All you moms and dads out there who cart around your 2.5 children to various athletic and social events, but who don't want to completely say goodbye to your misspent youth might be interested in a Dodge Intrepid.  It combines a sporty look and engineering with a family-sized interior and trunk space that can accommodate up to six passengers (maybe even eight, if you include the trunk).

The 2001 Dodge Intrepid comes in three trims -- SE (formerly the base model), ES, and R/T.  All models received thicker glass this year in Dodge's eternal quest to reduce road noise, a common complaint with the Intrepid.  The SE and ES come standard with a 2.7-liter, 200-hp V6 or optional 3.2-liter, 225-hp V6.  The R/T rips up the road with a 3.5-liter, 242-hp engine.  A split/fold rear seat is now an option on SE and R/T models, and standard on the ES.  A harness seat-belt is available for the middle rear seat, and optional front side airbags are offered for the first time in 2001.

The 2001 Dodge Intrepid is the best of both worlds for owners who want some fun on the road, but who also want comfort and easy handling for long-haul trips.  The four-door sedan is popular for its ultra-cool style, its good gas mileage, responsiveness, and immediate pickup.  But drivers complain of a cheap-looking interior, bad transmission, rear blind spots that hamper parking, annoying road noise, and costly maintenance record.  It seems many owners have to decide which is more important to them, substance or style.