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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  Comments on 151,000-mile-old Intrepid - 1993 Dodge Intrepid
  By davem - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Car is roomy and very comfortable inside. Much better made than the equivalent Ford Taurus. We changed oil every 3,000 miles. Motor ran beautifully until the end. We had mechanical repairs, but never a breakdown. AC worked great until 146,000 when AC/heat controls gave out at about 146,000 and blasted out heat from defroster summer and winter until I had it disconnected. Emergency brake also gave out and about 146,000 car no longer shifted into 4th gear, dropping top mileage down to 15 mpg highway. We liked this Intrepid so much we bought another in 2000 and kept the old one. Both are beautifully designed roomy cars, very well made for the price.

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  Oh Those Sensors!!! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Wgold - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I also had problems with both sensors. I learned too well what "Limp Mode" was! The total cost for both episodes was about $260 each. Definitively its something that needs to be corrected. I have gone over 100K miles and I use it every day. I love he car and probably would buy another…If they fix those darn sensors.

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  Great car - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By mgriffith - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought that car in January 2001 with only 24k miles and I am now approaching 85k miles. The only thing I have done to the car is a new set of tires, and regular oil changes along the way. THIS IS A GREAT CAR. I have added an oil air filter to the car which has increased the gas mileage by +15%. I am getting about 30 miles/gallon. The ride is nice, the road noise is fine (as far as Im concerned) I will be looking to get another one when I replace this one.

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  Great Car - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Steve12367 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Great highway car. Great cruiser

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  Thought it would be fun - it wasnt - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By onebigswede - October 20 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car it seemed to be in pretty good condition. It had 69,000 miles on it, as well as a spotless interior and exterior. Shortly after i purchased it it began having problems from a non-working air conditioner, to brake problems, to the on-board computer going bad, etc etc etc. Finally in October 2003 the engine had a blow up and would have cost $3500 dollars to fix. Needless to say I am now saying good riddance. I dont know if the cars previous owner just abused the car, or what, but i never had more than a month or two of trouble free car ownership while i had this car.

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  Watch out for the Fuel Rail - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ken Swartfager - October 19 - 2:00 am

  We have enjoyed our 1997 used car Intrepid very much.But after about two years we noticed there was a problem we had to fill it up every week.! There seemed to be a fuel leek. We brought it to our Mech. after working on it for two days,he called the Dodge Dealer, they admitted there was a national recall on the"Fuel Rail" as they are having a problems. They fixed it w/no charge. We had never recieved any notice of such a problem. Our mechanic said it could have caught on fire and was very dangerous to drive. Its fine now, although we dont get the mialage we did before, but we still love our car. Havnt had any other magor problems than that, so we feel lucky.

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  Finally as fast as it looks - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By mr sulu - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Was the best looking sedan , R/T made it fun. Had 99 base model , nice but slow.R/T handles like smaller car , goes like stink.Big ABS brakes bail you out of moments of inattention and bad weather. Slap snow tires on and also great in snow ( remove 17" summers )17" Michelins wear fast and are very expensive.

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  Dodge introuble not intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Andy Lohden - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Last post 90 car I am buying. I traded in an Eclipse, because I wanted a car that was more reliable, but it was just as junky as the eclipse. I replaced every sensor and a $320 Fuel pump in the first year. Took Dodge dealer 2months to figure out the fuel pump problem. I bought a 84 Ford Crown Vic for $500 to get me around until the dodge was fixed. The Crown Vic never gave me a problem, so I tried to sell the Dodge, but I cant get what I owe on it. I hope it likes the barn Im going to store it in until I can sell the garbage. Be wise buy an old clunker itll get you further then the new junks without the payment. Dodge, Eclipse hater.

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  Good Car - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By rjack - October 12 - 2:00 am

  My R/T drives very well when I dont have any of these problem. The problem that I had is the entire exhaust was replaced due to a buzz noise in one of the muffler. My passenger side door has been squeaking from the start, the booster (power brake was replaced), my car is alway pulling to the right & all of my windows make noise when rolling the windows upward of down. If the dealer can fix these problems it would be a perfect car.

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  Comfotable car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tim Pelke - October 11 - 2:00 am

  It is a nice sports luxury model sedan to drive near or far distances. Very comfortable. Doesnt waste fuel fast at all. recomend it to a smaller family.