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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  fun to own fun to drive - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By cgraham - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive enjoyed this car so far. Good performance, good gas mileage. Very comfortable on long trips it drives smoothly and has no trouble at all with interstate on-ramps or passing. Havent had to have any work done on it. Only downside is the 205/55R16 tires, which could be expensive depending on where you go. (I had the OEM Goodyears put on and it was over $400. Other than that, great car.

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  Excellent car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By lonasindi - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for a few months, and its been a blast. Its reasonably quick and handles very well with the sport supsension package. I did have a mishap with getting my oil changed. The technician must have forgotten to put more oil in. The exterior styling is very nice, and the interior has clean lines and is very comfortable. The back seats are big enough to seat adults. The white gauges are very sporty. The engine is a little whiny sounding, but its not too bad. Shifts are smooth and consistent. Not a bad performer.

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  Best Used Car I Ever Purchased! - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Making me repost. - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car almost 4 years now, and have only had one major repair to the fuel system. I agree with the squeeky brakes and minor road noise assessments, but it also gets great fuel economy for a 4 door sedan! the only minor problem Ive seen is with the wiring harness to the lights on the air conditioning console (they intermitenly go out). Overall, I am VERY satisfied with the vehicle. I am now over 100,000 miles and still going strong!

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  Great car for singles and couples - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Ady - July 11 - 2:00 am

  My experience with my beautiful white dodge stratus has been great!

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  First Imperssions Can Be Missleading - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By ham_viper - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The transmission in this thing is terrible. I have the 6 cylinder with an automatic. The car jumps when you pull up to a stop sign. Also if you sprint to 45 and completly let of the gas, the transmission gives you a nerve racking "THUNK" as it shifts. I had to have the Transmission hoses replaced at 26000. Since then the dealership keeps adding trany fluid but tells me its ok. The battery whent completly out at 38000, no longer under warranty (Bat said 5 year 60000 dealer wouldnt warranty). Left me stranded at a stop light in town in lunch hour traffic. Now the Cig/ACC outlet has stopped working. What is next!!

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  Decent family transportation - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By Pete_S4 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I had this car from 1996 to 2000 and put about 65,000 miles on it in that time. The motor and transmission were trouble free for the entire time I owned the car. The steering rack was replaced under warranty along with the tie rod ends. I also had to have the interior control module replaced under warranty due to a failed dome light. This car was basically fun to drive, but I do wish I had bought the VR6 GTI I had also been looking at.

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  Wet Floor Boards - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By willh - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, fun to drive good gas mileage. Unfortunately passenger floor board keeps getting standing water, sometimes so much you cant see the carpeted floor. Dealer thinks its A/C hasnt been able to fix the problem yet. Anyone else have this problem?

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  Like all but Electrical Problems - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By tanksfull - June 5 - 2:00 am

  No rattles after 40000 miles and handles beautifully but the electrical system is quirky.

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  NOT FOR A FAMILY OF MORE THAN 3 - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By atashibill - May 31 - 2:00 am

  EXCEPTIONAL CAR LOVE THE STEREO SYSTEM THE TURNING THE PICKUP AND THE GREAT PAINT JOB. BOUGHT LEATHER INTERIOR AND IT HOLDS UP WELL CONSIDERING I HAVE 3 CHILDREN. DEFINATLY NOT A FAMILY CAR. WISH WE HAD THOUGHT ABOUT IT MORE BEFORE BUYING IT WHILE KIDS STILL IVING AT HOME. LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT THOUGHT. HAD O2 SENSOR GO BAD AT 36K MILES WAY TO EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. $256 JUST FOR THE PART OUCH.

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  I love this car! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Jaydawg - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with about 38,000 miles and have not had many problems so far. The car handles and accelerates well and is easy to find performance and aftermarket accessories for it. Mileage is good and so is the sound. I have noticed that sometimes my sunroof will not open and my rearview mirror rattles when i turn up my subs which is something that I need to fix. Overall I am very satisfied with this car.