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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  the best car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By jjt - August 1 - 2:00 am

  it is a awsome car

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  WOW! I will buy another Intrepid. - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Daniel Atha - July 31 - 2:00 am

  My Intrepid has 147000 with no trouble. I have never change a spark plug on this engine and it has never leaked or burned oil. It is the best car I have ever owned. I am 52 and owned 16 autos.

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  Dodge-ing Problems - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Goldavid - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Like others, I have had a bad speed sensor and the driver side window motor has gone bad. Right now my car is in the shop with a bad evaporator. On the plus side, it is very roomy, great trunk space and fun to drive. . I have had no problems with paint as others seem to have had. Glove compartment is very small. Keyless entry is iffy - I recommend getting the battery replaced more often and go to Radio Shack - cost is 50% less than dealer. Concerned about the next big problem - can anyone say "Transmission?" As of today, my car is at 55k.

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  Intrepid review - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By anne - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It has plenty of space in the back seat and the trunk is huge! I like the sleek design and the way it drives is so smooth. It has plenty of power and will get up and go. I have had trouble with it not switching out of gear and it was some little wire that had to be replaced. I also had both fans to lock up and they had to be replaced $550). Other than those two things, I havent had any trouble from my car. I have truly enjoyed the large trunk. We got the car so that we could fit my mother in laws wheelchair in it.

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  Nice Car - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By pikrob - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The Intrepid is a nice car, handles well, and is good on gas for the size, at the time it was the only car in the 20K price range that offered seating for six. unfortunately the bench seat was only available with the 2.7L engine.

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  nice car - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Alex Pallais1 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  very powerful engine of 250hp

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  love mine! - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By kf - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Intrepid for 5 months so I cant give much info regarding the reliability yet...only that so far its been great! Love the ride...a bit of road noise on the highway, but not horrible. Love the spaciousness of the interior, and also of the trunk. Dont miss my Durango.

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  Awesome - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By she stung me - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever had in my 30 years of driving

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  Love it!!!! - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Carol Ann - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Even though I bought a 2000 Intrepid, I still love to drive this one. (it is paid off) It is still reliable and I have not put much money into it.

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  Dodge Intrepd - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By CKat - July 26 - 2:00 am

  We have 120,000 miles on our Intrepid and have few complaints. The speed sensor was just replaced this month ($200) and other than oil changes and tires, weve had very little expenses. Very satisfied with performance and maintenance.