2000 Dodge Intrepid: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The midyear launch of a performance-oriented R/T model headlines changes to Dodge's full-size sedan for 2000. Intrepid shares its basic design with the Chrysler Concorde, but has different styling.
Base Intrepids this year get standard 16-inch wheels in place of 15s and add a power sunroof to their options. On ES models, antilock brakes are no longer standard but are optional, as on the base model. Antilock brakes, 17-inch wheels and tires, and unique trim are included with the new R/T.
Intrepid's standard 2.7-liter V6 makes 200 horsepower in the base model, 202 in the ES. Optional on the ES is a 225-hp 3.2-liter V6. The R/T uses a 242-hp 3.5-liter V6. The only transmission is a 4-speed automatic, with the ES and R/T getting Chrysler's Autostick, which has a separate gate for manual shifting. Front bucket seats and a floor shift lever are standard, but the base model offers an optional front bench seat and column shift for 6-passenger seating.

COMPETITION

This segment has been hardest hit by the huge popularity of sport-utility vehicles. Just a few years ago there were more than 12 cars in the segment and now there are just seven. Heading up the field as Best Buys are the Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid twins. They have real room for six, exceptional road manners, and plenty of power. Toyota's Avalon and Buick's LeSabre are twoRecommended choices. Both have room for five and offer a comfortable ride (with modest handling capabilities). If you are looking for towing ability or don't mind having a rear-drive car, then we recommend you take a look at the Ford Crown Victoria. With its rear-drive layout and body-on-frame chassis it's a dinosaur in this class, but Ford has updated it nicely over the years and it comes at a reasonable price.