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:

• 

  Disappointed - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Thomas Palmer - April 3 - 2:39 pm

  A/C drive shaft broke at 60,000 miles. $758 repair. Timing gears, bellt and tensioner broke at 79,321. Head gasket blown at 79,321 miles. Transmission kaput at 79,321 miles. Cranshaft oil seals leaaking at 60,000 miles. Est $4200 to repair. Will junk this car because Blue Book is only $1200. Very, very disappointed with the drivetrain of this lemon.

• 

  I am Thinking Twice - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By DeziNNE - March 28 - 12:52 am

  I loved this car when I first bought it. Now I am regreting it. It has had issues since I bought it. Front braking system had to be replaced @ 11,000 miles and it has a frame issue that wore the tires out in 15,000 miles. It has a popping noise in the front end and the dealer says that its nothing. Now I am having issues with the cooling system with coolant just disappearing. It just rolled 24,000 miles and it has had the valve cover gasket replaced, new rear springs, and now needs a new heater core. I am sick of dealing with this car and now I try to get rid of it and it is worth $8,000 on trade in. If you buy this car better bet on keeping it, cause it is hard to get rid of.

• 

  99 Stratus - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By al_bundys_dodge_dart - March 17 - 9:04 pm

  90k miles. Reliable car. Replaced brakes often, 3 times so far. Right rear power window failed. Dodge logo hood ornament either stolen or fell off... I suspect stolen.

• 

  Quality Is - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Lv2mix - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my car in July and god it looks incredible! Have had it 4 months and put 12,000 miles on it already. It is so much darn fun to drive! Even with the 4 cylinder, with the 5 speed, it just screams drive me fast! Love the dash configuration, but some items not thought out very well, i.e. head rests, cup holders (front and back), you know, minor stuff, but still an incredible car!

• 

  Great MPG! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By stevcaro - March 3 - 9:25 pm

  I bought a new 2002 Altima that wasnt as nice overall as this car. The interior of the Stratus is nicer and more comfortable in my opinion. It dosent have the power but rides just as nice. This car has actually been a pleasant surprise.

• 

  Stratus R/T coupe - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Starvin - February 23 - 3:19 pm

  This car is a fun car to drive. The 5 speed manual is smooth and precise. The 3.0 has a broad powerband and you dont have to be constantly shifting down to keep it in it power range. It will suprise 5.0 mustangs. The car is nice to look at from the outside. I am not crazy about the interior I feel it has to much plastic. I drive 75 miles one way to work mostly driven at 75MPH and get ~27MPG. The R/T is not a family vehicle can get very cramped with 2 adults and a child seat in the back.

• 

  Fun car to drive-excellent value - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By 2002 Stratus SXT - February 16 - 12:19 am

  The Stratus SXT is a fun car to drive with excellent pick up when accelerating. Very comfortable and handles very well on snowy and wet pavement. Some very minor repairs required during warranty period but were promptly repaired by dealer.

• 

  Its great for the money - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By jarrod - January 30 - 9:00 pm

  I like the car so far. It is a little slow and loud, but thats what you get for havign a four-cylinder. The gas milege improves over time. I have noticed the tires have to stay totally balanced for a good smooth ride. Special edition package is great, looks a little classy, adds alot of value to the car

• 

  Great Starter - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By benstewart - January 22 - 4:08 pm

  Got it for high school graduation with 74,000 miles on it and couldnt be happier. I dont know what the previous owner replaced, but I have spent only 200 dollars replacing oxygen sensors. The Stratus is unusually peppy for its price and size while it gets 30 MPG on the highway. To many of the complaint reviews here: The longevity of the car can reflect the way you drive it. The back right window no longer works. Complaining about gas mileage? This gets 21 MPG city, which isnt good or bad, but keep in mind - you are reviewing it in 2004 or so, compare to cars of the same year, technology progresses! I have to admit, the gauges look cool at night.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Great Car - December 5 - 7:56 am

  This is a great car. I have owned lots of cars and I think this is about my favorite. I think they should put better tires on though, as mine has 18,000 miles and look like racing slicks. Goodyear Eagle LS was not a wise choice. Brakes had to be replaced at 11,000 miles. But other than that I love this car. Sometimes i find myself taking the long way home because i just enjoy driving this car. Oh yeah.... when new... be ready to pay for some gas till it has about 5,000 miles.... felt like I was trying to keep gas in a V8 instead of a 4cyl.