The term “cab forward” perfectly encapsulates the design ethos of the 1993 Chrysler Intrepid. Perhaps a more technical, yet equally descriptive phrase would be “engine room forward of the front wheels,” highlighting the innovative engineering that set this car apart. For families in the early 90s, like the author of the original piece who was anticipating the needs of a growing family, the automotive landscape was shifting, and the Intrepid emerged as a compelling option.
In 1993, with a two-year-old and plans for another child, the practicality of a two-seater sports car and a bench-seat pickup truck for a family was becoming increasingly questionable. The need for a true family car, capable of handling carpools and the general demands of family life, was clear. The author’s initial car search focused on domestic brands, particularly Ford and Dodge, available at the familiar local dealerships. General Motors (GM) was largely dismissed, perceived as producing cars that felt dated, reminiscent of their parents’ generation. While GM likely had competitive models, the author’s perception was that Chrysler and Ford were making more concerted efforts to innovate and break away from traditional designs, even if their execution sometimes fell short. GM, in contrast, seemed to project an attitude of offering what they offered, with little incentive to truly excel in the more affordable segments of the market. This subjective view, colored by past experiences with perceived GM shortcomings, steered the author away from considering brands like Oldsmobile, Buick, Pontiac, and Chevrolet.
Interestingly, import brands were also not on the radar. The prevailing perception, perhaps inaccurate, was that imports in their price range were generally smaller vehicles. This narrowed the focus to domestic offerings, with the upsized Chrysler K-car derivatives and the Ford Taurus representing a step forward in design and functionality. These models seemed distinct from the “older” designs associated with previous generations, potentially appealing to younger, growing families. While a Ford Taurus SHO or a Dodge Spirit R/T might have offered performance, the primary need was a comfortable and practical daily driver for the author’s spouse, not necessarily a high-performance vehicle. Research into features, owner satisfaction, and repair records, albeit pre-internet, pointed towards the Dodge Spirit as a suitable choice. The Spirit’s more squared-off design and perceived space efficiency were preferred over the rounded lines of the Taurus.
The Dodge Spirit, a contender initially considered for its practicality and design.
However, fate, and perhaps a savvy car salesman, had other plans. A visit to the Dodge dealership, despite a pre-arranged appointment to view the Spirit, led to an unexpected detour. While the dealership staff ostensibly prepared a Spirit for a test drive, they cleverly suggested a look at the brand-new 1993 Chrysler Intrepid. First-year models, especially those built on entirely new platforms, can be a cause for caution due to potential unforeseen issues. Yet, the allure of new technology and increased comfort proved tempting.
The expansive rear of the 1993 Chrysler Intrepid, showcasing its considerable size and “swoopy” design.
The Chrysler Intrepid, presented in a silver-grey “Driftwood Metallic” exterior with a grey interior, made a striking first impression. Its stance was lower than expected for a family sedan, and the interior volume was surprisingly vast. The dashboard, described as “swoopy,” was undeniably plastic-dominated, eschewing the traditional fake wood trim. The seats were generously sized and comfortable, promising a pleasant ride.
The spacious and comfortable interior of the 1993 Intrepid, featuring a column shifter for maximized seating space.
The rear seats were particularly impressive. Despite a low seating position, legroom was abundant, described as “limousine-like,” along with ample hip and headroom. The doors and sills, despite their size, felt surprisingly light, a departure from the heavy, clunky doors often associated with older Detroit cars. The driving experience was competent and predictable, as expected from a 1990s vehicle. While large and substantial, the Intrepid handled with surprising agility, perhaps best described as “ponderous nimbleness.”
The incredibly spacious back seat of the 1993 Chrysler Intrepid, a key factor in the purchasing decision.
Under the hood, the 1993 Intrepid featured a longitudinally mounted 60-degree V6 engine, positioned ahead of the transmission and front wheels. This configuration, a result of Renault-influenced design inherited through AMC and the Eagle Premier, was responsible for the car’s distinctive front overhang. While the base engine was a pushrod design rather than overhead cam, it offered smooth acceleration and strong low-end torque, characteristics often associated with straight-six engines.
The 60-degree V6 engine of the 1993 Chrysler Intrepid, mounted longitudinally in a departure from typical Detroit designs.
Despite initially intending to purchase a Dodge Spirit, the Chrysler Intrepid quickly won over the potential buyers. The dealership provided a glossy brochure highlighting the Intrepid’s features, and the financial terms were presented as comparable to the Spirit. However, the ultimate selling point was a feature perfectly tailored to a growing family: the integrated child seat. Folding down the center rear seat cushion revealed a built-in child seat, complete with padding and appropriate seat belts and straps. This ingenious feature sealed the deal. The ability to accommodate two additional child seats alongside the integrated one made the Intrepid an ideal choice for preschool carpools and family transportation.
The built-in child seat in the 1993 Chrysler Intrepid, the decisive feature that finalized the purchase.
The 1993 Chrysler Intrepid became the family car, replacing the RX-7. The ownership experience was generally positive, with only one major issue: a dramatic transmission failure while driving on the interstate. Fortunately, the car was still under warranty, and a replacement transmission was installed. A loaner Dodge Spirit, ironically, was provided during the repair. After seven years of reliable service, minor issues with switches and window mechanisms began to surface. With two children and changing transportation needs, the time came to move on, but the 1993 Chrysler Intrepid left a lasting impression as a spacious, innovative, and ultimately, family-friendly sedan that perfectly met the needs of its time. As a car repair expert, I can attest to the solid engineering of the LH platform, although like any vehicle of that era, preventative maintenance is key to ensuring longevity and reliability.
