2003 Dodge Intrepid: Road Test
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2003 Dodge Intrepid ▼
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- MSRP: $21,155 -$24,475
- Invoice: $19,645 -$22,633
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Our road test for the 2003 Dodge Intrepid includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Dodge Intrepid from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Dodge Intrepid, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Dodge Intrepid help you decide if a 2003 Dodge Intrepid is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE | ES | SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
All engines have good low-speed punch. The 2.7 feels overworked at highway speeds, however, while either version of the 3.5 delivers fine passing and merging response.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE | ES | SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Impressive for a large car. With 2.7 V6, averaged 26.2 mpg in tests that included mostly highway driving. Test models with 234-hp 3.5 averaged 21.6--also in mostly highway driving. Test Concorde Limited with 250-hp V6 averaged 19.8; expect the same for the Intrepid ES and SXT. Chrysler and Dodge recommend 87-octane fuel for all engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE | ES | SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Firm and stable, but not harsh on rough pavement. Concorde Limited's 17-inch tires can be less forgiving on sharp ridges and bumps than the 16s on Intrepids and other Concordes, so try before you buy.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE | ES | SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Poised and controlled. Among the best full-size sedans. Braking is short and straight. Intrepids we've tested tended to have slightly better brake-pedal feel than test Concordes.
QUIETNESS
| SE | ES | SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
Noise levels comparable to most similarly priced competitors.
CONTROLS
| SE | ES | SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
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)
| SE | ES | SXT | 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 only child-size passengers, though children of course should ride in back. High rear shelf hurts aft visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE | ES | SXT | 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
| SE | ES | SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Huge trunk's flat floor extends far forward, but liftover is high. Concorde's rear-seat pass-through less versatile than split folding rear seatback standard on Intrepid SXT and ES and optional on Intrepid SE.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE | ES | SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 10 | 10 | 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
| SE | ES | SXT | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 64 | 65 | 59.8 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Large Cars
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