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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  baaad - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By rymcp - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Was nice at first but now after less than 1 year of me owning it, the tranny as well as motor need replaceing. Its at just over 200000km (sorry dont know miles) the repair bill is more than i paid for the car, definitely time for trade in. Sorry I bought it. a\c never worked for me though.

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  120,000 Miles and Going Stong - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By SeikoGuy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new in May of 1998 after ordering a platinum exterior with camel leather interior (not the normal combination). Other than 2 transmission speed sensors (approx. $100 each) and the drivers side window regulator, this car has cost me nothing but regular maintenance. First set of brake pads at 113,000 miles, battery at 111,000, flush cooling system and transmission system at 116,000 miles. Oil changes every 3000 miles only cost $8.43 at the dealer. I sold my 94 ES to a friend and it is still being driven with 160,000 miles.

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  Intrepids Are Cool - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By DLB - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Purchased mine w/ 25000 miles last Sept. Great driver, base engine has plenty of power, especially at higher rpms (contrary to others that complain of weak power). Lots interior room, trunk is great for families (huge!). And one of the sharpest full-size cars around. This design will look good for years to come. We are very happy with our Intrepid.

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  Afordable Large Sedan - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Intrepid fan - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Good handeling large sednan with lots of room for a family that is farily priced.

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  Intrepid is only great for three years - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By emm - March 3 - 2:00 am

  We got suckered into a five year lease when we wanted a three year. The car was fantastic for 3 and a half years. Thank goodness we have an extended warranty because since then the car has been on a flatbed at least twice a year with major problems. This past month the car was at the dealership for two straight weeks while a part was on back order. Again, my car is in the dealership and they want to charge me $275 for a bad battery and terminal-it isnt covered under the warranty. No wonder the Intrepid is listed by Consumer Reports as one of the worst cars to buy used!!!

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  good car, great buy - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By fredmanxyz123 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Mine has the 2.7 V-6, I wish it had the 3.2, I miss the power, and driving a FWD for the first time takes getting used to, but this is a great buy, a great car, all things considered, when you look at features versus cost. The nearest thing to it is over $30,000.

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  2000 R/T - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By PopolZ - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Im please with my intrepid even if I had a few problems. Had the steering rack, sway bar endlinks, the door badges (they were pealing) and the door seals replaced all under warranty. the trunk release button wasnt working but got it fixed too. I also had some problem with my wipers, the dealer changed the switch, the wiper controller (the whole BCM was changed),wiper motor and now its all good!

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  Dodge dont know transmissions - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By chrissbrother - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Dodge needs to start buying their four speed transmissions. Only buy this car if you want to buy a new transmission every 40,000 miles. This car was in the shop for repairs 17 times in the first three years, then it got worse.

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  Love my ES but not perfect - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Astro - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great car for the money. Bought an ES with all the options. Looks sharp, great interior, fun to drive. Very comfortable and (of course) roomy. Problems? While no major mechanical failues, the car did have annoying electrical issues for a time. Interior lights would dim/brighten on their own and climate control would occassionally default to "Manual" at start-up. Covered by warranty but two trips to the shop and two new computers before the problem was addressed. I dont trust the cars long-term reliabilty but would still buy it again because it was priced well and is so enjoyable to drive. Plan to keep it as long as I can.

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  Cheap - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By JSam - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Love the roominess. Unreliable for nickle and dime things. I have had the door seals replaced 3 times. Dealer believes it is a design defect. Undersized engine, but comfortable especially on long drives. For a small 6 cylinder, the gas mileage is not very good. Slight transmission hesitation when cold (which dealer denies he can find). Minor engine probelms during warranty.