Dodge Intrepid

The Dodge Intrepid was Introduced in 1993 and retired in 2004, the Intrepid was a large sedan that distinguished itself as the division's top selling car in many of its years on the market. Dodge knew that value is a concept that attracts most car buyers every time and so made value its key strategy for the Dodge Intrepid and offered an affordably priced car with good features. This led to excellent results for the company and this poular car is still a good choice as a second hand car.

Dodge created an alternative that that had an innovative cabin-forward layout with a steep windshield and short front giving it a sculpted, fearless or “intrepid look”. It is true that the look didn’t inspire everybody but lets not forget that this was a notoriously bland segment.

The new Dodge Intrepid was a practical car with a lot of space. The cab forward design was characterized by the long, low slung windshield, and relatively short overhangs. The wheels were effectively pushed to the corners of the car, creating a much larger passenger cabin than the contemporaries of the time. The sedan could seat five adults in comfort as well as taking care of their luggage. It was an agile car that performed well with powerful engines that contradicted its looks.

On the downside rearward visibility fell somewhat short and the trims and interior finish weren’t great. Also its engines could get very noisy when put to work. Still, a late-model Dodge Intrepid is a great pick in many ways for second hand buyers looking for a used car that has competent handling with roomy passenger and cargo areas.

The most recent Intrepid generation spanned model years 1998 through 2004. This car continued on the cabin-forward theme but offered styling that was sleeker and better looking. It also got an engine upgrade, with two new V6s in the lineup.

Base Intrepids were powered by a 2.7-liter V6 good for 200 horsepower and 190 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 had a 3.5-liter V6 producing 242 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. In 2002, Dodge stopped the 3.2-liter engine and replaced it with a 234-hp version of the 3.5-liter V6. All Intrepid models came with a four-speed automatic transmission. RT had manual shift.

In 2000, the base models got new fabric for its seats, child-seat anchors and a dash CD changer that was added to the options list on all 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 which was replaced with a six-CD changer in 2003.

Dodge Intrepid Photos