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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Over 100,00 miles and Still Going Strong - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
By LP - October 22 - 2:00 amWe bought our 1997 Dodge Intrepid new. Love the 3.5 L engine. Lots of pick up. Excellent handling. Had some problems with a fuel leak but the dealer fixed it free.
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Not if it was the last car on earth! - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
By whydidibuydodge - October 11 - 2:00 amI purchased new from the dealer lot. The air conditioner has never worked from the first day. Ive had it back to different dealers every summer since and no one can find out whats wrong with it. Had transmission problems after the first year and at 45,000 was told that I needed a new one. Starter died the third year. Fixed with after- market parts. Every time I brought the car in for service, something else came back broke. Brought it in for a broken headlight, hood release came back broke. Brought it in for brakes, passenger window wouldnt go down. Brought it in for air conditioner (again and again), low-fuel light wont go off.
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a good fast relible car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
By Anton - October 8 - 2:00 amjust buy one it is fast and comfortable and has never yet failed me has huge list of standard features for its price
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Rebuild in progress... - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
By Billl - October 3 - 2:00 amOff to a bad start with transmission replacments. We love the car. 30mpg on hwy. 207,000 currently. We now have this car dealer serviced. Its paid forhas good trans. now, new steering rack.Headlight design dreadful-replaced with newly designed ($$$). Maintain this car like you should any car and you WILL get 250000+ miles out of it.NOTE: Mopar parts are best for this car. Go the cheap route and youll regret it - but there is nothing wrong with that. Dealer knows the car intimately (gave us some free svc at 200K.
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Sleek, stylish, big can be cool, too - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
By emurray - October 3 - 2:00 amAfter bringing it home, discovered auto tranny leak from hose fitting. Repaired under warranty at selling dealer - bad experience. Am now having fun driving to work, hauling the family around and on road trips. The factory stereo in the ES is pretty close to all youll ever need. Not happy with the stingy amount of leather - trimmed seats. Trunk space is unparalleled for a full-size. Replace air filter and muffler/resonator and youll have loads of HP!
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Excellent all-around vehicle - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
By jbrooks - October 1 - 2:00 amThis car was fun to drive, looked sharp, was very dependable, and had most of the creature comforts and extras. It was roomy and could haul my entire drum set, and it could provide ample leg room and comfort for passengers in both front and back. It was also a good value as used car - you get a lot of bang for your buck when buying one of these. I got the car with just under 70,000 miles on it. Repairs were minimal up until the car started getting over 100,000 miles on it. When I sold it, it had 120,000 miles on it and was still running like the day when I bought it.
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No problems at 150000 - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
By d_rives - September 30 - 2:00 amgood buy. I drive this car hard and have but nearly 200 pounds of Nitrous through the engine and it runs great thanks to the low compression ratio of the 3.3 engine.
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I love My Intrepid - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
By Dodge Fan - September 26 - 2:00 amI bought my Intrepid a couple of weeks ago and I just love it. It is fun to drive. It is very big and roomy. Very comfortable too.
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Lot of car for the money - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
By bryan rhodes - September 22 - 2:00 amRented this auto for a week and was very impressed.I liked her enough that I went to my local dealer and bought one.I have looked at other reliability histories and concluded shell be just fine.Only option was the upgraded stereo,standard radio in rental wasnt all that great.Great warranty from dodge,so you cannot go wrong.And at 200hp@3400lbs.,She can really get it..
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2001 Intrepid se - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
By robert jones - September 21 - 2:00 am45 000 miles, 90 % on the highway and never a mechanical problem. Its been a drean to drive and is a great highway cruiser.
