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:

• 

  Dont owe me a dime! - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By bartolo291 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Seven plus years and 241,000 miles. Got 155,000 miles out of original tires.At 158,000 got a new tranny. One drawback- 4 A/C repairs. Had a waterpump done while under ext. warranty @ 70,000. Been a great car. No other expensive repairs. Paint delaminated in some spots after five or so years. Finally, through normal wear and some neglect car now needs extensive front end work and the fourth A/C repair. Breaks my heart to let it go, but it is beyond economical repair. Engine still runs great. In the overall picture this has been a reliable good looking car. A bargain for the money.

• 

  2000 Dodge Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By bryane - September 11 - 12:23 am

  I have driven this company car for almost two years. I often drive 3-4 hours a day. It is a pleasure to drive and has been perfect since day one. Mileage just turned over 62K.

• 

  Love our car - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By JanJan - September 5 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our car after much research. The Intrepid comes out heads above the rest. It is safe, comfortable, beautiful and fast! You would be hard pressed to find fault with this car.

• 

  great buy - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Dodgeman345 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  ive always been a dodge fan, and this car is no exception to the rule. its VERY reliable, roomy, and just an all- around great car.

• 

  Dans black intrepid - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By daniel j oehl - September 2 - 2:00 am

  excellent car, handles the road beautifully.. almost all miles are long distance....i.e. Pennsylvania to Florida, across the srate of Florida...Pittsburgh to NYC and back many times. only problem is the AC doesnt work.

• 

  Nice looking, but thats all - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Timothy Lambert - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This car has had just about every front end component replaced, and due to its design, every job is an expesive one. The transmission was replaced at 38,000 mi. and I fear that it is ready to go again. The A/C has had 6 separate problems, and the car eats belts like I eat pizza.

• 

  Looks arent everything - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By nothappy - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my intrepid, which I have had since new. It is problematic, though, since it is not reliable, or well built. It is on its 4th stereo, third tranny, third set of front suspension, has expensive front headlights that break in their mounts every year, a/c quit, totally, and needs $1300 repair, leather seats worn through, abs and traction control sensor shot, gas gauge erratic, ignition switch replaced, starter motor rebuilt, aluminum wheels corrode, body rattles, windshield wipers dont wipe the glass, seals around doors dont seal anything. This car looks great, but costs a fortune to own. Give me a Toyota Corolla any day!

• 

  R/T - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By dkr - August 23 - 2:00 am

  My R/T has been an excellent car! No problems to this point. Routine service except the entire exhaust was replaced due to a buzz/whine/rattle in one of the mufflers/resonators. Loads of space for my family of 3, and still good power and sportiness.

• 

  MOVING GARBAGE PAIL - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By jkm127 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been THE worst car I have ever owned. As a result I will NEVER buy another Chryler product. Chryler does not stand behind its product and provide unacceptable customer service. Got buy a Honda or Toyota, you wont have to worry about bring stranded in the middle of a busy freeway during rush hour traffic.

• 

  95 Dodge Intrepid - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Trisha - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I have replaced belts, oil changed frequently, new water pump put in last week.