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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  1998 Dodge Intrepid ES - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By jscheiman - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle less than two years ago with 60k on it. I have put on nearly 40k miles and the odometer now reads 98k. I have had NO major problems what-so-ever. I have just performed the regular maintenence items, change oil, oil filter, put K&N drop in air filter. Changed the rotors, pads and tires. New plugs when I bought the car. The huge trunk can easily accomidate luggage for a week for 4-5 adults, plus drive them along! The Auto-Stick feature is great on the ES model. The extra HP in the ES over the base model really gives the car more kick. Concrete car from Dodge/Chrysler!

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  Mash The MOFO pedal...and go ... - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Zoom Zoom - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This car in the 10 years since introduction.. has become the vehicle of choice for cabbies.....whats that say?. Ill tell ya...Roomy inside..lots of trunk space..starts ..runs...handles... (in the snow and rain ..even) ..and..oh yeah .. Mash the MOFOing GO pedal ..and the beast goes..(crushing any cute little honda\toyota\mazda\tofu eating v4 car youd care to name).... All the fun stops/runs out/becomes a little spooky.. around 112/118 mph on the stock set up ..depending on the condition of the car. Staying on top of the recalls is/was mandatory..all work done on mine was under warranty ..currently 100,000 miles..with all recall work done...runs great

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  My Friends Cant Believe What I Paid - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By LuvToDrive - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I started out looking for an inexpensive compact sedan. I couldnt believe it when I stumbled upon the price of the Intrepid. It cost virtually the same as an upgraded compact sedan, except that it came standard with far more features. Once I took it for a ride, I was sold. The standard engine is extremely powerful and this car corners like a sports car. To top it off the car looks fantastic. My kids love the spacious and comfortable rear seats and a/c vents. Even though its a base model sedan it feels more like Im driving a flashy sport coupe!

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  My Friends Cant Believe What I Paid - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By LuvToDrive199 - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I started out looking for an inexpensive compact sedan. I couldnt believe it when I stumbled upon the price of the Intrepid. It cost virtually the same as an upgraded compact sedan, except that it came standard with far more features. Once I took it for a ride, I was sold. The standard engine is extremely powerful and this car corners like a sports car. To top it off the car looks fantastic. My kids love the spacious and comfortable rear seats and a/c vents. Even though its a base model sedan it feels more like Im driving a flashy sport coupe!

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  Will never buy Dodge again - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By its a piece of crap - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I thought it was a nice car when I bougth it, but after all the trouble Ive had with it over a few years I have regretted buying it. The check engine light is always on, but there are no porblems that they can find and I already spent 3k trying to fix it. The transmission is crap. The torque converter that is supposed to save gas mileage only serves to wear the transmission out.

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  Good Deal - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By SIegfrieds - May 29 - 2:00 am

  For the price this is a very reliable car. I have 40k on my 99 Intrepid ES. The only problems thus far is, 1) the paint job is chipping, the chrome on the dodge stickers are pealing a bit, I had a bit of a slip in the trany when I had the fluid replace but after about 2weeks that went away. So far its been a very reliable car for 3.5 years. Oh, I also had the headlight switch and one window motor replaced.

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  RTOKw/ME - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By AvidRTOwner - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Fits my desire for a great looking sedan with oomph. My second Intrepid. Dissappointed about the noise level though. Car tracks extremely well and the 3.5L engine provides all the power I want. Low end torque could be better. Only problem Ive had was the resonator (replaced under warranty). The car is fun to drive and exterior styling is great. Ditto on the door seal shrinkage reported by others.

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  Has exceptional Reliability - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bandit400 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has great performance for a large car. Handling is crisp and steady. Fuel economy is average but could be better. Just fun to drive and has sleak body styling.

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  P-COLA CRUSIN... - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By GASMAN - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Owned car for 1 1/2 years. Love how it performs on the highway. Not many cars can touch it!! Car really turns heads...!!

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  Impressed - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By MyfirstDodge - May 25 - 2:00 am

  For my first dodge it rides well and handles quite nicely. The design is really good also.