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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  Dodge Intrepid - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dodge98Intrepid - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Its slow. Its loud inside, the noise coming from the floor and the top of the car is horrific. Never buy a base car again!!! Spend the extra dough and try to get the ES version or R/T.

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  A few facts about a certain Intrepid. - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By pvlovisa - December 4 - 2:00 am

  -A/C, went out, refilled with refrigerant and leaked out. Dealer was only shop willing to look at it and wanted $50 just to pull it in. I still dont have A/C. -Brake drums, rotors, and shoes at 80,000. -Starter raplaced at about 90,000. $250 w/labor. -Was warned by other Intrepid owners about the tranny.. 91,600 to date for mine and so far, so good. -Front end starting to sound sloppy, but riding fine. -Had an alignment at 85,000. Misc: some chipping paint, black plastic pieces on either side of rear window are cracking and fading, hood doesnt stay up, trunk relay sticks sometimes and has to be tapped to get the trunk lid to shut again.

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  Perfect! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Mike2 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  After 19000 trouble free miles,its still perfect! No warranty or other repairs and the 100,000 mile warranty is a comfort. Its a great car, good on gas, great looks, comfortable as hell. After several Bad experiences with Taurus and Ford in the past, I bought this because of the warranty and was pleasantly surprised by how great the car turned out as a nice vehicle.

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  Excellent car a must buy - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Rickalliston - November 30 - 2:00 am

  i bought a brand new 1997 intrepid back in mid 1997, i use this car on the daily basis and i use it heavily in traffic and also on the highways, this car has never let me down, the only problem is that the engine light is on but my mechanic says it says that because it is due for a maintance but no major problems. The only thing i would want is that the car would come with a CD player and subwoofer powerful stereo system to listen to my music, even thou its 6 speakers are good enough. Excellent american car.

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  Never again - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By T J T - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the look of this car and really enjoy driving it....when it works. The great looks are more than offset by the significant quality issues Ive had since the day I purchased it. First it was electrical problems (which have continued to this day) such as all dash lights going out and the overhead console lights going out. Then the car just doesnt start at least once per year. And now the heat cuts out and the car overheats. All I can say is never again! Ill never buy a Chrysler product again.

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  The Dodge Intrepid - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Naty - November 26 - 2:00 am

  My 96 Intrepid is a wonderful vehicle.Very smooth ride,thanks to its powerful 6 cylinder engine and smooth transmission.It boasts a comfortable interior,very spacious.The fuel efficiency is top notch.I highly recommend this car if youre in the market for a reliable,comfortable,and luxurious sedan.

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  Im buying another one! - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By KarlP - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Had to buy a used car with high mileage because it was all I could afford. It had 70,000 on it and 2 years later I have 130,000 on it. I put a set of tires on it at Wal-Mart (could not afford another set of Good year Eagles because they dont wear very well). At 100,000 I took it to the dealer and had them change the spark plugs like the manual recommends. All other routine maintenance was done by me, oil and air filters, PCV and brakes etc. NO major repairs needed! The 200 hp motor has plenty of power and gets 30 mpg when cruising at 70! Trading it on a 2001 next week.

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  My perfect purlple car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By loved my intrepid - November 23 - 2:00 am

  was in a side impactwreck I walked away with a tiny scrach and my child injury free very safe car

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  killmedodge - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By kilo ustane - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I was in a 45 m.p.h. wreck head on(not my fault), and neither of my airbags came out. Luckily neither me or my passenger were injured. But whats up with that, im lucky I wasnt killed. Wait until I prove the original airbag is still in there, and I already have a copy of the police report. My lawyer will eat that up Dodge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Miss you! - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By dodgeboy11 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I sold this car a month ago... I loved it and had a hard time parting with it. It had 114500 when I sold it...70K when bought. GREAT engine....lots of power. The transmission never had a problem at all.... Replaced a few things: EGR valve, sway bars. Rest was regular maint. Burned a little oil and dripped a little at the end, but was a good car. Highly recommended