The Dodge Intrepid II 3.2i V6 24V ES, produced from 1998 to 2002, represented a significant evolution of the original Intrepid, a large American sedan aimed at providing spacious comfort and respectable performance. This variant, equipped with the 3.2-liter V6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, occupied a mid-to-upper position within the Intrepid lineup, offering a balance between power, refinement, and convenience. It was part of the second generation (LX platform) of the Intrepid, which saw improvements in styling, interior quality, and mechanical sophistication compared to its predecessor. The Intrepid, along with its Chrysler 300M and Concorde siblings, aimed to recapture market share in the full-size sedan segment, competing with established rivals like the Ford Crown Victoria and Chevrolet Impala.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Dodge |
| Model | Intrepid |
| Generation | Intrepid II |
| Type (Engine) | 3.2 i V6 24V ES (228 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 192 km/h (119.3 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 228 Hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Torque | 305 Nm @ 3800 rpm (224.96 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EGW |
| Engine displacement | 3221 cm3 (196.56 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9.1 l (9.62 US qt | 8.01 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2070 kg (4563.57 lbs.) |
| Max load | 440 kg (970.03 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 521 l (18.4 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Length | 5175 mm (203.74 in.) |
| Width | 1898 mm (74.72 in.) |
| Height | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2870 mm (112.99 in.) |
| Front track | 1573 mm (61.93 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1563 mm (61.54 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Intrepid II 3.2i ES was the EGW engine, a 3.2-liter (3221 cc) 60-degree V6. This engine featured a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads, utilizing a multi-port fuel injection system. The 24-valve configuration (four valves per cylinder) and a compression ratio of 9.5:1 contributed to its respectable power output. The engine was longitudinally mounted, driving the front wheels. The four-speed automatic transmission, a Chrysler 42RE unit, was chosen for its smooth operation and ease of use, catering to the target audience who prioritized comfort over outright performance. While not a particularly advanced transmission by modern standards, it was known for its durability and relatively simple maintenance.
Driving Characteristics
The 228 horsepower and 305 Nm (224.96 lb-ft) of torque provided by the 3.2-liter V6 and automatic transmission delivered adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 8.2 seconds, making it competitive with other large sedans of the era. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did exhibit some typical characteristics of older four-speed units, such as noticeable shifts and a tendency to hunt for gears in certain situations. Compared to the base 2.5-liter V6 Intrepid, the 3.2-liter offered a significant power boost, resulting in more confident passing and merging capabilities. However, it lacked the sporty feel of a manual transmission or the higher performance of potential upgrades. The gear ratios were tuned for comfortable cruising rather than aggressive acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The ES trim level of the Intrepid II 3.2i represented a well-equipped package. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a premium sound system, cruise control, and alloy wheels. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, though leather was often available as an option. The dashboard featured a straightforward layout with easy-to-read gauges. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded sound system with a CD changer, and automatic temperature control. The ES trim aimed to provide a comfortable and convenient driving experience without the added cost of the top-tier luxury features.
Chassis & Braking
The Intrepid II utilized a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with an independent coil spring suspension at all four corners. The front suspension incorporated stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during cornering. Rear brakes were discs, a step up from the drums found on lower trim levels. The braking system was equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard, enhancing safety and control during emergency stops. The suspension tuning prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, resulting in a smooth and compliant ride quality. The relatively heavy curb weight of around 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs) did contribute to some noticeable body roll in corners.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Intrepid II 3.2i ES received generally positive reviews for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and respectable performance. Critics praised the engine’s smooth operation and adequate power. However, some noted that the handling was not as sharp as some of its competitors, and the automatic transmission could feel dated. Fuel economy was average for a large sedan of its time, with combined figures around 22 mpg. Compared to the base 2.5-liter Intrepid, the 3.2-liter offered a significant performance upgrade, justifying the higher price tag for those seeking more power. Reliability was generally considered good, though some owners reported minor issues with the automatic transmission and electrical components.
Legacy
The Dodge Intrepid II 3.2i V6 ES, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, remains a fondly remembered example of American full-size sedan design from the late 1990s and early 2000s. The EGW engine proved to be relatively durable, and well-maintained examples can still be found on the used car market today. While not highly sought after by collectors, the Intrepid II offers a comfortable and affordable option for those seeking a spacious and reliable used car. Its legacy lies in its contribution to the evolution of the American sedan, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and respectable performance.
