2002 Dodge Intrepid: Road Test
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2002 Dodge Intrepid ▼
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- MSRP: $20,810 -$27,055
- Invoice: $19,334 -$24,955
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Our road test for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Dodge Intrepid from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid help you decide if a 2002 Dodge Intrepid is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | ES | R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 5.6 |
All engines have good low-speed punch and passing power, but the 2.7 feels overworked at highway speeds.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | ES | R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Impressive with 2.7 liter: 26.2 mpg in our tests with mostly highway miles. The 234-hp version of the 3.5 V6 averaged 21.6 mpg in a test that included mostly highway driving. Test Intrepid R/T averaged 19.5 mpg, also in mostly highway driving. Chrysler and Dodge recommend 89-octane fuel for Dodge R/T and Chrysler Concorde Limited, 87 octane for the other engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | ES | R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.7 |
Firm and stable, but not harsh on rough pavement. Base and midline models have the same suspension tuning. R/T has firmer setup, but doesn't ride much harder.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | ES | R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.3 |
Poised and controlled. Among the best full-size sedans. R/T feels even more composed. Braking is short and straight. Intrepids we've tested tended to have slightly better brake-pedal feel than test Concordes.
QUIETNESS
| Base | ES | R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 6.1 |
Noise levels comparable to most similarly priced competitors, though R/T tire roar intrudes on coarse pavement.
CONTROLS
| Base | ES | R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Handy and well designed, though the radio is a bit of a reach. Interior assembly is sound, but hard plastic parts compromise an otherwise pleasing cabin.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | ES | R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Roomy, but lanky 6-ft driver could use a bit more seat travel. Front bench's middle position fits on the child-size, though children of course should ride in back. High rear shelf hurts aft visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | ES | R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Terrific leg room. Plenty of head space, but Concorde's taller roofline provides slightly more clearance than Intrepid's. Doorways are big, but the rear-door shape can interfere with entry.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | ES | R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Trunk is huge. Flat floor extends far forward, but liftover is high. Folding rear seatback standard on Intrepid ES and R/T and optional on Intrepid SE is more versatile than Concorde's pass-through.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | ES | R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 10 | 9 | 6.9 |
Intrepid targets the sportier buyer, while Concorde's message is one of stylish comfort. Both do their jobs well, being roomy, athletic, and competitively priced. Their reputation for reliability trails that of such rivals as the Toyota Avalon and Buick LeSabre, but overall, Concorde and Intrepid are impressive values.
Total Score
| Base | ES | R/T | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 64 | 63 | 59.1 |
Total Score: 63
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