3 Star Reviews for 2004 Dodge Stratus

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.27/5 Average
158 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Chrysler and Dodge have restyled most vehicles this year to bring out similarities and cohesiveness among the Chrysler group cars. To that end, the Stratus sedan receives a new front fascia, and R/T sedans get a monochromatic grille. Sedan interior changes include the addition of steering wheel-mounted audio controls and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, along with new door panels, new seat fabric and three new interior choices. Two new 16-inch wheel options, plus two new exterior colors have been added as well. Also this year, Stratus sedans without optional antilock brakes receive a downgraded braking system with rear drums in place of discs. On the plus side, traction control is now available when combined with antilock brakes. A manual transmission is no longer available. Changes to the coupe are minimal. The interior features a new "Satin Silver" finish on the center stack bezels, and door accents.

Pros:
  • Exceptional value, attractive shape, fun to drive.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 158.00
  • Think again before buying this nightmare - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    Dodge Stratus SE V6 2.7L. Bought this car in 2004 and within two years it needed a new transmission and battery. The battery is difficult to change yourself because its placed behind the driverside tire underneath the panel. The "recommended spark plugs" not so good, causes to many misfires. The anti-freeze reservior is of poor quality and needed replacing because it started to melt with the recommended antifreeze. The fule filter needed replacing twice. Very poor performance driving this car uphill not a lot of power uphill. With all the problems I had with this car I will never buy another dodge vehicle again.

  • Well it started off being a nice car.... - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    Bought the car and didnt have any trouble the first year, second year the computer was replaced and alternator and battery. Then the battery was replaced again. The car kept running the battery down so I took the alternator to a parts store to be checked, it came out ok - 4 times checked. They said the computer does the regulating for the alternator so I will have to get the computer checked AGAIN. If anyone has any ideas, please submit to me. I have checked the car with a diagnostic computer and its returning no errors. Battery light stays on when cranked.

  • Did like it, now HATE it - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    When we first bought the car it was wonderful. I loved it but the mileage absolutely stinks. There is no way I get even 20 mpg with this thing. I drive 37 miles one way and have to fill up at least twice a week. Then the transmission went out, and within 3 months the timing belt broke. Now I only have my A/C working when it is on 3 or 4, but nothing on 1 or 2. And to top that off the car makes lots of noise when stopping or starting. Sounds like the whole car is about to come off its frame. My opinion, I would never get another Dodge Stratus again.

  • 2004 Dodge Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    Vehicle has constant over heating problem It cant be corrected for long even by the dealership(s) that it has been taken to. Constantly gets air bound and then the heater blows cold air. vehicle shuts off on its own without warning and techs reflash computer but it doesnt correct problem.Vehicle is going in for another front end alignment after a few thousand miles. Vehicle cannot be aligned as there are no possible adjustments (per the tech) without installing a front end alignment kit at a cost of 600 dollars. This was done by a certified Chrysler tech and as I stated it going in again for an alignment. Vehicle has 36,000 miles and wouldnt think you would run into these problems.

  • No wonder Chrysler went bankrupt. - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    From the first day I had the car it jumped forward at a deadstop almost rearending people. PCM and TCM reprogrammed six times. Now Speedometer is off. Had a caliper bolt fall out while going 70mph on a highway. Caliper came free, locked the front passenger rim. Cheap plastic parts inside car CONTINUE to break, cheap plastic cooling housing separated and started leaking, various codes kick for no reason. A/C lines clogged and flooding passenger side. Stay away from this peice of junk.

  • Never Ever Buy An American Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    Picked my Stratus SXT 2.7L V6 in late 2004 when the line was coming to the end of its run, it cost me $17,000. For 40,000 miles the car was fine, but suddenly everything started to go - the transmission started leaking and a pump failed, the coolant bottle ruptured, the entire brake system had to be replaced ($1,500), and the AC went out. All this on top of the cost of having to run the V6 on pure synthetic oil because of that engines noted sludging problems. For a car thats only worth $5000 I seem to have put $2,500 into it this year alone, and all at just 47,000 miles. This is my third American car and I will never, ever buy another, they are the worst kind of unspeakable junk.

  • blah... - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    I got my Stratus as a graduation/wedding gift from my parents, and it was great for 3 years. Then, this year, Ive spent more than $2000 in repairs, including transmission work. The brakes were replaced three months ago, and theyre already showing moderate wear even with a gentle touch. The bleeder hose on the coolant system just "wore out" and my car overheated. Im considering dumping the car before it costs more money.

  • Repairs - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    Bought this as first family car. A few months after purchase the car would just stall while driving. It will do this every few months and no reason has been found why. The car was 3 years old when it needed a new starter. A few months later the brakes just stopped working. It seems that after the car was 3 years old, every few months it has needed repairs. For a car that we have always kept up with routine maintenance should be more reliable. Getting ready to trade in and not buy another dodge product.

  • Ok but I wouldnt write home about it - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    She is a good road car, I am a person who likes to travel and she does very well with highway driving. But now as she gets older when you step on the gas its like she is going faster than it really is. And the pedals always have been low. You will think you need new brakes when you really dont.

  • Underpowered version - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    I like the looks and style of the car but the engine is underpowered without getting great gas mileage. Have had some mechanical issues also. A good car but dont get the SXT underpowered model.

Dodge Stratus Reviews By Year:
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