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:

• 

  Nice car - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Josh - August 28 - 11:25 pm

  I drive a 95 Stratus with the 168hp 2.5L 24valve V6 under the hood. The car currently has 162k miles on it! Purrs nicely still. Transmission slips a little(what do u expect after 162k) Only things I have replaced(semi major) Wheel bearings, ball joints, all the way around as do many others.. water pump bearings are starting to go, a little valve lash on hot days..so what! It sure beats a monthly car payment to take care of the issues on your car.

• 

  Satisfied so far - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By sabrina - August 13 - 7:20 pm

  I bought my 98 Dodge Stratus 3 years ago and have had slim to no problems with it. I have had to have the fan belt tightened, and at around 90k miles I had to have new spark plugs and wires, thats it. It is good on gas and is a smooth ride. I will probabaly get another Dodge.

• 

  Dodge 2003 Stratus Sedan - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Ed Eberl - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Attractive car, but Chrysler still cannot seem to get it together 100% like my Mazda and former Honda. Her is some excamples. Windshield wipers not designed to set down they set up about 2inches on the glass on the passenger side. Rear seat cushions not properly fabric fitted, buldges. Power windows go up to far. Electronic issues, apparently still being developed, like the idle control and automated gear shifts.

• 

  Great Little Car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By KAB - July 22 - 9:20 pm

  I have the Stratus SXT Coupe. I purchased it 1.5 years ago and I love it! I have the ocean blue color. I am always getting comments on how "pretty" my car is! My only complaint is that it is very small. I definitely do not recommend it for someone who has children. Car sits a little too low to the ground. The trunk is huge and mine came with a 4 disc CD player which is very nice.

• 

  2004 Stratus sold for Taurus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By dhermesc - July 22 - 4:43 pm

  I posted on how well I liked the Stratus last December when I bought it. Times have changed. Transmission failed at 19,880 miles, despite the granny driving habits of my wife. 6 trips to the dealer later (and two car payments with little or no driving) they finally got it running well enough that I could dump it. Traded for a 2004 Taurus SES. This was my first Dodge in 15 years, I think Ill wait another 15 before I try again.

• 

  Awesome looks - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By mike - July 3 - 3:20 am

  I previously drove a 2003 Honda Accord coupe with a 4 cylinder. While the Dodges acceleration is not quite as good as the Hondas, its handling is far superior, and it has a lot less body roll. The tires are too eager to squeal on the Accord on turns. The interior of the Accord is nicer, but the Dodge looks a lot better on the outside. For as long as I have had this car, nothing has gone wrong. This car is an overall good buy and very sporty, if thats what your looking for.

• 

  Great car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Dean - June 29 - 6:13 pm

  I now have 90k miles on my Stratus and have had only one problem so far, and thats the head gasket leaking oil, which seems to be the norm for this car. Its fun to drive and looks good. I love this car, and am thinking about getting a new one.

• 

  dodge stratus coupe - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By mike - June 27 - 2:42 am

  I have owned this car for a few months now, and I have had no problems so far. It has great handling, good acceleration, and is fairly comfortable on long trips.

• 

  Dont buy one - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By cdc2272 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Dodge Stratus in the shop more times than I had my old beater in the shop. The heat has broken, my radio went out, the speaker wires were messed up, and now my brake light keeps coming on. This car is more of a hassel than it is worth. If anyone asked me before they purchased one, I would try and talk them out if it. And to top it off Chrysler Financial is a bear to deal with. I will never, ever purchase or lease a Dodge again! And refuse to ever deal with Chrysler financial in future endeavors.

• 

  TRANSMISSION WOES - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By puella - June 27 - 2:00 am

  my stratus has an automatic transmission...has a HARD downshift :( dodge says that the computer will learn my driving habits and the hard downshift will disappear by 6000 miles...hmmm the dealership service shop personnel drove all the strati on the lot and they all have the same problem...