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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Dont want to jinx myself - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
By Intrepid-Fan - August 11 - 2:00 amI know that as soon as I submit this something will happen to my car, but I wanted to share my experience. Weve had our Intrepid almost 3 years and its been great. Had 2 problems and they were both under warranty: the door seals came loose (a problem for many owners) and the wind dam. Compared it to the Accord, Camry, and Maxima. The other three could not stacked up on value: price + engine + storage + mileage. For those concerned about resale value you really need to consider keeping your car longer. It handles and accelerates well, changes gears at the right time, has great trunk space. Its a big car that doesnt ride like a land yacht.
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DODGE INTREPID LOYALIST - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
By Robert Jackson - August 11 - 2:00 amI have now leased my second Dodge Intrepid since late 1999. I was very pleased with the 2000 model, so I decided to lease a 2003 model which now the base model is the SE unlike 2000.
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Best car Ive ever owned! - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
By Rozzie - August 10 - 2:00 amI have 143,000 on my intrepid and its still going strong. Its the best car Ive owned. Its a smooth ride & very dependable.
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A few too many niggles for me - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
By Boss - August 9 - 2:00 amI have to say that my 98 white intrepid es is a beaut. Its too bad though that Ive had to take it to the dealership for repairs one too many times. Brakes are the most troublesome and Ive noticed that the poor plastic quality inside the car is coming off. Another fault though not from the car is the dealership serivce. It stinks! Ive tried three or four closest to my neighbourhood and they are all terrible. Times like this I wish I bought a lexus. Would I buy this car again? Maybe not, I think that for the money Id rather buy a used audi a8.
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keep windows closed - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
By nick the greek - August 5 - 2:00 amthis car was so poorly designed that you cant drive at 60 mph with the front windows closed and the back windows open,i just rented a 2004 model and it was still the same,also if i charge my cellphone and shut off the ignition i have a humming sound coming from my speakers.i had to change the engine pulley 3 times in 3 years,power windows work usually
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Never again - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
By jackcat - August 4 - 2:00 amWe bought our Intrepid in 98 with 26k miles. Having all family out of state, we put a lot of miles on our vehicles. This car had nothing but strange problems - the tensioner when out at 70k, starter at 36k, oil sending unit wiring harness at 96k, AC condenser and cooling fan motor at 99k. Two weeks ago, at 102k, the engine caught fire in our driveway. Insurance is calling it a total loss. We must admit that after all the problems, we werent surprised by the spontaneous combustion and are quietly relieved to be free of this car. Both of us come from Chrysler product families. Never again. This one nearly cost us our home.
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Great car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
By Suzy J - August 4 - 2:00 amThis is a beautiful car for the price. I have the ES model which just blew me away with all the extras. Very quick V6 with good horsepower!
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Dodge Intrepid Rocks Dude!! - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
By james432314423 - August 2 - 2:00 amDodge Intrepids ride is excellent and overall quality is superb!!
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LOVE THE CAR HATE THE PROBLEMS - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
By TRIMM - August 1 - 2:00 amGreat car, love to ride, its my favorite car next to my shelby. a few problems, tie rods, water pump, 3 trans (2 under warranty), rack and pinion, airconditioning has gone out twice, chrystlers cheap paint, the hood does not stay up, and shocks are bad. nice power and handling though, preparing to take the car apart and rebuild.
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Great Value when bought slightly used - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
By Kbeyer - August 1 - 2:00 amI bought the vehicle used from Enterprise (nice sales experience btw), and got a 2002 Intrepid SE w/ 23k miles, for $12,000. The interior is the ROOMIEST of any family sedan. The base engine is powerful enough for most drivers, unless you are begging for reckless driving citations. The vehicle has presence on the road. The engine/tranny do seem busy when hard-pressed(floored), as the car downshifts, and revs up to 6000rpm. Gas mileage is excellent for its size, the only noise to be heard most of the time is low road noise from the tires.
