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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  An older one - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Ed1999 - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This is to give you some idea of living with one of these for awhile. This has been a very comfortable car, with great features and good looks. Handles well, looks sporty for a sedan and has plenty of room. Problems have been two: 1. Transmission speed sensor went out at 33,000 miles, had to be towed to dealer. Warranty covered it. 2. AC compressor went out at 42,000 miles, Warranty expired.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By lcar - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Dodge Caravan in 1997 and it proved to be so good I decided to switch to a Dodge Intrepid for our family sedan. This turned out to be a wise choice as it has been trouble free in the first 18000+ miles and gets reasonable gas mileage as well. The car handles great in snow and whips around freeway ramps like a sports car. My wife drives it daily and loves it. We made a wise choice.

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  My White Rider - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Safiyah Farrakhan - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the most comfortable car that I have had in my years of driving! The only thing is that the roof of the car has lost its paint and needs a paint job. Other than that, I feel as though that I am riding a 2002!

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  very pleased - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By vickery - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I too have had air conditioning troubles but consider that to be a minor problem. I have now more then 180000 miles on the car and it still runs extremely well. The body is holding together very well considering the car has seen a lot of gravel road. Excepting routine maintainance (oil changes, tires, windshields, timing belts and brakes) the car has cost well under .01 cents per mile to keep it running.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By dbadonis - April 16 - 2:00 am

  The car has never been a powerful ride, but has always been extremely dependable and comfortable. Ive only had to replace the belts and tires. Everything else is original and is in fine working order.

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  fast and powerfull - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By mitman - April 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is fast and powerfull. 3.5 liter engine. Hasnt broke down on me at all. Had a small oil leak once. Handles great. You can take this baby on the highway and find yourself going 80 mph and fells like your going 50. very smooth. No transmission problems like they say the 95 and 96 models had. This is the last year they created this design, they got all the kinks out the previous 2 years.

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  No Cruise control and poor interior - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Gunda - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I got Dodge Intrepid SE as a company car. I was surprised to learn that SE model does not have a cruise control. Even the very first car I bought 1984 Chevy citation had a cruise control. Indoor passenger side over head handle gave away when I took one of my customers for lunch. I could not believe that this car has such poor engineering indoors. There is a loss of power when I put car in reverse to pull out of a parking spot. Overall with my two months of driving this car daily, I am disappointed. Next time, I would not have this as my company car.

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  nice car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Samanosuke - April 12 - 2:00 am

  awsome

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  1996 White Dode Intrepid - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bob T - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Owned since January Purchased as suprise gift for my wife. Already had Saab in good condition (Whch is also for sale ($2500 or B.O. Excellent ride, quiet, and extermely comfortable. Must drive the vehicle to appreciate. Priced for quick sale. Need some repairs. If repairs done by yourelf, repair costs for parts obviously will be extremely reasonable less $$. This is a Great CAR. A MUST see ! Please e-mail for more info.

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  Great car! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By dpoyner - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. The power of the R/T is great! There is some road noise, but it is easily drowned out by the radio! Lots of room, huge trunk, and a great ride. Very comfortable leather seats.