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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  208k And Going Strong - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By R. Sheppard - April 17 - 6:39 pm

  I bought the car used with 185K. have had minor problems, ie brakes, Headlights, Axle. nothing that could persuade me to get rid of the car. the intrepid is roomy and handles well. I have put 28K miles on that used engine and all I do is keep changing the oil. I would recommend the Intrepid to anyone.

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  i must have got the only good one - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By jose - April 10 - 10:42 pm

  i have a 2001 se with 2.7 v6 and 123,000 + miles on the original engine and tranny. had to replace battery once and brakes as needed water pump at 100k did it myself and timing chain & guides while I was in there anyway. damn good car runs like new. I wonder if all the complainers ever heard of regular oil changes? Ill buy another one when this one dies if ever!

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  First vehicle, I loved it, i miss it. - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Jm - April 8 - 2:44 pm

  This was my first car and i absolutely loved it, had to fix a few things when i first got it because the previous owner didnt take care of it but after that it was perfect. It was incredibly comfortable inside, handled really well especially for its size, good power (i had the bigger V6), and for its size the gas mileage was pretty darn good. The only reason i dont have it anymore is because I got into a pretty serious wreck with a Buick Century and Im pretty sure this car saved my life or at least my spine. Would buy another one if i could in a second great buy!

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  Such a disappointment - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By adrianita458 - April 2 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car yesterday at a car auction. i knew that buying any car at an auction, i was going to have a lot of things to fix but i never expected anything like this. I left the car auction and was on my way home with the car and i kept hearing this knocking noise. it kept getting louder and louder so i was going to take it to my mechanic when the car practically just quit on me. would start at first but made awful noise. my mechanic said engine (2.7) is bad! so im stuck. didnt even get the car home. reviews on this car is terrible! take a look before buying. im going to try & get a 3.2 engine. dont know if it will work though. wish i would have known before i got it..

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  TANK! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By smiley - March 17 - 7:12 am

  I have owned my 99 intrepid for about 6 months put it through hell and back. a week after i got it i smeared a deer. sat in the garage till Jan. got the new door and fender that was messed up from hitting the deer. yesterday i rear ended someone and totaled his car. only scratched my car. I hit him doing 40. and Im still driving it. no problems besides deployed airbags now. Love this car! Im getting another one!

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  Gas mileage - 1998 Dodge Intrepid
  By Bud - March 13 - 8:26 pm

  Im only doing this because you showed fuel economy 20 mpg. I get 30 mpg highway even got 32 mpg all the way across Wyoming on 85 octane. Checked mpg closely last August - carefully - got 30 mpg exactly. Current odometer 99k. Im 78 yrs old. Owned several Chryslers and Dodges and Fords. Chrysler was better by far.

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  keep maintained - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By destini - March 6 - 12:43 pm

  this is a fun car to drive. 1st time owning a dodge. as long as maintained is a good car / risky if buying pre-owned. Common issue is head gasket, pistons & value guides causes car to smoke. After having these issues fixed I havent been able to go to beach (anything to do with driving over mountains, huge inclines as such) but in city has been good car. Had car accident totaled vehicle I will not purchase another 1 but if had not been totaled I would still enjoy this car. Maintenance has not been to bad, really suggest just keep it up and should be an ok car.

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  A ONE TON PAPERWEIGHT! - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By laura - March 2 - 8:49 am

  loved my car until I reached the 79000 mile mark. My water pump failed allowing antifreeze to mix with oil which fried out all the bearings. Had to pay $600 just to cover the labor for the mechanic to get to the part. It will cost more to replace motor than the car is worth. I never imagined a car could fail so completely at this low of miles. Now that its fixed my mechanic says I should dump the car because their transmissions have a 50% failure rate. Nice work Dodge! You can be sure I wont be purchasing your product again.

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  I love my 2000 Dodge Intrepid - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Cornelius Daly - February 22 - 12:00 am

  I purchased this car in the fall of 2003 as I had owned another car that failed . So the Dealer replaced it with the Dodge Intrepid. Now this car is loaded and at the time of purchase it had 78000 miles on it. Other then the general maintenance and the origional parts like Starter, Belts,Battery, 2 pullys, Alternator, Brake Pads, and tires. I havent had any other trouble. The car came equipped witg an Auto-Stick and A/C and cloth Interior, and AM/FM Stereo Cassette/CD Power Windows, Mirrors, Locks, Alarm,Power Steering, Brakes, Bucket Seats, Fog Lamps, Front and Rear Lighter, and Alumenum Wheels and it delivers between 25-32 mpg and its an awesome car.

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  I LOVE MY DODGES! :} - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Tara J - February 12 - 6:32 am

  Bought in immidate need of a car after my caravan was totaled didnt have much info barely looked it over and honestly hated it. My radio/clock didnt work, bad AC,wipers just never were enough even new, had to replace brake lines, now brake pads and forever adding oil. Horn stopped working, and highlights werent bright though bulbs were good. I barely got 17mpg in town, as much as I hated and didnt keep up manitence it was still A TANK! It got me where I needed to go and is still running strong with all that needs working on at 166000+ miles. I will miss the size, just bought a neon, but otherwise wont miss the car. Needs alot of manitence so much I just couldnt keep up. owned 18 months