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 to drive - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By robb_1 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and now have 25k miles and no problems. The car rides great and very comfortable on long trips. A great engine(3.5L) for a mid size car. I plan on keeping this car for a long time. I think I have to buy one for my wife, she loves to drive it!

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  Nice looking but many little problems. - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By redbird - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I love the look of the Intrepid and its a fun car to drive. However, I have had many little problems during the cars first 3 years of life, including replacing the motors to the power windows, replacing parts in the steering column (apparently a BIG problem with dodge/chrysler cars), and now my battery died, I replaced it, and the new one died. They cant figure it out. I love the look but it wasnt worth the money. Its only 3 years old and is already becoming a hassle.

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  NOTHING BUT TROUBLE - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By BERNAMANSO - February 24 - 2:00 am

  THE SAME DAY I BOUGHT MY CAR THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON! THROUGH THE NEXT 2MONTHS THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED.THEN A ALTERNATOR/POWER STEARING PULLEY!!. WOULDNT BUY ANOTHER OR TAKE ONE GIVEN TO ME.

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  Great Family Car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By 4boltmain - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent vehicle for my family of 4. I average 24 mi/gal, and find the 200hp 2.7L 6cyl has plenty of pep. Ive had it on 2 long road trips, and cant say enough good things about that endless cavern of a trunk, which swallows all our luggage and kid debris with the greatest of ease. The stereo sounds great, the looks are great, and the interior is laid out well. I highly recommend the Intrepid.

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  Awesome for my family - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By pufti - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car before i got married. Had some questions about the reliability of Chrysler in general. However, this car has beaten all my expectations. It has never failed on me and performs the same now like new .. Its now 3 1/2 years old... Chrysler replaced the computer once (boot wouldnt open).

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  Never again - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Pic - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Never again will I own a Dodge. My car was a pre-owned but had less than 30,000 miles. Since Ive purchased my car in 1998 I’ve replaced the water pump twice. New breaks, new ignition, new computer, etc, etc. Every time I turn around I’m spending money on it. Last summer the air conditioner started making noise but since I was out of work I just went without air. Now the heater is making a strange noise. Plus everything rattles and the dash is warping where the air bag is. Someone please take this lemon off my hands.

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  Loved it at first...Now a headache - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By cteague - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car when I first got it. It looked great and drove great. The problem came when the engine blew. After doing much research, I have found that there have been many problems with this model and the 2000. Engines blow prematurely and it costs anywhere between $3000 and $5000 to replace. I was told by the mechanic to fix the car and then sell it. That would be great, but the resale value has sharply declined in the last year due to so many problems with the engines. I strongly suggest...DONT BUY THIS MODEL!

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  Great Family Sport Sedan - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ccuesta - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is not the old image of what Dodge was in the past. the Intrepid may be a sedan, but it is sleek,good looking, and fun to drive.

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  Money Pit - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Upside-Down - February 14 - 2:00 am

  2.7L engine has a knock and needs to be replaced. Mechanic thinks its a bad rod/wristpin. Air conditioning wont hold freon and after $1200 in parts and labor I give up. Brakes required every 30,000 miles, power windows constantly need repair. Resale on this POS is so bad that I owe 2X what its worth. I wish id spent the extra couple of grand on a Honda.

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  best family car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By mariofloresg - February 14 - 2:00 am

  I believe this is the best family car you can find, It has a lot of space everywhere (trunk, back seats and front), is comfortable, and safe. In addition, it has greak looking (compared to other family cars), good power, and fun to drive.