Dodge Intrepid: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Dodge Intrepid was offered as a Sedan across two generations, with production running from June 1992 through August 2004. Choosing among its six listed versions depends mainly on whether the priority is lower fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, a better weight-to-power ratio, or newer-generation specifications. The first generation has two versions, while the second has four.
The Dodge Intrepid was offered as a Sedan across two generations, with production running from June 1992 through August 2004. Choosing among its six listed versions depends mainly on whether the priority is lower fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, a better weight-to-power ratio, or newer-generation specifications. The first generation has two versions, while the second has four. The first-generation 3.5 AT delivers the quickest acceleration and highest top speed in the data; the second-generation 3.5 AT with 247 hp offers the greatest horsepower and torque. Buyers seeking the lowest measured consumption should compare the first-generation 3.3 AT, while second-generation fuel-consumption figures are not measured.
Dodge Intrepid generations: what changed?
The first-generation Dodge Intrepid was produced from June 1992 through August 1997 as a Sedan. Its two versions are the 3.3 AT with 163 hp and the 3.5 AT with 218 hp. Both use Gasoline, a 4-speed Automatic gearbox and FWD. Their kerb weights are relatively close, but their performance differs substantially: the 3.5 AT has 55 hp and 55 Nm more than the 3.3 AT, while weighing only 7 kg more. It also reaches 100 km/h 2.4 seconds sooner.
The second-generation Dodge Intrepid ran from September 1997 through August 2004 and remained a Sedan. Its four versions comprise the 2.7 AT, 3.2 AT and two 3.5 AT specifications distinguished by output: 237 hp and 247 hp. Every version retains Gasoline power, a front-longitudinal engine position, a 4-speed Automatic gearbox and FWD. Compared with the first generation, this generation provides a broader engine range, a 64-liter rather than 68-liter tank, measured ground clearance of 130 mm, and gross-weight figures of 2,070 kg. Fuel consumption is not measured for any of its four versions.
Dodge Intrepid engine options and specs
All six Dodge Intrepid versions have a naturally aspirated V-shaped 6-cylinder Gasoline engine with distributed injection (multi-point). The engine is mounted Front, longitudinal, and every version combines a 4-speed Automatic transmission with FWD. The principal differences are displacement, output, torque and the number of valves per cylinder.
| Generation and version | Displacement | Power | Torque | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 3.3 AT | 3,301 cc | 163 hp / 120 kW | 245 Nm | Gasoline, 92 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 3.5 AT | 3,518 cc | 218 hp / 160 kW | 300 Nm | Gasoline, 92 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 2.7 AT | 2,736 cc | 203 hp / 149 kW | 257 Nm | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 3.2 AT | 3,221 cc | 228 hp / 167 kW | 305 Nm | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 3.5 AT, 237 hp | 3,518 cc | 237 hp / 174 kW | 327 Nm | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 3.5 AT, 247 hp | 3,518 cc | 247 hp / 182 kW | 339 Nm | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
The first-generation 3.3 AT has 2 valves per cylinder; every other listed version has 4. Specific output rises from approximately 49.4 hp per liter in the first-generation 3.3 AT to 62.0 hp per liter in the first-generation 3.5 AT. The second-generation results are approximately 74.2 hp per liter for the 2.7 AT, 70.8 for the 3.2 AT, 67.4 for the 237 hp 3.5 AT and 70.2 for the 247 hp 3.5 AT. Therefore, the second-generation 2.7 AT produces the most horsepower per liter, although it is not the most powerful or quickest version overall.
Dodge Intrepid performance and fuel economy
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 3.3 AT | 10.7 s | 197 km/h | 14.1 L/100 km | 8.1 L/100 km | 10.3 L/100 km |
| First generation 3.5 AT | 8.3 s | 219 km/h | 15.5 L/100 km | 8.9 L/100 km | 11.3 L/100 km |
| Second generation 2.7 AT | 10.5 s | 187 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 3.2 AT | 8.6 s | 192 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 3.5 AT, 237 hp | 8.6 s | 187 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 3.5 AT, 247 hp | 8.5 s | 210 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The first-generation 3.5 AT is the performance choice by acceleration and top speed: its 8.3-second result is 0.2 seconds quicker than the 247 hp second-generation 3.5 AT, while its 219 km/h maximum is 9 km/h higher. Against the first-generation 3.3 AT, it cuts 2.4 seconds from the acceleration time and adds 22 km/h to top speed.
That additional performance comes with higher measured consumption. The first-generation 3.5 AT uses 1.4 L/100 km more in the city, 0.8 L/100 km more on the highway and 1.0 L/100 km more combined than the 3.3 AT. Consequently, the 3.3 AT is the consumption-led choice among versions for which economy is measured.
Within the second generation, the 247 hp 3.5 AT is 0.1 seconds quicker to 100 km/h than both the 3.2 AT and the 237 hp 3.5 AT. Its 210 km/h top speed exceeds the 3.2 AT by 18 km/h and the 237 hp 3.5 AT by 23 km/h. The 2.7 AT is the slowest second-generation option at 10.5 seconds, although that is 0.2 seconds quicker than the first-generation 3.3 AT. Direct economy comparisons involving any second-generation version are impossible because city, highway and combined consumption are not measured.
Dodge Intrepid dimensions, weight and practical specifications
Exterior length, width, height and other body dimensions are not measured in the supplied specifications. The available size-related figures cover kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, fuel-tank capacity and, for one version, wheel sizes.
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 3.3 AT | 1,485 kg | not measured | not measured | 68 L | not measured |
| First generation 3.5 AT | 1,492 kg | not measured | not measured | 68 L | not measured |
| Second generation 2.7 AT | 1,600 kg | 2,070 kg | 130 mm | 64 L | not measured |
| Second generation 3.2 AT | 1,630 kg | 2,070 kg | 130 mm | 64 L | not measured |
| Second generation 3.5 AT, 237 hp | 1,610 kg | 2,070 kg | 130 mm | 64 L | 225/60 R16; 225/55 R17 |
| Second generation 3.5 AT, 247 hp | 1,645 kg | 2,070 kg | 130 mm | 64 L | not measured |
The first-generation versions are lighter. The 3.3 AT weighs 115 kg less than the second-generation 2.7 AT, while the first-generation 3.5 AT weighs 118 kg less than the second-generation 237 hp 3.5 AT and 153 kg less than the 247 hp 3.5 AT. The second-generation tank is 4 liters smaller.
Weight per horsepower clarifies how effectively each engine offsets the car’s mass. The first-generation 3.3 AT carries approximately 9.1 kg per hp, compared with 6.8 kg per hp for the first-generation 3.5 AT. Second-generation figures are approximately 7.9 kg per hp for the 2.7 AT, 7.1 for the 3.2 AT, 6.8 for the 237 hp 3.5 AT and 6.7 for the 247 hp 3.5 AT. The 247 hp 3.5 AT has the best weight-to-power ratio, but the lighter first-generation 3.5 AT still records the quickest acceleration.
Both generations use independent, spring suspension at the front and rear. First-generation versions have Ventilated disc front brakes and Disc rear brakes. Second-generation versions have Disc brakes at both ends.
Which Dodge Intrepid version should you buy?
Choose the first-generation 3.3 AT if measured fuel economy is the priority. Its 10.3 L/100 km combined figure is the lowest available, and its 1,485 kg kerb weight is also the lowest in the range. The trade-off is clear: 163 hp, 245 Nm and a 10.7-second acceleration time make it the least powerful and slowest-accelerating listed version.
Choose the first-generation 3.5 AT for the strongest recorded performance. Compared with the 3.3 AT, its extra 217 cc provides 55 hp and 55 Nm more, while adding only 7 kg. It delivers the catalogue’s quickest 0–100 km/h time of 8.3 seconds and highest top speed of 219 km/h. The cost in measured consumption is an additional 1.0 L/100 km combined.
Choose the second-generation 2.7 AT if a smaller-displacement second-generation engine matters more than outright pace. It has the range’s highest calculated specific output at approximately 74.2 hp per liter, but its 203 hp, 257 Nm and 10.5-second acceleration place it behind the other second-generation choices for performance.
Choose the second-generation 3.2 AT as the middle engine option. Relative to the 2.7 AT, it adds 485 cc, 25 hp and 48 Nm, while adding 30 kg. Its acceleration improves by 1.9 seconds, and its top speed rises by 5 km/h. Compared with the 237 hp 3.5 AT, the 3.2 AT has 9 hp and 22 Nm less, yet both reach 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds; the 3.2 AT also has a 5 km/h higher top speed and weighs 20 kg more.
Choose the second-generation 3.5 AT with 237 hp if 3.5-liter output is wanted without selecting the heaviest specification. It supplies 9 hp and 22 Nm more than the 3.2 AT while weighing 20 kg less, although their acceleration is identical and its listed top speed is lower. It is also the only version with measured wheel sizes: 225/60 R16 and 225/55 R17.
Choose the second-generation 3.5 AT with 247 hp for the greatest power, torque and best weight-to-power ratio. Compared with the 237 hp 3.5 AT, the same 3,518 cc displacement produces 10 hp and 12 Nm more. Kerb weight rises by 35 kg, but acceleration improves by 0.1 seconds and top speed increases by 23 km/h. It is the strongest second-generation specification on the supplied numbers, though its fuel consumption is not measured.
For the simplest final shortlist, the first-generation 3.3 AT is the economy-led option, the first-generation 3.5 AT is the acceleration and top-speed choice, and the second-generation 3.5 AT with 247 hp is the choice for maximum output and the best calculated weight-to-power ratio. Reliability, problems, prices and current cars for sale cannot be compared from the supplied data because those details were not measured.