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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  Bad Engine!!!!! - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Kristina - January 19 - 2:00 am

  We have a 98 Dodge Intrepid with 66,000 miles and the engine blew up! We paid 10,000 for it a year ago and now were lucky to get $2000. To replace the engine it will cost between $5000-$7500!!!!!! I will never buy another Dodge! We ran a CarFax report and there were no problems. It has had regular maintaince and oil changes. The Dodge intrepid recieves a "9" for looks but a "0" for overall reliabilty! By the way there is a 99 that looks exactly like ours with the same engine in the trading post with the same problem, a bad engine!!!

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  Chysler needs to work on this one. - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By fjb - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with this car. As soon as the warranty expired, I was continually replacing sensors. Even worse, at 39000 miles we had to replace the transmission!

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  Perfection - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jerry Benson - January 16 - 2:00 am

  What can I say? After 124000 miles, I am totally satisfied. Still drives like new, and because of the superior exterior styling, still looks like new.

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  Back to Pontiac - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By 1Stewart20 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used (46,000 miles) with the hopes that I could go to 100,000 miles with the average maintainance repairs. Boy, was I in for a suprise. The first 1000 miles I drove were good. Then I had a 2 trans problem at 48,000 miles. Followed by a busted tie rod, which was immediately followed by a shock housing problem. Another trans problem, air conditioning problem, heating/blower problem, and now wiper motor is broke... all around 75,000 miles. H20 pump is now going to be the next victim. I have gone through enuf belts to wrap around a city block. I now am going to search out a reliable Pontiac.

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  Get an Accord instead, youll be happier - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jarnail - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this in June 99, it was their demo, a few minor problems at the beginning then the noises coming from the rear, in the end dealer told me he would sue me if I wouldnt leave them alone. I learnt a very expensive lesson take my advice buy a Accord or Camery for a few thousand more youll be happier in the long run. I will admit that Chrysler makes nice looking cars but they lack the engineering to real make this a quality car. Before this car I always bought domestic because I believed that the domestic cars were just as good as japanese and german cars, I know better know.

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  decent value, decent car - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By daver - January 14 - 2:00 am

  The quality of constuction is decent for a Dodge. Except for a MAJOR problem, I have not had one issue regarding build quality. The MAJOR issue had to do with a wiring loom that was being cut by a bracket and shorted under acceleration. After 6 trips to my 5 star (joke of a dealer in Fairmont WV), the car finally shut down on the interstate going 70. With no electrical power at all, my wife was lucky to be able to move from the fast lane to the breakdown lane. 30 days later, another dealer found the problem. No apologies by Dodge or the dealer. They really did not care at all.

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  A mistake Im stuck with! - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By BCmickey - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I fell immediatly in love with it. The seats were comfortable, the car drove great. Everything about it was just what I always wanted. Until I got it home. So far it has died on a off ramp of a highway after the cruise control kicked in automatically and i couldnt stop the car, I took the next exit off the highway and it died. That was the relay sensor.we had to bring it in twice for that problem. Then we were at a gas station, and once in our driveway when the car died. We had to join AAA just to get this car towed to the dealership these two times was due to the battery terminal being corroded. and just resently The car died again, same thing.

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  Great car for the money - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By josho - January 12 - 2:00 am

  The car is excelent to drive and is very reliable. Only had one small issue with the power stearing cooler but was very quick and inexspensive to fix.

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  Nice car with some reliability issues - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By KLJ - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven this car for over 8 years. Styling is still beautiful, and doesnt look "dated". I have always liked driving this car, its roomy and comfortable. We had some problems with it (transmission, AC, engine) at 38,000 to 60,000 miles, but since has been exremely reliable. This car is fun to drive on the highway, and cruises smoothly at 70-75 mph.

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  Simply Beautiful - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Steve Peters - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my 2002 ES Intrepid with 20,000 already on it it was in a rental fleet prior to purchase. I have always wanted one of these cars since the new design came out, and now I own one. Being newly divorced I wanted something sexy and I feel this is the Car for us in our forties "hey any ladies" The car has not given me one problem yet it is very sound and well constructed, no rattles even after being a rental. I believe Chrysler listened to their customers on this one. I am a Quality Engineer in aircraft manufacture for planes that cost millions, and the attention to detail for the cost of this car is right on the mark.