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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  Great Car - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By amyeco - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is awesome. It handles well and goes fast.

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  Intrepids are great. - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By George222 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Had my car for 3 years, no problems yet, but i know of some people that complain about problems in reliablility, but mines been perfect.

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  I love this car! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Lotsa Miles - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the ES model with all the vailable options in May of 2000. I drive about 80 to 100 miles a day, so I wanted reliability and comfort, but I still wanted sporty styling and handling. The Interpid has been perfect for over 90,000 miles. I have had no mechanical problems, the interior materials have held up well and the car remains comfortable and fun to drive. It still looks like new and drives great!

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  ralph - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By ralph jaros - June 30 - 2:00 am

  this car is great, roomy, good mileage city and highway, great handling, this car is so well liked i am planning to by my 3rd

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  A decent car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By vandentp - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I put over 65000 miles on my Intrepid, it currently has 114k. I have been very pleased with it. It has had minor repairs but nothing that made it undrivable. I kept up the scheduled maintenance and the car has been reliable. It still has lots of power, gets good gas mileage, and doesnt use oil. The AC went out at about 80k, but I recharge it myself every two weeks (cost $10) to keep it cold. No big deal.

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  Dont buy this dodge - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By ken ohio - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought car for $19000 had no problem for 6000 miles then recall twice.. at 15000 left rear window motor stopped working, at 21000 trunk lock wont open. 30500 car overheated and wont start. at 37000 just after the warranty was over speed sensor went bad $300.00 to fix. at 42000 the instrument panel light works sometimes. auto lock on left front door makes noise and get stuck 250.00 to fix. Ac stopped working at 45000 500.00 to fix. now at 52000 the oil light comes on after at idle. dealer wants 1000.00 to fix problems. Selling this car. First American car in the last 25 years I bought. But never again I sold my domestic cars stock also. stay with Honda, Toyota, Mazda.

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  Solid, Often Overlooked Car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By strangelove - June 25 - 2:00 am

  When I began looking for a new (used) car, I didnt even think about Dodge or Chrysler vehicles. My focus was mainly on Accords, Camrys and other Japanese makes. But I promised myself I would leave no stone unturned, so at the very last minute I turned my attention to a silver Intrepid ES at a local Dodge dealership. Im glad I did. It proved to be the absolute best mix of the things I was looking for: great styling, strong performance, tons of room, tight suspension, extremely affordable price (used w/ 25k miles) and low insurance costs. Id recommend these cars to anyone with a clean conscience.

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  Excellent Car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By LauraB - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car since it was brand new. I had to replace the master cylinder and alternator last year (year five), but aside from that its been a dream car.

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  This is the worst car EVER! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By RockStar - June 14 - 2:00 am

  paid $11,000 for the car. only had for 2 years and have had to have $8000 in repairs! transmission, vehicle speed sensor, total rebuild of the braking system, electrical failed, suspension shot, ac died...you name it its happened. I HATE THIS CAR!

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  2000 Intrepid ES - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By jroberts - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Roomy enough for 1 family of 5 - Sporty enough to keep DaD happy, with excellent fuel economy for a large style car. Very reliable, and has been free of any mechanical problems. Only flaw has been the drivers seat which has a weak bolt that can break- and does- but this item has been placed on recall and been rectified. Great car!