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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  Decent Car - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By manforallseasons - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in 94, have put over 110,000 miles and still running well. Only major problems: (a) 3 evaporator coil failings in first 5 years - however, dodge/dealer handled these well (at no charge) and have not had the problem in last 4 years and (b) major PCM (main computer) problem that dealer repaired without charge despite being beyond warranty. Engine and tranny have been great - key is to service tranny on schedule at mopar dealer. Even after 9 years, still get compliments on how good the car looks.

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  53000+ miles on dodge intrepid96I have t - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By intrepidone - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I have 53000+ miles on this car and I enjoy driving it because, it has very good acceleration, solid rode feel, body seems all together and well built. The only thing I do not like is the road wind noise and tire noise over bumps. You can feel the road , like old pavement that is pitted, versus new pavement. Other than that I think I have had good luck with the car. I am getting a new a/c compressor put in , the first one. I had the a/c charged once in the last 7 years. I had one battery installed, and a water pump. I also had two new tires put on about 10/15000 miles ago, but , the other two are still good.

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  Good car....watch for quality control - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By I like it - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with with the car overall. The handeling is great for a large car. I only wish that dodge would improve the quality control as upon receiving my car 5 repairs had to be made all very minor and related to quality control.

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  my fun car - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Rach - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I like the car because it rides nicely and its really fun to drive. The acc. on the car is so fast!!!

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  1995 intrepid - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By kencpfs - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Runs good, plenty of power. Repeated transmission problems, Repeated Air conditioning problems, Repeated Steering assembly problems, Continual problems with the stereo/CD player

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  Great Value - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By intrepid fan - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Intrepid since 1996. Bought a used 95 and then had a 97 as a company car before leasing the 00. This vehicle is a great value. It handles very well, looks stylish and is very comfortable. Best of all, this car easily seats five very comfortably. People are amazed at how much room there is in the back seat. The truck is huge also. Very solid, reliable, practical car.

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  Intrepid - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By pollard - April 30 - 2:00 am

  this car is comfortable, rides good and gets good gas milabe but has a lot of road noise and is exreamly undependable.

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  1999 Intrepid ES - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By barbowl300 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 4 years now and it has been very reliable. During that time, I have had three mechanical problems with various sensors during ownership. Other than that, the car handles great and is very comfortable and easy to drive. I now have over 90,000 miles on this car and the maintenance has consisted of two brake changes and one tire change. The trunk is spacious and comes in handy for hauling suitcases. My main pet peeve with the car is the lack of cup holders in the back seat for passengers. I track my gas mileage and the car continues to get 29 - 30 MPG on the highway. I would purchase another one.

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  2001 Intrepid ES - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Sarge21 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Major problem with a bad valve spring. Fixed now.

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  wonderful car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By sterlingo - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car as an interum verhicle. I really enjoy the car. I have rented them in the past. In fact I rented the car for a coast drive in CA and really enjoyed it. Im 62" and fit in this car perfectly. The ride is great, very nice seats, cold ac and great backseat for traveling. My only concern is the resale value. I think this car declines in value quickly, but is very cheap used to begin with, so as long as you expect this, I think its a great value and car.