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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  another DC lemon - 1993 Dodge Intrepid
  By coralboy - February 11 - 2:00 am

  A/C in these vehicles was an annual repair issue that dealer and manufacturer made you fight about. Overall reliability the worst ever. How about a passenger window that falls off track and breaks in door. Transmission problems galore. Overall assessment - Ill never buy another DC product!!!!!

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  dodge intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By susu - February 10 - 2:00 am

  no standard abs poor handleing in wet weather wipers wore out quick std stereo is poor quality compared to other cars of its class transmision slips frequently , dodges excuse is that it is an electronic trany ............poor!!!! this is unexcuseable very bad resale value. i purchased this car at 0% financing and im fliped !!! thats bad. when you are looking for a car , look at the resale value in black book befor you deside that will tell you how good the car is you are buying this car is good to get from a to b but nothing special . too much money for the quality of this car

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  Great Car/Poor Resale Value - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Mikes_1 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive. Ive had no problems at all, however I was shocked when I checked its retail value one year after purchase. These cars drop in value like a rock. If their insurance policy pays retail value on accidental replacement, a buyer of a new Intrepid would need some type of gap insurance.

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  I was shocked - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By robbob - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I had sworn of Dodges and was set to buy a Taurus. The car dealer was a friend of mine and said just drive the Intrepid. I bought that day. Seats were very comfortable (I had a Seebring and hated the seats). Great pick up very quite and fun to drive. It is great to have someone else in the front seat and not have your shoulders touching.

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  Whats Next ? - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By The Hypnotist - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Right rear door actuator went at 39,000 miles Drivers side door actuator went at 42,000 then a week later the check engine light and two weeks later the starter went at 43,000 I am the original owner and the mileage is all highway .What a shame that this car is falling apart on its own. Whats Next?

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  You Have To Be Kidding - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By GregnSand - February 5 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car new. Within the first year we had to have the transmission rebuilt, then the ac/heater went out. The next year we had to have the transmission rebuilt, then the window came off track. Next year we had to have the starter rebuilt and the starter switch replaced. Then the ac went out again and the other window came off track. Finally we had to bury the car as it died. The oil pump went out without the sendor working and this caused the engine to seiz. We will never buy a Dodge product again!!!!

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  cant beat it for the money - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By monster - February 3 - 2:00 am

  having taken out 7 cars for a test drive (in this price range) I was convinced that I would be settling for a four cylinder econobox. The Intrepid proved me wrong and I bought it right after the test drive was done. What a great car for the money! Handling, ride, interior space are all excellent...not to mention its not hard to look at either!

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  NOT RECOMMENDED - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By slonna - January 25 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car,i bought with 29000 miles on it demo.And i owned for 3 years now,Quality is worse,Brakes,rotors every 30000 K,New pinion rack,Windows dont work AGAIN.And at85000K need new Engine for about $6000+labor/dealer/.It seems this engine V6 2.7 to have some higins problem with oil circulation.

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  Dodge Inrepid nice car.!!!!! - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By vadya - January 21 - 2:00 am

  nice car but I dont have any body kits for This Dodge Intrepid .

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  Still have it and I still love it! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Gutsy - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my 1999 Intrepid NEW at the dealer. I still own this car and I still love everything about it. I only had one problem which was taken care of... 1 electronic fuel injector went bad... thats it. Light in dash went on... took to the dealer, they fixed it. I plan on keeping this car for a long time.