knees. I had trouble getting in and out of my previous car and needed something with more room inside. There is plenty of interior room. It rides smooth,is really easy to getin and out of,has plenty of creature comforts,long & low,corners like a dream, easy to handle. No problems getting in or out of the back seat,with plenty of leg room. Never run out of trunk room. I cant say enough good things about this car.I love it.

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  SEDAN SE - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By autobarry - November 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car in all aspects.

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  Wish I hadnt bought it! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By wish I hadnt bought - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought it new off the lot and had lots of problems with the dealer. Two days after I picked it up, the driver power seat fell into the back seat. Needless to say I should have learned my lesson then. I have now had three transmissions, 2 transmission mother boards, 1 transmission fuel something, all the seals around doors and trunk replaced and the air conditioning system replaced twice!!!! And if you can believe it Dodge wont buy it back!!!! I drive mostly highway miles and this car is not reliable. The transmission still slips and they claim it is just fine.

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  the worst car i ever had - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By kj6992 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  it was the worst car i ever owned. i would not have any other chrysler product in my garage. they are cheap, they dont run worth anything after 30,000 miles, and i just dont think they care too much about us.

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  Beauty is only skin deep - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Eli Shelburne - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Our Intrepid is a beautiful Inferno Red SXT, best looking car in town. After 15,000 miles, trouble started, with a transmission leak at 800 miles. Next was replacement of the radio. Next was replacement of the fog lights. Then the "engine malfunction light" came on. Car has been out of service 15 days since then. They cant seem to find or fix the problem. Nov. 6,we are taking it in for the sixth time to have this problem "fixed". Purge valve regulator will be installed. To date they have installed four themostats and the water pump and yet the light keeps coming on. The last time they had it for eight (8) days.

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  Beautiful..with a few quirks - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By sensitive ears - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my red Intrepid (new) based on looks, but even my husband commented on what a wonderful car it has been. (Whew) My biggest gripe is the unusual noise the a/c gives out when the car is in motion: at takeoff, and then almost every 17 seconds it whistles/rattles for about 2 to 3 seconds until you come to a stop. I have driven in two other similar Intrepids and both did this same thing other cheaper Dodges Ive owned never did this. I also had problems with the front overhead light spooking us out by coming on of its own volition while driving this was taken care of under warranty. Paint seemed to chip almost immediately, exposing the metal.