Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, Dodge Intrepid owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge.
Competitors 2002:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Honda Accord (larger trims), Nissan Maxima.
Design Philosophy:
Bold, distinctive styling with a focus on interior space and comfort for its class. Known for its unique front-end design and spacious cabin.
Value Proposition:
Offered a significant amount of space, comfort, and performance for its price point, often considered a strong value proposition in the full-size sedan market.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, transmission (automatic)
Chassis:
Brakes (hydraulic, ABS), steering, suspension (front and rear), wheels and tires
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC system, seats, airbags
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, audio system, body control modules
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine component replacement (pistons, bearings, valves), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, circuit testing
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed component removal, installation, and adjustment procedures. Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and specifications.
Engine Type:
3.5L V6 SOHC (High Output)
Engine Code:
EGG (3.5L V6)
Bore X Stroke Mm:
96.0 x 80.0
Horsepower Hp:
234 @ 5700 RPM
Torque Lb Ft:
241 @ 3500 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular 87 Octane
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual ignition coils
0 60 Mph Seconds:
Approximately 7.5-8.0 seconds (varies by configuration and driver)
Engine Block Material:
Aluminum
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Model:
42LE (Chrysler/Dodge)
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Approved)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 10.0 (dry fill), 7.0 (drain and fill)
Passenger Volume Cubic Feet:
109.4
Front Headroom Inches:
39.8
Rear Headroom Inches:
38.0
Front Legroom Inches:
43.0
Rear Legroom Inches:
37.4
Trunk Volume Cubic Feet:
16.1
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approximately 3600-3800 lbs (depending on trim and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
Approximately 4800-5000 lbs
Towing Capacity Lbs:
Not typically recommended or specified for towing; designed for passenger transport.
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
4/5 Stars
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
4/5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
4/5 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (typically for models in this era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags. Available side airbags (often optional or on higher trims).
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional Infinity premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer available on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control with electronic controls.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Optional keyless entry system.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically available on factory systems for this model year; aftermarket solutions are common.
OBD Port:
Standard OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) port located under the dashboard for diagnostic scanning.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) using synthetic blend oil, or 10,000 miles/12 months with full synthetic oil and a high-quality filter.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Platinum-tipped plugs recommended for replacement every 100,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 100,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles thereafter, using HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Engine Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant (pink/orange color)
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (MS-5931)
Headliner Sagging:
Common issue where the adhesive fails, causing the headliner fabric to droop.
Heater Core Leaks:
Can lead to coolant leaks into the cabin and a sweet smell.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Potential for hard shifts, delayed engagement, or slipping, often related to valve body issues or solenoid failures in the 42LE transmission.
Interior Rattles And Squeaks:
Typical for vehicles of this age, often originating from interior trim panels.
Power Window Motors:
Can fail over time, leading to windows not operating.
Brand Focus:
Dodge, as a division of Chrysler Corporation, historically focused on performance and value within the American automotive market.
First Generation Start:
1993
Second Generation Start:
1998
Second Generation Updates:
The 2002 model represents a later iteration of the second generation, incorporating minor styling updates, interior refinements, and potential powertrain enhancements compared to earlier models of this generation.
Platform Sharing:
Shared the Chrysler LH platform with models like the Chrysler Concorde and New Yorker, and Plymouth Concorde.
Production End Year:
2004
Manufacturing Location:
Bramalea Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Auto Press Awards:
The Intrepid, as part of the LH platform, was generally well-received for its spaciousness and value. Specific awards for the 2002 model year are not prominently documented, but the platform itself was recognized for innovation in its early years.
Consumer Reports Historical:
Consumer Reports often gave mixed reviews, noting strong points in ride comfort and interior space but also highlighting potential reliability concerns with certain components and systems common to Chrysler products of that era.