2000 Dodge Intrepid

New in 2000 is the R/T performance model. Five new colors have been added, along with new seat fabric in the base model. Horsepower and torque are added to the ES model powered by the 2.7-liter V-6. Also with that engine is now AutoStick, and the ES model can have an audio upgrade to an in-dash CD changer. Tether-ready child seat anchors have been added behind the rear seat.

Base models include four-wheel disc brakes; a rear window defroster; 16-in. wheels; intermittent windshield wipers; a remote trunk release; and power mirrors. Five-passenger seating is standard, but consumers can opt to add a front bench seating, adding maximum capacity to six.

The ES model adds antilock brakes, fog lights, alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a full-size spare tire. Go a step further with the R/T and enjoy a higher performance engine, suspension, exhaust and brake design, plus fog lamps, and 17-inch alloy wheels. This sedan even tows, with a maximum capacity of 1500 lbs.

The inside of the base model includes air conditioning; power door locks and windows; bucket cloth seating; power steering; a clock and tachometer; a center console; a cassette player; cruise control; and a tilt steering wheel. ES adds a HomeLink integrated garage door opener, a power moonroof, premium sound, white-faced gauges, an eight-way power driver's seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Opt for the R/T and enjoy a 120-watt AM/FM stereo with cassette/CD player, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. On the ES and R/T, the AutoStick features allows for manual shifting by tipping the shift lever left or right.

The spacious Intrepid has 56.6 in. of rear hip room, 37.4 in. of rear head room, 39.1 in. of rear leg room, and 58.1 in. of rear shoulder room.

Take this car for a ride and test out its four-wheel independent suspension, alloy wheels in the ES and R/T models, touring suspension (not available in the R/T model), and power steering.

Driver and passenger front airbags come standard, which is good considering the IIHS rating frontal offset test only rated marginal on a four-point scale. NHTSA crash test results rated passenger and driver tests at four out of five stars. Side impact front received four stars; however side impact rear only received three out of five stars.

Safety feature options are a security system, ignition disable, a panic alarm, antilock brakes and traction control available in the ES model.

• Huge interior and trunk space
• Available 3.2-liter V-6 on the ES model
• Snappy looks

• Cheap interior materials
• Engine and road noise
• Visibility lacking when parking/backing up

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