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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  Big Sports Car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Popoon - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Best family car on the road. Huge interior and trunk, good pickup, 30 mpg on the highway. Even my kids fight for the opportunity to drive it. After 3 years I have done absolutely nothing but change the oil. Best car I have every owned.

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  7 times in the shop - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By bramor - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Id highly recommend looking elsewhere for a vehicle which is more reliable and build well than this Dodge Intrepid. The styling is great but I guess I got what I paid for. Within the first year of ownership this car was back to the dealer for repairs 6 times. 3 oxygen sensors, 1 master cylinder, 1 brake booster, 1 thermostat and a partridge in a pear tree. Just recently I had to replace the rotors and brake pads due to major vibrations in the steering wheel when braking at high speeds. After 28,500 miles(mostly on the highway) I ready to sell this piece.

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  Maintenence Nightmare! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By sperris - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Radiator Pump @45000 transmission speed regulator @34000 and @75000 three of four door lock actuators that make noise and stop working @50000 remaining lock @90000 r. passenger window motor @80000 rw defroster @19000 Heater control @50000 Heater fan @75000 Frequent brake replacements license plate light wiring @55000 brake light pedal sensor @78000 o2 Sensor @86000 whining steering @70000 loud wheelwell noises - dealership "cant find problems with" @84000 Very bad quality!

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  good riddance - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By full of regrets - April 24 - 2:00 am

  We traded a 95 Intrepid w/87000 miles on it for a new 2000 model becuase my wife loved the car. Rotor had to be replaced at 16000. The warranty statement does not list exceptions because "everything is covered" (except brakes). Seals around doors have had to be replaced twice, check valve on radiator had to be replaced, oil pan came loose, has been in the shop for "check engine" 8 times, 6 sensors have been replaced, timing chain tensioner failed causing extensive engine damage, second tensioner also failed. The car is 1400 miles over warranty now and I owe 3000 mor than its worth. As soon as I can afford to trade it in its gone.

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  dodge intrepid sport - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By syncmaster3 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 97 intrepid sport since new,has moon roof and trip computer,with autostick and 3.5 liter engine 214 hp,it has 97000 miles on it and has been a good car. the water pump and the timing belt has been replaced .transmission has not gave me any trouble although i keep the fluid changed.Sometimes when its cold it changes funny for about a min,done this since new.after that its ok, c rI had it on many a long trip and had been dependable. i also hate the wind noise the car delivers, the 97 and earlier intrepids,have also heard of this from the new ones also,but i dont know about this for sure!

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  HOT sporty 4 door! - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By livewire - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and only for its looks....hoping that later I wouldnt be sorry about Dodge quality. After 3 years of trouble free rides I can say I havent been sorry. This car gives a lot for the money. Dealership has been great and only scheduled maintenence has been needed except for minor issue.

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  I love it!!! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By smitty - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I relly enjoyed my Intrepid. It handled well and had a lot of interior space. Had lots of problems with the windows not working. I had to get the motors changed on all 4 doors and a couple of them twice. Other than that really no problems. It rides smooth and handles well. My Intrepid was totaled in a wreck (by a Camry). My wife was well protected when this car ran the light and hit her just in front of the drivers side front tire. It passed a great crash test.

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  I love it!!! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Smitty - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I relly enjoyed my Intrepid. It handled well and had a lot of interior space. Had lots of problems with the windows not working. I had to get the motors changed on all 4 doors and a couple of them twice. Other than that really no problems. It rides smooth and handles well. My Intrepid was totaled in a wreck (by a Camry). My wife was well protected when this car ran the light and hit her just in front of the drivers side front tire. It passed a great crash test.

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  Great drive - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By linquil - April 9 - 2:00 am

  The car had provided reliable transportation and continues to be a stylish "ride." My only quibble is the high level of highway driving noise - you pull into your driveway with the radio blaring because thats the only way you could hear in out on the road. The 5 star Dodge dealer has provided outstanding service in a timely fashion.

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  99 Dodge Intrepid - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By ichabod - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has very unreliable. Numerous repairs include computer, brakes,windows, windshield wipers, and transmission. The vehicle has a pronounced pull to the left,which despite endless efforts to eliminate, cannot be corrected. Getting into and exiting the car is very difficult for a six footer due to the low head clearance. In summary the car is long on style and short on substsance. It full of 10 cent parts.