Overview & Reviews

Subtle styling revisions are the most obvious change to the Stratus for 1997. Sound systems have been improved, rear seat heat ducts benefit from improved flow, and the optional 2.4-liter engine runs quieter. New colors and a revised console round out changes.

• Huge interior, great handling, excellent value, good looks

• Rear visibility, no manual transmission with V-6 engine

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 41.00

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  Dependable and Reliable and Economical - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By jesse45 - January 9 - 2:46 pm

  Purchaced a 1997 Stratus ES, 2.0, 5 speed manual off ebay for $700. Supposedly needed a fuel pump at 160k. Car had been previously well cared for and was in excellent condition. Had it shipped from Toledo, Oh to Arkansas. When it arrived, the engine was locked up due to someone pouring 2 gallons of water in the gas tank. Long story short, broke the engine free without taking it apart, replaced fuel pump, due to the water, and have put another 40k+ trouble free miles on it. I use it for my beater car, haul engines and parts, and drive long distances back and forth to work weekly. It can sit for months, fire right up, and drive 3-8 hours. Gets 34mpg or better, rides and drives great!

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  1 of the best cars Ive had in 30+ years - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Ron - December 30 - 8:39 pm

  Just had to retire the car today, cracked the transmission case on a pot hole, repair more than the car is worth. It will be missed, it was a very comfortable car that handled well and gave me 24mpg city and just under 32mpg at 70 on highway. Rode like a much bigger car and handled quite well. Had just under 180k on it but didnt drive like it. Good in snow. Had to buy a car today, if not would have looked for another one, maybe a few years newer.

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  good car for the money - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By jeremy - June 17 - 7:33 am

  got the car with 90,0000 but a timeing belt in at 120,0000 and but a water pump at 245,000 and the car now has 260,000 and is still running strong with the origanal moter and tranny car is fun to drive and good on gas

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  My Wonderful Green Machine - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Dave Perry - June 20 - 6:53 pm

  I purchased the car new with about 12,000 miles on it. I believe a salesperson from the dealership used it, however, the car drive and looked like brand new when I purchased it. My wife fell in love with it. She worked about 75 miles from our home and drive it 5 days a week which equated to about 150 miles per day and more than 36,000 mile a year. She now has another car (for the sake of a new one) and I now drive it. It has close to 220,000 miles on it and is still running strong. The biggest cost was the head gasket replacement once it passed 55,000 miles at my expense ($1250.00). Other than that, repairs were only routine as with any reliable car. I love this car!! Its part of me.

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  Nice - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Jason - October 10 - 7:34 pm

  I bought this car with 100,000 miles on it, and its still going strong. I have had numerous compliments on my car. And 9 times out of 10, its because of how fast it is. This is the most reliable car I have ever owned, and its never been to the shop for anything besides tune ups, and oil changes, and brakes. Drives well in snow. Vehicle also looks very sporty, and drives like a sports car.

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  Gas mileage champ - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By CEB - April 18 - 2:31 pm

  I purchased this car with 150K on it. Had to do some minor repairs to it. I have the 2.5v-6 in it. I cant believe the mileage I"m getting 31-32MPG for the power & acceleration it has. Only major repair was a $300 fuel pump. Has been real reliable. Comfortable & sporty looking. Will get another one when this one dies. Has a 190K now and still going strong!

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  Favorite Car - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By MBV - January 12 - 1:19 pm

  I have never ben more satisfied with any other car. Never had to take the car to the shop for any reason other then a tune up or to fix something I did to it. Has 132k miles on it and hopefully will last another 100K. Ideal car for small people though. Could use more leg/head room for driver. Very comfortable on long trips too.

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  Dynamo Dodge - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By peteram360 - September 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has been our family work horse for 6 years and 240,000 miles. Other than routine maint. can only recall having to replace a couple fuel pumps, oxygen sensor and valve seals. Not too much to ask for a car I feel looks and drives better than anything else in its class. All I can say is thank you Dodge, youve had some great products! And God Bless America!

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  even some great cars have flaws - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By dodgeguy - September 14 - 2:00 am

  My 1997 Dodge Stratus with a 2.4L engine with DOHC runs pretty well. The problems were it idles too high and the head gasket that everyone has a problem with. The interior is the most comfortable than any car leather or not. The sound system is the best out of the dealership. Acceleration is not bad considering that it is a 4 cylinder. The body durabilty is amazing and safe. I recently hit a deer going about 55 mph and hit it on the front left corner. Looking at the aftermath the car I was shocked to see that all that was wrong was a broken headlight and the fender and hood were bent a little bit.

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  Great, Dependable car - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Mopar4Life - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I got this car from my dads job at a dodge dealership at a great price and Ive been nothing but happy with it. The 2.4L in the car is probably the peppiest 4 cyl. in its class. I had the head gasket changed before I got the car (All 95-99 stratus needed the new metallic head gasket). I plan on using this car throughout college without it having a bit of trouble. Im extremely happy with this car, especially with the money i paid for it. GET IT!