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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  No more dodge - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By no more dodge - October 11 - 2:00 am

  After three years of major repair bills Ive finally given up. Rack & pinion out at 60K and average repair bill around $2K per year. Now it has a mysterious starting problem that has put it in the shop for 4 weeks straight that the mechanics cant figure out. I bought another vehicle last week.

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  Be Very Careful !! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By phuston - October 9 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 Intrepid has 80,003 miles, almost all highway. I have all receipts for scheduled maintenance. The engine blew today- and I mean blew up. The horrific sound of metal scraping on metal. Luckily, I have a mechanic in the family that can replace. The dealer wanted $ 400 to look inside and over $ 3,000 to replace. I have looked at numerous web sites showing customer dissatisfaction with the 2.7 engine, problems with blown engines over 70 K miles etc. I have owned 4 Dodge/Chryslers and this will be the last.

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  Love the Intrepid, hate the road noise - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Hot Mom - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 1999 intrepid I havent had any problems so far but It seems like it doesnt go over bumps as quietly as it should, when I ride in my best friends toyota solara then go back to my car its like Im on the mine ride at cedar point! if youre from ohio you know what Im talking about Well maybe thats a little harsh but I think dodge should improve the suspension then the car would be perfect. I love the way it looks, I have a silver one with the metalic paint job on it so it sparkles in the sunlight. Its one of the best looking affordable family cars out there, the interior needs some updating though. but overall I like the car.

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  Better then Ford ever thought of being!! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By CML - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have put a little over 20,000 miles on my Interpid since I puchased it in July 2002. I have not had any mechanical problems at all. Last winter I lost control in a near blizzard and I bounced off a snow bank three times, and the only thing that got damaged, was the bumpers.

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  mamas car - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By jgordon - October 4 - 2:00 am

  outstanding car love the way it handles corners and the way it travels long distance

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  Good car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Lettie - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The dodge intrepid is the best car I have ever owned. It drive better than most car I have drove. It performane is better than I though it would be. When you ride or drive it you dont feel every bump in the road. It is a nice smooth ride. I get 24 miles to a gallon around town. I havent been on a trip so I dont know yet how good it does. I cant wait till I go on one to see how good it does on gas. I know when you are driving it that you have to watch your speed or you will be going 70 to 80 mph. It dont feel like you are going that fast but you will be. All together I say this car is worth the money. I love my 2004 Dodge Intrepid.

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  Avoid at ALL Costs!!! - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By anti-dodge - September 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is a member of the "Break-down of the Month Club". Its one major expense after another. Transmission went out with no warning signs, Headlights have quit functioning twice (entire switch assembly on the steering column had to be replaced three times), The check engine light has been on more that off with assorted sensors going out, fuel pump, windshield wipes quit working, sunroof motor had to be replaced, and various suspension repairs.

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  dodge intrepid - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By georgeh. - September 20 - 2:00 am

  great car - plenty of room for four adults and then some - smooth ride-handles easy - good on gas (19/24) - maintenance has been routine and minimal - good old fashion big detroit car with style and all the extras - even my teenagers love to drive it. im a sales mgr. and on the road all day , many over night trips and the car is comfortable and performs well

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  I love my Intrepid - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Joe Dow - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my "96"Intrepid for 7 years, and it has started for me every time I went out to start it. A while back we went on a trip and we averaged 29 miles to the gallon. This is why I am ordering a new one this year. I heard this was going to be the last year for the Intrepid, and I want a new one.

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  2000 Dodge Problems - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By berrypie - September 16 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car used in March with 23,000 miles on it-now at 29,900 miles. Clunking noise on right front tire, needs link bar and front end alignment. Fuel sending unit went bad last week and ran out of gas! Fuel gauge works but stops at 1/4 tank. Transmission slips when stopping and starting. Dealer replaced door and trunk seals at no charge. Front windows make obnoxious squeaking noise when rolled up. Worried about 2.7 liter engine.