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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  My Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By brianph3 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have been satisfied with my Intrepid, except for the resale value. I owe $14k on a car now valued at $8k. The Intrepid has a fun, sporty ride/drive for a bigger car, exactly what I was looking for.

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  Solid performer - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Russman - January 2 - 2:00 am

  The R/T version is the only way to go. ~250 HP gives plenty of power (although I did notice that acceleration was faster on cold days/nights than hot ones). The Autostick was NOT designed to replace a manual, its there for those of us who usually want an auto, but occasionally like to control our own destiny. The body design is cool, which is a geat thing in a world where most other cars have a boring, squared front end. The only problem I can think of is that I experience static electriciy shocks often when opening the doors.

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  Ill take it! Its ready tomorrow! - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By Kaci - December 28 - 2:00 am

  I too like Bryan rented the Intrepid over the Thanksgiving holiday 2002. I was supposed to ride in a Dodge Neon but lucky for me they did not have any. I loved this car it performed well on the highway and to me it was a luxurious ride. I told my daughter to remember the name of this car. The love of my life is the Nissan Sentra but with this car buy I had to have a 6. Try it, youll like it.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By mom in GA - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 02 Intrepid SXT 5 months ago and it has been in the shop four times with the engine light coming on and the speakers not working. I was told that the gas cap has to be replaced firmly and clicked 3 times or the engine light will come on. My problem keeps returning even though I perform the necessary requirments for replacing the gas cap. When I start the engine, the radio may or may not work. If it gives me static, I have to turn off the engine and restart for it to work. The car rides very low to the ground, so dont straddle the road kill.

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  My love Intrepid - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By ctlee/Choon-Taek Lee - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car nine month ago when I came to USA. At a first look, I was fascinated by its beautiful style. On the test drive, this car showed me smooth and powerful ride. Still I keep this feeling. During the highway drive, it shows tis real value. Smooth, good performance in uphill satisfied me. No repair cost at all except regular maintenance fee.

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  2001 Intrepid R/T Motorsports - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By rg - December 19 - 2:00 am

  The R/T is the top of the intrepid line & it performs like it. The Motorsports edition is very rare & was only made in 2001 to celebrate the return of Dodge to NASCAR. There were only 383 of these cars made. I love the looks of this car & its extremely roomy.

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  recommended! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By dem440c - December 18 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car for my wife to drive, and after nearly two years, she will still gush about how much she loves this car. This is coming from a woman who is very particular, so that is no small feat. The Intrepid is roomy, comfortable, and reliable with good looks, power, handling, versatility, and economy. It is not a sports car, but it is very competent in the city and on the highway, offering the stability of a large car with the nimble and quick characteristics of something much smaller. After almost 30,000 miles, I have done nothing but change the oil and put gas in it.

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  Nothing but trouble - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By hatethiscar - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has been one huge disapointment. Chrysler has ignored my complaints about costly major repairs than began a few miles after the warranty expired. I replaced the rack and pinion system right after the warranty was up. It has mysterious front end clunks that nobody can explain. Ive replaced tensioners in the drive chain. The electronic door lock on the passenger side is squealing loudly. Ive already replaced the rear lock actuator. The seals around all the doors droop and fall down often. I also get a lot of water under my feet that soaks the mats but dont know where its coming from. My seat frames are now rusting.

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  INTREPID ES V6 3.5 - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By AHMED ELHAJ - December 11 - 2:00 am

  VERY SOLID CAR THE V6 3.5 IS A THIRSTY ENGINE BUT THE PERFORMANC IS ALL WORTH IT IT HAS A VERY SLEEK LOOK FOR BUSSINESS OR A NIGHT OUT IN THE CITY

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  LikeMyIntrepid - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Roger - December 9 - 2:00 am

  For what it is, the Dodge Intrepid is a very good car. It has more room than anything else in its price range and looks very sporty for a family car. The gas mileage is good and I have had no problems at all with it mechanically in the 15 months I have owned it.