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:
Showing 771 through 780 of 825.00-
Dodge Intrepid 1998 ES - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
By Traci - June 11 - 2:00 amI have had this car for four years now and it has 86,000 miles on it. The only problems I can say that I have had are the brakes. I have had the rotors turned several times and then replaced. My brake pads also seem to be replaced almost annually. This is the only complaint. Everything else has been great!
-
Great Car - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
By cincy80 - June 11 - 2:00 amI love my Intrepid. For your money you cannot get more. The power is awesome and the handling is great.
-
Dodge Intrepid Safe and rugged - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
By T Speicher - June 8 - 2:00 amCrash integrity is excellent. Front end crash at 50mph resulted in very little damage to vehicle. A second crash of a direct side impact crumpled the front end and engine compartment made the car unrepairable. The only injuries received was a brused knee and sprained ankle on my wife. This was a 1996 Intrepid I know own a 1999 and a brand new 2002.
-
Intrepid-Good - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
By wino77 - June 4 - 2:00 amThis car is extremely well designed and engineered. The reliability suffers from American workmanship, but major items were repaired under warrenty. It is an extremely comfortable and well handling car. It looks great for a sedan.
-
A love-hate relationship - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
By Susky - June 3 - 2:00 amI have the 3.5 liter with the larger wheels. Almos the ES, without the nameplate. Plenty of power, and not bad to drive. BUT...I had to REPLACE the tranny at 80,000 miles, my paint is peeling (the dreaded de-lamination problem), and the AC compressor is dead. Im afraid to shell out for a compressor, for fear that something else will die. This car is a potential money pit. When it works, its great. But the problems have turned this Mopar fan into a Mopar hater.
-
Please Read - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
By wxman1213 - May 25 - 2:00 amI bought this car, in perfect shape, with 53K miles on it. Ive religiously changed the oil and it now has 94K on it. This is NOT high for high quality car. In 3 months, the engine went from being trouble free to burning a qt of oil/week. Diagnosis: top end needs rebuilding. No REPUTABLE or HONEST mechanic or rebuild shop will touch it. Daimler Chrysler uses build techniques and equipment that shops cant duplicate. I can buy another 2.7L motor from a junkyard or a dealership at one heck of a price (quoted $4K to $8K). Ive had 3 other problems: faulty oil pressure sensor, power window motor failure, and engine accessory belt pulley bearing failure.
-
1994 Dodge Inrepid - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
By Drummer14 - May 24 - 2:00 amI bought this vehicle from my uncle. Ive only owned it for a month now but it has been a great car to drive in. The A/C is a problem but I try not to concentrate on that. I like the pick of the V6 engine because i have been use to 4 cyclinders. It is a fun car to drive in but I dont like the headlights. They are dahl and yellow and thats the only thing i dont like about the whole car but other than that i am happy i bought it,
-
intrepid owns the roads - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
By hotdudefromMI - May 23 - 2:00 amexcellent car inside and out. the only probloms i had was the check engine light came on all the time for pointless reasons!!!! love the stock stereo system and the 3.5l v6 paired with the 16 in. tires.
-
Just Bought it - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
By keenmchn - May 17 - 10:00 amJust bought today, 24,000 miles on it and drives like a dream. Very tight handling, smooth and responsive. Huge trunk. Wish the radio was above the climate controls. Paid under $10,000 (we knew somebody). Happy as can be, although my RR window wont roll down. Im glad I bought an aftermarket warranty :)
-
Reliable - 1993 Dodge Intrepid
By ewing20 - May 15 - 2:00 amIve been driving this car since 93 and its the most reliable car ive ever driven not to mention stylish and comfortable. The only two problems ive had were the headlights beam are spread way to far and the spark plug wires are to hard to change you have to take the whole plate off to get to them and if you dont do it yourself it cost you around $400 dollars for the dealership to do it.
