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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  hustlers review - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By hustler - September 14 - 2:00 am

  i was a devoted pontiac man but after looking and then test driving i had to have more. so i bought it and i believe it was the best decision i have made in a while. i love me car.

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  class action - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By austin tx - September 12 - 2:00 am

  This was Intrepid #2. My first was a 95 and had a repeating front-end problem. Should have learned! My 99 Intrepid was the first new car I have ever purchased and about number 15 in vehicles owned. At 52K miles I spent over 5k to replace the engine. They said lack of required maint. I say bad oil sending unit. Brakes $700 Window motors replaced under warranty as well as both engine fans. Lots of road noise and dont dare roll down the back windows while you are moving. Dont buy

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  Never Again! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By mrock - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought as a program car. Have 54K miles on it. Have had numerous mechanical problems. AC out @30K. Front right strut@40K. Left control arm bar@50K. AC and alternator belts@53K. Even the Dodge emblem fell off the front hood. Talk about junk. I tried to trade it in and the dealer would only offer me 2k for it. Talk about a joke. Ill never buy American again.

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  What will go wrong next?? CAE - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By MixedBag - September 10 - 2:00 am

  My Intrepid has 145K miles and the engine has been very reliable. It rides like it has 40K miles. But I am counting the days until I can sell or finish the payments. List of Problems a.Driver seat bolt broke. (Thankfully, I was not driving.) b.All power windows have stopped working. (No more drive-thru meals.) c.Speed sensor has malfunctioned 3 times. (Once during rush hour in Atlanta) e.Power seat assembly is broken.(Costs $1K to replace... why throw good money after bad???) Learn from my mistake:If you buy an Intrepid (any model) get a very good price, with a dependable warranty.

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  Great Car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By TBYRD - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Dodge and I love it! There is so much room inside, I do not think I could go back to a smaller car.

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  Roomy AND Sporty - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By koz - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Got w/17K. GREAT used price. Needed room to fit my 2 teens in the backseat. Researched and narrowed down to Intrepids and LeSabres. After driving and pricing both, the decision was easy: it sold itself: an 02 for the price of an 00/01 LeSabre, and way less miles. Love the styling! Sleek/Sporty for a "family" sedan. The power moonroof and rear deck spoiler complete the "look" (Im not much for spoilers - usually cheesey looking - this ones very complementary). Just took 2500 mile trip w/kids. TONS of trunk room, comfy, great power passing those semis, decent mpg(29 w/o AC, 25 with)- 3.5L V6. Have never been so enamoured with a car.

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  Intrepids are underrated - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Intrepid22102 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I can see why Consumer Reports made the car a Best Buy, but I dont understand why they dont get more respect from consumers. Roomy, comfortable, handsome, and accelerates and handles surprisingy well for a large car. Climate control is nice and it has a Great stereo, too! Not a Bimmer, but they cost 40 percent less. Very good "bang for the buck!"

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  Mixed Feelings - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By VBop - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car. . . when I can. Its roomy and a great drive. I liked it much better than the competing Bonneville. Looks great and cant say enough about the power. However, 3 days after buying, power steering fluid had all drained away. Fixed under warranty. Also within 1st 5 months: 1) A/C condenser & compressor replaced. 2) Power train computer replaced 3) Transmission pump replaced. Approx. 12 days in the shop. All covered by warranty but what a pain!

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  impressive - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By isaac mitchell - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Driving the Dodge Intrepid has proven to be an expected pleasure.The Intrepid not only shares the same chassis as its Chrysler cousins,(Concorde,300 M),but also the sam good looks and ride. Since it seems to be just a little lighter,it does not exibit the oversteering of its larger cousins, but it does have plenty of open road power,especially the passing gear,and its style is very chic and unque ,hence the many compliment I have recieved and the many models I have observed on the road. Chrysler style and looks, for Dodge money.

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  1993 Intrepid ES - 1993 Dodge Intrepid
  By scrutinizer - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Not reliable and expensive to repair. Steer clear!