Dodge’s 2004 Intrepid is a mid- size to large size vehicle that combines a reasonable price with a slick, aerodynamic design and great performance. Dodge first introduced the Intrepid in 1993 and it has undergone a few changes and modifications over the years, reaching its present- day appearance with the redesign that took place in 1998. Today’s Intrepid is almost identical to last years model, and it remains one of the best vehicles on the market for its price range.
Features of This Vehicle:
The 2004 Intrepid comes in three different trim levels: SE, SXT, and ES. The SE is the most basic and the least expensive; ES is the most luxurious; and the SXT falls somewhere in the middle. All three trim levels come with the basics, like air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, five- passenger seating capacity, automatic headlights, power windows, mirrors and locks, rear window defogger, etc. If you upgrade to the SXT, you get extra standard equipment like CD player, fog lights, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, power seats, etc. And at the ES level, you get all the standard equipment that the SXT offers plus a little bit more, like leather seats, trip computer, anti- theft security system, and second row folding seats.
All Intrepid models come with a V6 engine, but there are two different sizes: 2.7 liter and 3.5 liter. The smaller engine is standard on the SE and it produces 200 horsepower. The larger 3.5 liter is standard on the SXT and ES models and it kicks in the strength of 234 horses on the ES and 244 on the SXT.
Other Statistics:
All Intrepids carry the same basic warranties: 36 month, 36,000 mile bumper to bumper; 84 month, 70,000 mile powertrain; and 60 month, 100,000 rust. The interior volume is the same in all three trim levels: 104.5 cubic feet of passenger volume and an 18.4 cubic foot trunk. The fuel tank holds 17 gallons and the maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds for the SE and 2,000 pounds for the SXT and ES.
Fuel economy is pretty good with the Intrepid. The SE model offers slightly better gas mileage ratings, due to its smaller engine size. It gets 21 mpg in city and 29 highway. The larger engine achieves mileage ratings of 19 and 27 city/highway.
Pricing:
The 2004 Intrepid carries a price tag that falls between $21,000 and $24,500, based on the trim level and the number of options selected. One nice thing about the price is that it hasn’t changed much at all in the past year. The MSRP for 2004 is only about $230 higher than 2003- an increase of only one percent, keeping the Intrepid in a price range that’s still affordable for most families.
Final Thoughts:
Dodge Intrepid is probably my favorite vehicle in its class! I love the slick, aggressive exterior and the powerful 3.7 liter engine on the ES and SXT models that propels the car so smoothly. The aerodynamic shape not only looks great, it also helps the vehicle to slice through the wind as the driver cruises down the road. It’s a thing of beauty, both at rest and at work.
The instrument panel on the Intrepid (and most newer Dodge vehicles) features white- colored dials that are much easier to view than the old dark dials that were commonplace for so many years. They are easier to read, especially in the dark. Armrests in the front slope upward, so they feel more comfortable and they give you a better feeling of being in command of the controls than the level armrests of yesteryear.
Intrepid offers plenty of interior space, and that includes both head room and leg room. The only thing I found a bit annoying is the back seat entry. The rounded edge of the rear doors can make entry a little more difficult when compared to the front. Once inside, though, passengers will be very comfortable. The rear seat can hold three adults with more comfort than you get with other mid- size to large cars.
There is no dual- climate control on the Intrepid, like you get with other new models. That means the passenger and driver will have to agree on the most comfortable air temperature for the heat or vent. This is one of the few complaints that I have with the Intrepid and its one that could easily be improved upon with minimal effort from the folks at Dodge.
Intrepid’s SE model is, like I stated before, the most basic of the three models offered. But you still get a good number of standard features and most everything that the SXT and ES offers can be obtained as optional equipment on the SE. Which means that the only real difference among the trim levels is the engine size. In my opinion, the smaller, 2.7 liter 200 horsepower engine isn’t quite enough power for this size vehicle. Intrepid has a curb weight of approx. 3,500 pounds and it needs the power of the stronger, 3.7 liter engine to improve its performance. The larger engine produces a smooth, slick ride that can make sharp turns with ease and increase speeds quickly and smoothly.
Rebates and low interest rates are being offered to help increase sales of the Intrepid and they can really make a difference if you decide to purchase. I have seen rebates as high as $3,000 and interest rates as low as zero (for a 36- month loan) or 1.9% (for a 48 month loan). Car sales have been rather sluggish and Dodge (as well as most other car makers) has felt the need to offer these incentives to improve sales levels.
All and all, the 2004 Dodge Intrepid is an excellent value for the money. It offers a medium to large sedan with a more sporty look and feel than you get with its closest competitors (like Toyota’s Avalon, Chrysler’s Concorde, and Buick’s Le Sabre). It’s a large, family size car with many of the desirable features that you normally expect from a sports car along with very good fuel economy for a car this size. These features make the 2004 Dodge Intrepid my favorite vehicle in its class. It’s an all- around great car, both in looks and performance and it has a price tag that can easily fit into most family budgets. Take a test drive and see how much fun the 2004 Dodge Intrepid can be!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 23,800
Condition: New Model and Options: 2004 Intrepid ES
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.