Dodge Intrepid

Dodge Intrepid Models

There are three Dodge Intrepid models available: The base Dodge Intrepid SE, the ES, and the sporty R/T.

The SE Intrepid comes with a 200-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 and a standard automatic transmission. The other models come with Chrysler's AutoStick, which allows the driver to switch between regular automatic and semi-automatic shift modes.

The Dodge Intrepid ES comes with a choice between the 2.7-liter (retuned to produce slightly more torque and horsepower than the SE model) or the more powerful 225-horsepower 3.2-liter V6.

The performance-oriented R/T model comes standard with a larger 242-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, performance-tuned exhaust, and 17-inch alloy wheels with aggressive P225/55R17 tires. A premium Infinity sound system (with a cassette player, in-dash four-CD changer and steering wheel-mounted audio controls) is a new option on the R/T.

Leather seating surfaces are available as part of a comprehensive options package that also includes an automatic climate control system.

Driving the Dodge Intrepid

The Dodge Intrepid handles amazingly well for such a large sedan. Part of the secret lies deep in its body architecture. The chassis was designed with increased torsional rigidity, including an aluminum cross beam mounted behind the instrument panel. That extra stiffness translates into less body shake and roll, reduced noise, vibration and harshness, and improved handling and stability. Extensive use of aluminum helps minimize weight without sacrificing stiffness.

This is an easy car to drive and covering long distances in it is a pleasant experience. The seats are especially comfortable. Tires have been upgraded to 16 inches for the SE and ES models. The Intrepid comes with 16-inch steel wheels, with optional alloy wheels available for the ES. (The R/T model comes with 17-inch alloys.) The tires on our ES offered impressive grip. I was amazed at how well it handled snow and ice after a snowstorm that dumped six inches on the Washington, D.C., area. I even managed to cruise up several hills in deep snow.

The Intrepid ES comes with a 225-horsepower 3.2-liter V6. This all-aluminum engine was developed specifically for this family of sedans. It feels very powerful and sounds good under hard acceleration and delivers excellent acceleration performance, whether starting from a standstill or passing at high speeds. This engine is capable of propelling the Intrepid from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-eight-second range, which is quite quick for a big sedan.

The transmission shifts effectively without hunting for the appropriate gear. It's also entertaining to pull it back a notch and use the AutoStick mode. This allows the driver to shift up by pushing the lever to the right or downshift by moving it toward the left.

Brakes are excellent, offering quick, stable stopping power at threshold. ABS is available and we recommend it as anti-lock brakes allow the driver to maintain steering control during emergency braking situations. ABS comes packaged with traction control, which enhances driver control by reducing wheel spin under hard acceleration. The traction control system made the Intrepid easier to drive briskly on icy, snow-covered roads. Intrepid's quad beams provide brilliant illumination.