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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  Great for Singles Too!! - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By SuzyQ - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Intrepid E/S with all the xtras. It is my first car and I love it!! It is fun to drive, roomy for friends and family. Gas mileage could be a little bit better. The car is extremely comfortable, very easy to handle. Rear visibility and car length makes parking difficult -- but easy to get over considering that this car is so great. I was hoping to get a BMW or Infinity I30 for my first car. I have absolutely no regrets!!

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  96 Dodge Intrepid - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By M E Caulfield - March 17 - 2:50 pm

  I am lucky to have had the extended warranty on this car because in the last 2 years I have had over 3000 in repairs (transmission/air cond./ control arm/springs/struts). Luckily almost everything was covered under the extended warranty.

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  family car - 1993 Dodge Intrepid
  By markdowns - March 16 - 10:47 pm

  reliable car but poor airconditioning and transmission and poor tire rods also fuel rack bad with major recall nicesize car though with good rideand good fuel economy

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  Dodge intrepid - 1994 Dodge Intrepid
  By Lydiadh - March 16 - 4:38 am

  so far this vehicle seems to have a problem with the air conditioning unit....it seems to be an ongoing problem with this car, not sure if it is a regular problem with this type and year of vehicle.

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  Ralphs Intrepid - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By R.Ralph - March 13 - 4:59 pm

  Very Good experience

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  intrepid98 - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By randyc - March 11 - 11:15 pm

  good pickup, good gas milage.fun to drive

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  Intrepid - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jon Spiropolous - March 7 - 9:58 pm

  very nice car

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  THIS CAR IS AWESOME, A PERFECT 10!!! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By ANNIE17 - March 7 - 9:05 pm

  My fiancee and I just purchased a new 2001 Dodge Intrepid SE, and let me be the first to say what a wonderful choice we made! Not only is the car gorgeous, it handles like a sports car, pulls like a truck, runs like a dream, and definitely catches peoples eyes! We are sooooooo happy with this vehicle.

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  lot for the $ - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By roger c - March 4 - 7:29 pm

  We have a big family, so I needed a vehicle that would seat 6, but did not want a 2nd minivan or big boat. I wanted something with the room but still fun to drive. Quickly narrowed the search to the Impala, Bonneville and Intrepid. After long test drives, the Intrepid seemed the obvious choice. Great styling, good handling, fairly powerful engine. Its been dependable and for the price, you cant find a car that gives you more.

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  A good family car - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By nthurber - March 4 - 3:44 pm

  The Intrepid so far seems to be a excellent buy, Handling and power are nice and the ride is excellent. Road noise from the tires at times can be a little loud but not a big deal. On sundays this car transports 4 adults and 1 child without a problem, there is plenty of room. Parking this car can be a trick sometimes though and backing up isnt always a treat, but with that aside it has proven to be a excellent buy. Just wish it had ABS standard