2001 Dodge Intrepid Trims and Specs

The base model gets a new trim name, the Intrepid SE, for 2001. New standard features to match its new name include 16-inch steel wheels and a rear bench seat rather than buckets. Optional this year is a 60/40 split-fold rear seat, a feature many drivers had expressed a desire for over the years to increase the trunk cargo room.

Already standard is the 2.7-liter, 200-hp V6 engine, power windows and locks, cruise control, dual front airbags, lighted entry, and center console. Other options are ABS brakes, front side airbags (new in 2001), rear spoiler, and keyless entry. Drivers say their 2001 Intrepid SE has plenty of pep and good sturdy handling, especially in poor weather conditions. The roomy trunk and comfortable interior are great for long trips. Excessive road noise and problems with the 2.7 V6 engine and transmission are often mentioned.

The biggest addition to the standard features in the 2001 Dodge Intrepid ES is a 60/40 split-fold rear bench seat (only an option on the SE trim) to allow for more storage room in the already cavernous trunk. Other standard features that differ from the SE include fog lights, keyless entry, and alloy wheels. It shares the same 2.7-liter, 200-hp V6 engine with the SE, but comes with the AutoStick transmission, unlike the SE.

Options include the 3.2-liter, 225-hp V6 engine, trip computer, rear spoiler, power sunroof, daytime running lights, and front side airbags (a new option this year). The 2001 Intrepid ES

is popular for its engine power, acceleration, precise handling, even in snow, and roominess in both front and back. Common complaints include road noise, blind spots in the rear, and the car's limited durability.

The 2001 Intrepid R/T is the performance model, and appopriately comes equipped with a 3.5-liter, 242-hp V6 engine paired with a 4-speed AutoStick transmission. It doesn't offer all the same luxury options as the classier ES trim, but it makes up for it in speed, handling, and sports suspension.

Standard distinguishing features of the R/T trim are 17-inch wheels, a top-of-the-line sound system,ABS brakes, leather-trimmed shifter and steering wheel, and traction control. Though the 60/40 split-fold rear seat is standard on ES, it is only an option on the R/T. Leather seats, rear spoiler, sunroof, and side airbags are optional. With all the options included, most drivers love their Intrepid R/T, primarily for its speed and how fun it is to drive. They love the combination of sporty exterior and family-size interior, with lots of people and cargo room. Complaints centered around a plain interior, lack of options, poor rear visibility, and peeling paint.