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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  Very fast and comfortable car to drive - 1997 Dodge Intrepid
  By Fast and Comfortable - February 10 - 3:19 pm

  I own the Intrepid LE 3.5L engine. I bought the car in 1998 to drive to Madison, Wi and Tennessee in the same week and it drove like a champ!! But, a few years later the air conditioner went out. I had to replace a floater in the gas tank and water pump. I had a couple of other items in the front end fixed and the regular maintenance. Now, the oil pressure light has came on which the car will just die out at a red light but starts back up again.A mechanic said that the engine is going out and that I might have a couple months left before it goes out completely. The check engine light comes on but it goes back out sometimes right away and maybe after a day or two. Could it be my crankshaft?

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  Bad choice/ waste of money - 2004 Dodge Intrepid
  By Southern32 - January 25 - 1:37 pm

  I purchased this vechile thinking I was getting my money worth, bad choice. I have spent much more $$ then its worth, problem after problem this car is always in and out of the shop. I wish I had just purchased and old car for cash. The transmission goes into 1st gear causing me to pull over, shut the car off and then re-starting it, nothing but a hassle. So ready to get raid of it.

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  Solid car, good value for the money - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By Wayne - January 19 - 1:28 pm

  Bought it used with 40,000 miles, now has 150,000. 3.5 liter engine. The water pump and timing belt needs replacement every 70,000 or so. Tie rod ends last about 5 years. Its a solid car, nothing fancy in terms of creature comforts, but dependable. I keep track of repair costs and it averages about 1.2 cents per mile driven, much better than 2.4 and 2.8 for my two Bonnevilles. It needs to warm up a while before driving in our cold winters. Daughter has it at college, and still is dependable.

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  A ONE TON PAPERWEIGHT - 2001 Dodge Intrepid
  By LAURA - January 18 - 3:24 pm

  Purchased in 2002. A pretty good car. The only work it needed was routine maintenance like oil changes, tires etc. Ive taken great care with it. The other day it stalled out on me and I had it towed to repair shop. Turns out the water pump failed allowing antifreeze to mix with the motor oil which fried all the bearings. I only had 79000 miles on it. Im blown away that such inferior garbage such as this 2.7L engine can do this and is actually what you can expect to happen. I have an extended warranty but it may not cover the expense of a new motor since the warranty wont exceed the value of the car itself. Ill never ever buy Dodge or Chryseler again!

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  My Pride and Joy - 2000 Dodge Intrepid
  By Intrepidfan000 - January 17 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased the Intrepid in July of 2008 when it had 61494 miles on it. The major selling points I noticed were that although the car is a boat, it handles like a sports car as it glides along the road like a hot knife through butter. It has graceful, yet aggressive lines, very comfortable supportive seats, a cavernous trunk and cabin, and much more. I have had no problems with the car, and it has taken me from A to B efficiently and stylistically. Unfortunately, the car was totaled in January of 2010 at a young age of 70,512 miles. I have heard that 2.7 liter engine has been problematic, but mine gave me no trouble. As long as you treat it like your pride and joy, youll be fine.

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  Will Never buy a Dodge Again - 2002 Dodge Intrepid
  By jenghig - December 29 - 3:14 pm

  I bought this car used, and immediately started having problems with it over heating. Once I got that fixed, it ran great for a few more months, then it broke down again. This time with major engine problems. Ive had the car 3 years and have only been able to use it for 2, considering all the time its been in the shop. My brother had the Stratus and had nothing but problems as well. Would not recommend any Dodge vehicle.

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  Dodge Intrepid 99 - From a 18yr old view - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By RedLine - December 20 - 4:06 am

  Brakes went 2 times, After Driving it harder then 6 cars put it one, Floored on Every STOP LIGHT, Brake Usually last minute, Hard Surfaces, Stop Go Driving - CAR IS GREAt, Dont tell my dad bc he thinks the car sucks bc brakes went 2 times, but its really my fault, Started driving carefully now though, hope it lasts cant let it die early..

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  These cars can go a long way - 2003 Dodge Intrepid
  By David E - December 16 - 11:36 am

  We purchased this car for my daughter with 177000 miles. These miles were accumulated mostly be a salesman in rural Oklahoma. Shortly after we purchased it, we had to replace the alternator. I have replaced one of the mirrors where my daughter backed into a pole at Sonic. All new drivers should have cars with black mirrors so they dont have to go to the body shop for mirror replacement. Car has a huge back seat. My daughter complains about lack of power merging onto the interstate. If we get anywhere near the Edmunds private party price for this car, it will have exceeded our expectations for value. Presently has 193,000 miles.

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  Love My Intrepid - 1995 Dodge Intrepid
  By dsuden - December 13 - 9:35 am

  Ok, its not perfect. It has the same tie-rod issues everybody seems to have. But I presently have 268,000 miles on mine, and it still runs like a top. Extremely nice handling, very comfortable ride, reliable, original engine. AC has been out for years, and its starting to show a little rust on the doors, and sure, I replace a part here and there over time, but I cant kick. It still feels like a luxury car, and I still love the design of it, inside and out.

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  Save your self !!!!! - 1999 Dodge Intrepid
  By gunny519 - November 28 - 7:04 pm

  i own the 2.7 model of the intrepid and now i am having to get a new car because the engine is failing me. i really am trying to save you by telling you to not to buy the intrepid with the 2.7 engine, if it has the other engines you should be just fine. i absolutly loves my car until things started going wrong. the biggest thing right now is the oil consumption, i go through a quart of oil about every 200 miles and there is no leak it is all burnt, there is so much burnt oil coming out of the exhaust that it bothers people behind me. the blower motor also just had to be replaced and there are other things that need fixed but since i am getting a new vehicle im not going to waste my money.