2001 Dodge Intrepid: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Front side airbags are a new option for Dodge's full-size sedan. Intrepid shares a basic design with the Chrysler Concorde but has different styling. Intrepid comes in base SE, uplevel ES, and performance-oriented R/T models. All have a V6 engine. SE and ES's standard 2.7 liter has 200 hp. Optional on ES is a 222-hp 3.2. R/T has a 242-hp 3.5. All use a 4-speed automatic transmission; on ES and R/T it's Chrysler's AutoStick with separate gate for manual shifting. ABS is optional on SE and ES, standard on R/T. Front bucket seats are standard, but optional bench for SE gives 6-passenger seating. R/T has firmer suspension, unique trim, 17-inch wheels. New Motorsports option includes rear spoiler and yellow-letter tires on tinted 17-inch wheels.

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 two Recommended 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.