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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  LOVE this car! - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Heather - December 6 - 2:00 pm

  I have had this car since Apr. 2000 and have not had a single problem. I have 100,300 miles on it now, and my job requires me to travel extensively across the country and so do road trips with friends...with not a problem to speak of. I will be buying another Stratus after I have to give this one up.

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  Its Just Great!!! - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Yogi4 - November 30 - 1:15 pm

  This is just a great vehicle. I just have the SE model, so I dont have all the goodies, but nontheless it performes great. The gas mileage is good, runs quiet with just a little road noise. It handles well and the 4 cylinder is peppy and made for the do-it-yourself tune-ups. The engine warms up unbelievably fast and the heater will blow you away. But the A/C could be a little colder. You can use your cup holders without your cup getting in the way of anything. The seats are comfortable even on long trips. Use semi-synthetic oil, I find that it improves mileage and smoothness in this engine. Dont use high priced brake pads. Just use the cheap semi metallic pads or it will eat your rotors.

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  Fun Car, Great Price - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Silky - November 10 - 10:34 am

  Pros: the attractive looks, the power, and the value. I went from a 4 cyl 2001 Accord with lthr seats to this, and it was no step down. These cloth seats are the most comfortable Ive ever sat on in a car. This car is a great value with a heck of a lot of giddyup. The downside is the headroom is atrocious & with the curvature of the door/window I smack my head all the time when trying to check my blind spot. Next, the transmission is rough..stalls under hard braking occasionally and shifts very rough, especially down. Last, the gas mileage is terrible. Im lucky to get 20 mpg on my short daily drives. Overall, though, a great car to drive to its death since resale value stinks.

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  Great little car! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By aurinia - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used in Jan 2004 when my 94 Jimmy died. Had never driven one before or heard much about them but I got a great deal on it and figured w/ the inline 4cyl it would be good for my 70+ mile roundtrip daily commute. 9 months later, and I honestly love this car! Still doesnt have nearly as much power as my bfs WRX STi (what does? LOL) but its a great car! Ive put over 20K miles on it in 9 months (has 80K on it now)and so far the only things that have been replaced are the tires and the RF wheel bearing. Very, very reliable, looks great and very uncomplicated. Love it!

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  ITS THE BOMB !!!!!!!! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By bananarepnj - October 21 - 2:00 am

  i bought the Stratus 04 in OCTOBER this year, i love the car ever since. it has a lot of rooms on everything that i need, sporty looking, and great gas mileage, its great to drive it in the highway. it wasnt my first choice of vehicle to buy, but as soon as i saw it on the dealer and test drive it, i fell in love with some of the futures.

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  Good Family Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By SarahLee15 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Stratus for about a year now. It is a nice, reliable, family car, with plenty of space to haul things. It is especially nice when taking long trips. Its comfortable, and has plenty of room. I have never had to worry about it being stolen or broken in to, due to the nice safety features. I love my Stratus, and know that I can always depend on it. I would highly recommend this car to young professionals and families. It is inexpensive, and reliable.

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  Honest Review - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Allabouttheradius - September 29 - 2:00 am

  both exterior and interior are visually appealing. however, had to replace all 4 tires within first 18 months - any impact(gravel, curb) messes the tires up -they are expensive to replace. cant pull up to regular parking spots - front end sits so low it scrapes and eventually can tear and drag

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  cool car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By video0512 - September 21 - 2:00 am

  For the most part I have never had any problems with this car. I just never really enjoyed the ride and handling, especially for this to be a sport coupe. This car is not a great handler.

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  stratus R/T sedan - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By james anthony - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Dodge will not stand behind this car. I enjoy this sedan for its performance and value, but the paint has issues. Dodge wants to warranty a paint job. The car has only been in my possesion for a short time and they want to paint it. I want it replaced. Diamler- Chrysler says no way! They have lost a loyal customer.

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  Stratus Review - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By stangscg - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance from a reasonably priced package. Design that gets many positive comments, even with the car being now 4 years old. Good sound system. Excellent reliability.