Base Intrepid and Concorde LX models come with a 200-horsepower double overhead-camshaft 2.7-liter V6. This 2.7-liter engine is a marked improvement over the engine used in last year's model. It's quieter and more powerful than the old 3.3-liter overhead-valve cast-iron V6, which produced 161 horsepower. Under hard acceleration, the old engine sounded like it was thrashing and running out of breath. The new engine is also more fuel efficient, getting about 1 mpg more on the highway.
One feature the Dodge Intrepid offers that's not available on the Chrysler Concorde is the optional AutoStick transmission. It is based on the same electronically controlled 4-speed automatic, but the AutoStick controls allow the driver to manually shift gears. This feature provides entertainment and improved shifting efficiency, particularly in the mountains or on winding roads.
The suspensions are essentially the same on both the Concorde and the Intrepid. Standard Intrepid and Concorde LX models come with 15-inch steel wheels and Goodyear Conquest GA tires. Intrepid ES and Concorde LXi models have 16-inch alloy wheels with Goodyear Eagle GA tires. The bigger tires have notably more grip, particularly in hard cornering and braking maneuvers and, surprisingly, they seem quieter. Next Page