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:

• 

  Still running at 180000 - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tall in MN - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used. It had one year and 57,000 under its belt. The car is now at 180,000 and stil running fairly well. This car has been very reliable for me. Ive travelled all over the U.S. with it. While it is somewhat lacking in power, it more than makes up for it with excellent comfort and a nice interior. I can tell that my transmission will be going out soon. Ive also had numerous replacement of the tie-rods of course, that could be attributed to how I drive it. Other than this, Ive had no major problems with this car. There have been a few minor problems - but overall Ive been very happy.

• 

  great car - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By stinger - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive owned-prettiest too.

• 

  Love my Intrepid - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By TP45 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  In the 15 months since my wife and I purchased our Intrepid we have been extremely happy with the decision to purchase this vehicle. A used car with 12,000 miles from Thriftys rental fleet, the Dodge now has 36,000 miles on the odometer and our only expenses have been for fuel and oil changes. What the base 2.7L engine may lack in low end torque is easily forgotten as the RPMs climb. Fuel economy is excellant for a vehicle of this size.I have experienced fuel mileage in excess of 30MPG for highway driving with an average of 18-20MPG city and highway. It handles and looks great. I will not hesitate to purchase another Intrepid when replacing this car.

• 

  Nice - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Happy Man - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I just this car and it drives great, with a pretty powerful 3.5 liter engine. Overall a great car.

• 

  lessons learned - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By good american - July 30 - 2:00 am

  This was a great looking sedan and was fun to drive. I had many problems with it though. A leaky transmission that took many trips to the dealer to fix (it leaked onto the exhaust manifold and made the car stink inside the cab), leaking power steering pump and leaking water pump replaced before 30K. Also the cassette player died and had to be replaced. The 3.3L engie ran good but was a little weak for this size car. When I sold the car 1 1/2 years later I found out about Chrysler products resale value.

• 

  A Fun, Sporty Large Sedan - 1993 Dodge Intrepid
  By Whisky7 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 4 years now, and no problems at all the last 2. When I bought the car, my mechanic (not a dealer) said "nice car, but buy the warranty" Was he ever right! In the first two years replaced the AC, 2 water pumps, alternator, starter, and battery (all covered under warranty). Other than that, just change the oil every 3000, the plugs every year, gas it up and GO!

• 

  Run-Dont Walk-To Another Brand - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By 1 yr left b4 i ditch - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I am 63 and cannot fit in my grandmothers 93 mercury grand marquise, but no problem in this huge full sized car. Air conditioning has been out a total of 9 times since new, and plenty of brake repairs. Good acceleration, looks, and excellent ride are all pluses however. Am just waiting out the last year before I can afford a new vehicle, with fingers crossed!!

• 

  Second Intrepid ES - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By RWalker - July 21 - 2:00 am

  One of the best looking large cars on the market, the Intrepid ES has room rated in the limo class in some areas. With 38K miles and only the front brakes serviced, its been my experience that Intrepids are very reliable. This is my second Intrepid ES, and the first one had only the A/C and brakes serviced. The ES trim package is well worth it.

• 

  When will they fix my A/C - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Wish4MoreQuality - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Red 96 Intrepid with a 3.5L V6. Fun to drive but has its problem areas. Started with batteries dying, traced to bad POS battery cable. Been in the shop 4 times (or more, lost track)for A/C. Water pump went out early at about 47k miles. Door seals have a lot of wind noise at highway speed. Front suspension had to be redone at about 85k. Just over 100k miles and the steering sounds like its about to go out. Paint faded too early in my opinion. Sealed beam headlights werent as sealed as name implied, consensation inside and have to drive with fog lights on at night to see.

• 

  Nice car...if it did not keep breaking! - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Aaron Humberston - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Paint went to crap,the tie rods needed to be replaced, ABS sensor died,brake pads every year,Airbag quit working, cd works intermittently,trunk release busted,new hoses,power window broken,radio doesnt work, transmission stalls before shifting, A/C cooling fan broken, a dealer item only so you have to buy the five hundred dollar Cooling fan + A/C fan + grill, A/C doesnt switch from fresh air to recycled air, seams of seats coming apart,floor rust on carpet, mysterious intermittant stalling,Numerous recalls broken driver seat that just fell back while driving, power seat broken, parts expensive. Scary to drive! Be afraid!