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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  Intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Swampy - July 26 - 2:00 am

  While not flashy, the Intrepid has been a comfortable, reliable vehicle and very suitable for extended driving.

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  So far, not bad.... - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By DandJ - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Have owned for 1 year. No major problems thus far, a few minor ones. Check engine light after one month, covered by warranty. Clunking noise in front end, link bar. Front rotors warped at 40,000 mi., replaced. Thats it so far for repairs. Windshield fogs up more than any vehicle weve had. Ditto for static buildup, touching doors while exiting will light you up every time. Windows squeak horribly while going up. Transmission can shift a bit rough when cold. Engine has performed well, but Im nervous about 2.7s shady history. Many failures, particularly in 98s and 99s. Very prone to sludging up, make certain oil changes are done on time, every time.

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  Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Carol Ann - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Ok. I have a 94 Intrepid. We loved it so much we kept it and bought a 2000 Intrepid. What a sleek design. And roomy too. Great family car. Doesnt give you the "mommy" look. Very sporty feeling to it.

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  research, test, buy - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By rob hagan - July 24 - 2:00 am

  i reasearch every aspect of this vechile. and i cannot find a better buy anywhere u go. i bought this car with 26k on it for 11,800. and for the luxury of power everything, cd player, cruise and with a smooth and comfortable ride i couldnt go wrong. its the sporty looking family car i needed that i can take to work or out on the town and still look so good. i have had no problem with the car as of yet. and yes backing up is a little tricky.

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  Disappointed - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bartender10 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I have been disappointed with my 96 Intrepid ES. Purchased new. Water pump went out 300 miles before the warranty expired (fortunately for me). Have had trouble with factory radio/CD player not working. Bushings have failed on the rack and pinion steering box (expensive and impossible to get to). Spent a lot of time/money trying to solve a driveability problem - turned out to be an intake manifold gasket leak. Paint is fading badly on the top and it has completely flaked off the side window mouldings. Body intregrity is less than acceptable. I dont think that I will ever pay $25K+ for a new Dodge again.

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  GM sounds really good..... - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By stacy29 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Started out as a great car with 24k. I now have to replace the rack and pinion, sway bar links, and struts. I have excessive tire wear on the front passenger side. Quote from dealership for the rack is $1200. This is, by far, the worst car I have ever owned. I come from a Dodge family, Chrysler would have to do a serious overhaul of its engineering dept. before I buy another.

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  I luv my Intrepid - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By Lenay - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. This is my 2nd one. I had a 2000 and when I had to turn it in I went and got another one. I loved the 2000 but the 2003 drives 100% better. The 2000s pick up was a bit slow but this one, all I have to do is put my foot on the gas. It has so much room. It is the best road trip car I have ever driven. I feel as if Im floating on air. As long as Dodge keeps making the Intrepid to drive and ride this way I will keep buying them.

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  My 5th Intrepid - Good as ever - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By LarryBoet - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 5 Intrepids (actually 4 + 1 Eagle Vision). The last one (1999 ES) went over 100,000 miles before the first repair ($600). Unlike previous experiences with [mainly] Toyota, where I have spent up to 1/2 the new car value in repairs over the first 130,000 miles, the Intrepids have served me well.

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  Looks are deceiving - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Seekingpeace - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I love the looks of this sporty car..but it stops there...Brake problems, unknown wheelwell noise, road noise, door handle broke at 33000, a/c poor, gas mileage poor, paint sucks, fading peeling at 33000 miles, general poor overall body quality. Got it cheap...its true you get what you pay for...would not by another Intrepid

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  it is a good car - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By msparent - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I would buy another one