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 - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By bobtribe - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has a great style. The engine sounds very nice and can get up and go very fast for its size. I went on a trip to Wyoming with this car from Oregon. The Car was a blast to drive, it was a great experiance. And the whole time I got around 28+ mpg which was REALLY good for the power.

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  Goodys Intrepid - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By goody03 - November 11 - 2:00 am

  sweet car! it is very fun to drive. i am goin to be a dodge boy forever.

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  a-ok vehicle - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Commander - November 11 - 2:00 am

  The car is a good looking vehicle. Plenty of trunk space. Nice interior...roomy. Comfortable to drive.

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  Such potential - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By TNB - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I have loved the size and power of this car, which I bought used. The several tall people in my family love the interior room. Repairs have been more frequently than I had hoped, and usually were expensive. At 100,000 I have had two lifter jobs, replaced all the struts and upper mounts, replaced the radiator, and have done the expensive tie rod repair. The exterior body is very attractive and is holding up well over the years. The wheel covers have worn out and are very expensive to replace.

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  You must be Intrepid to drive it! - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Lady Mopar - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Have driven Chrysler products my whole life. Never found one I didnt love until now. Paid just over $7000 for it three yrs ago with 54K on it in very nice condition, now at 87K and have had to spend over half the purchase price in repairs. Brakes (ABS) and rotors replaced twice,water pump,completely reconstructed the front end to the tune of $3000 this year, replaced cam shaft and crank shaft sensors. A/C repaired and still doesnt work. Its pretty to look at, but drive doesnt equal love.

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  Not bad for cheap! - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By OK - November 5 - 2:00 am

  A/C is junk. Not worth fixing when it dies - which it will. Otherwise, mechanically ok.

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  01 Intrepid SE - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By Hendersnb - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Good to look at, dog to drive. The 2.7L V-6 allows for no passing or merging. The dealer wont tell you that these cars are the easiest to steal. all you need is a flathead screwdriver. If you buy an intrepid, buy lowjack to go with it.

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  some problems - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dan69St - October 28 - 2:00 am

  well I have put about 13,000 miles on it since April when I bought it and I have been having some problems. I Put in a new wheel bearing, now I have an overheating problem and I am not sure what all it is. I changed the thermostat, the water pump and still no relief of the temp. Flushed the radiator and everything. There is no sign of a blown Head gasket or a cracked block. But besides that the car was running great no other complaints besides.

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  Dodge Intrepid ES is the best vehicle - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Rachel - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a intrepid for 1 year. They are great winter cars, very reliable no major problems. Brakes may go out more than they should. 3.2L 24valve engine is very peppy.Autostick on ES models is a cool toy. Very sporty. The best vehicle to buy if you want a large sedan.

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  This car is a lemon. - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By MC819 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Our department received this vehicle just over a year ago. We do not utilize it very much and have only put on about 5,000 miles so far. The cars mileage total is now 52,000. In the last year we have had the car the shop so many times for so many problems that Ive lost track. The biggest problems were electrical and brakes although recently it also blew a head gasket and right now it is in for a new radiator. One of my coworker also has the misfortune to own one and has had front end problems, brake problems and engine problems as well. L e m o n!