Overview & Reviews

Introduced in the mid-'90s, the Dodge Stratus was a replacement for the aging and boxy Spirit. It was one of three sedans based on Chrysler's "JA" platform, including the Plymouth Breeze and Chrysler Cirrus. Among these triplets, the Stratus was touted as the sportiest, and it took the role as the midsize car in Dodge's lineup.

The first-generation Dodge Stratus was known mostly for its sharp styling, roomy interior and value. Dodge followed it up with a redesigned model for the start of the new millennium that featured additional safety equipment and a more powerful V6 engine. A coupe model also debuted.

The Stratus had a decent run but ultimately never achieved the superstar status that Dodge had hoped for. In terms of refinement, build quality and reputation for reliability, it couldn't match top import models. Production ended after the second generation. As a used sedan or coupe, the Stratus is a fair choice. Consumers prioritizing price or exterior styling might find it worth a look.

Most Recent Dodge Stratus

The second and last generation of the Dodge Stratus covered model years 2001-'06. Sedan and coupe body styles were offered. Mechanically, there is a fair amount of difference between the two. The Stratus coupe (formerly known as the Avenger) was actually based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse of the time and differed from its Japanese cousin mainly in its sheet metal. The Stratus sedan was still a Chrysler design.

A large trunk and fairly roomy interior, thanks to Chrysler's "Cab Forward" design philosophy, were two of the Stratus sedan's strong points. Another was the car's handling -- it felt sportier than many other mid-priced, midsize sedans of the time. Even so, most used Stratus shoppers will likely be attracted mainly by the price, as the cars haven't really held their value the way Japanese sedans of the same size would. The Stratus coupe could be a good buy for someone who wants a comfy, V6-powered coupe as opposed to a small, high-strung sports car.

In general, coupes were available in base SXT and sporty R/T versions. Sedans came in base SE, midgrade SXT, luxury-oriented ES and R/T guise. Stratus coupes were powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 producing 147 horsepower; R/T versions had a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 200 ponies. Both engines could be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

The sedans had Chrysler engines. Some models were fitted with a 150-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, but most had a 200-hp 2.7-liter V6. All sedans came with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Past Dodge Stratus Models

The first generation Dodge Stratus was available from 1995-2000. The sedan (there was no coupe) was originally offered in two trim levels: base and slightly more luxurious ES. Base models had a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine making 132 hp. Optional was a larger 2.4-liter making 150 hp. For the ES, Dodge offered a 168-hp, 2.5-liter V6.

There were no major changes to this generation, so potential buyers shouldn't feel a need to focus on any particular year. At the time, the Stratus earned high marks for its edgy styling and larger-than-expected interior and trunk.

User Reviews:

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  Has been an excellent buy! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By stevcaro - December 2 - 7:48 pm

  Bought this for economical transportation. Has given us no problems and is great on gas. Had a new 2002 Altima that was more powerful, but as far as the rest, can not really tell much difference. Ride quality is about the same, road noise is less in the Stratus but that could be the different tires. Its not a Lexus, but for my money it a great car!

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  Ho Hum - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Dave - September 12 - 12:53 pm

  Previously owned an 01 RT Coupe. It was a much superior ride. The 04 RT Sedan 5 speed manual is extremely noisy. The transmission sounds like a sewing machine, and even at 70 mph on the highway it is still prevalent. The 2.7 Magnum is efficient, but nothing to excite an enthusiast. This would be a good soccer mom car. Cant wait to be rid of it.

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  OK but too pricey - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Tom Clark - August 28 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Ford SHO for 10 years, this was about the only American car with stick shift. Its a bit of a disappointment--engine weak with poor acceleration, stick is smooth, interior appointments, even with leather, not first class, but rattle- free after 13,000 miles. For the $26K, its overpriced, and the headroom is the pits. Im only 57", but cant wear a baseball cap without dragging on the ceiling. Overall, an average performer in a dog-eat-dog world. I want American, but the options for real quality in the mid- 20s is seriously lacking across all brands.

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  All this under $20,000 WOW! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Jeanette007 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  They only problem Ive had with my car is the alignment, which was fixed by the dealer at no charge.

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  Got my moneys worth - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Steve Pavkov - August 16 - 2:59 pm

  For the low price of just over $13k, I feel the car performed well over the years. There were numerous "little" problems with it, such as electronic issues. I also had a fuel injection problem with it costing me $1K. When the car reached seven years, interior stuff like seats and plastics started to fall apart.

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  I Love My Stratus! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Chris - June 16 - 1:59 am

  I will admit, when I bought my Stratus, I was not pleased at the fact that I was going from a V-6 1997 Toyota Avalon to this four cylinder car, but after about a month of ownership, I fell in love. With the gas prices the way they are, my Stratus sips on gas and has adequate enough power to roll with the big boys! Its quite fun to drive, it has double wishbone suspension, so its nice on curvy roads. It has a humungous trunk, 6 x 9 speakers in the front and the rear (no need to put twelves in the trunk). And its pretty to look at, too.

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  Petes Stratus - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Pete - June 9 - 9:00 pm

  Very reliable car.150,000 miles and still going strong. Handles decent, great fuel economy. Its a good car car if you want the basics plus a few extras like AC, power windows and locks.

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  Engine Blown - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Jerry - May 30 - 2:46 pm

  Engine problems and more engine problems. At first it seemed great but at 55-56K it started to decline. I serviced every 3K and all regular maintenance. At around 90K, I needed my main gasket replaced. Then last week I was informed my engine was shot. Also, had some electrical problems with my windows and especially my radio/CD player. I purchased new with every upgrade, even smokers package (I later learned, even though I have never smoked for xtra $20). Car still looks great, interior & exterior still looks new. This is the second Dodge that this has happened, I owned a Jeep before this and I was to dumb to learn. Never again! I am buying a Toyota! Do your homework, dont buy Dodge

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  Can be fun, but... - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By sad stratus owner - May 1 - 2:11 pm

  I like how this car looks and how it handles, especially in slippery conditions, but Ive had to bring it to a dealer for warranty repairs about every 3 months since Ive owned it. The front suspension, interior wiring, pretty much every interior switch, radio, heater, transmission components, and other things have been replaced, some multiple times. Its also leaked transmission fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid. Now I need a steering rod replaced. Once the warranty on this car expires, Im done with it.

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  My Second Dodge - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By steve - April 30 - 8:27 pm

  The car is very dependable even in the coldest, wettest weather in the northeast, especially when very cold temps. Starts up without a problem even at 15 degrees. The car handles very well in blizzard conditions.