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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  Stratus R/T Coupe - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Carol - July 10 - 1:59 pm

  Got the car used with about 24,000 miles on it. Pretty much like the car except for the fact that the paint is peeling off the front bumper - dont know why - and estimates are approximately $600+ to get it repainted. Also, in really cold, wetter weather, the automatic windows freeze which is inconvenient when pulling into the parking garage at work where I have to scan a card for entrance - new mechanics in door did not help. Otherwise, the car runs great!

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  Love my Stratus - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Love the Stratus - July 10 - 12:10 am

  Okay so Im 18 and I just graduated high school. Im a typical teen and I really push my car like all teens do lol. I have the 2001 Dodge Stratus 4 door SE Sedan with the 2.4L V4 and i love it! It was my cousins car and its mine now. It was originally a rental car so tons of people have driven it including my cousin and me and lets say were not the best drivers ha ha. I love my stratus. For a midsize sedan with only a V4 its a great little car. I love the interior and exterior. I love the aggressive dodge look it has from the front. Also for a V4 it preforms well. Its not bad on gas, its 20 city and 28 highway. It could be better but its okay for me. I love it and i would recommend it to anyone!

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  Good car with great mods - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By sam - July 6 - 6:52 pm

  I bought the car for my wife, we have had it for 6 months and the only thing it has needed was an oil change. It came with after market mods like act Clitch and AEM air intake and Borla exhaust system. And aftermarket stereo system.

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  Fun car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By pacer71 - July 4 - 7:17 pm

  I really have been enjoying this car. We bought this car as a fixer for our credit, and had a choice between this and a Dodge Neon, no comparison. I am the primary driver for this car and have found that I make excuses to do things just so that I can drive it. Its a blast to drive and seems pretty sporty for a 4 cylinder.

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  Patricks R/T - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Patrick N - July 1 - 7:49 pm

  I bought my Stratus R/T a few days before Mothers Day and have loved driving it ever since! The car only had 19,426 original on it, not bad at all for a five year old car. My deep red baby drives like a champ and the sport suspension keeps me firmly on the road with no worries. The black leather looks great and is pretty comfortable on long drives. The automatic shifts with ease and the exhaust note sounds awesome (just loud enough not to be ricer). The trunk is surprisingly large and the cargo net is a nice touch.

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  blah... - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By SusanG - June 30 - 9:29 pm

  I got my Stratus as a graduation/wedding gift from my parents, and it was great for 3 years. Then, this year, Ive spent more than $2000 in repairs, including transmission work. The brakes were replaced three months ago, and theyre already showing moderate wear even with a gentle touch. The bleeder hose on the coolant system just "wore out" and my car overheated. Im considering dumping the car before it costs more money.

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  For just having it 2 weeks its okay - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By kimalli - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I think that overall the 2004 stratus is a nice car. We owned a 2000 stratus prior to this one and although it had its moments where I wanted to drive it into the river it was a really good car. We travel a lot so I would have to say it is great for travel. The radio is a plus. I think that if you are wanting a good car for a low price a stratus would be a good car. We have not ran into any real big problems with our stratus, other than the break dust on the front tires. That drives me nuts.

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  trust me this IS the car youll want! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By JOHN JOE - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I got a prearly white 2 door coup sxt and now.....IT HARD TO LEAVE FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT! EXELLENT DRIVING! The one thing to note is tha I live in NYC and get more comments and questions about my car than the cadillacs! very furteristic body style white the modern .....excellent sound system...i cant stand it! typing this mankes me want to run out side and drive somewhere! You dont see too many of them on the road so people always catch it with their eye and ask " what kind of car is that?

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  DO NOT EVER BUY ! - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Duhkneez - June 23 - 10:14 pm

  I thought buying a car only a year old with low mileage would be a good idea. Not at all. Ive had nothing but problems from day 1. The dealership and the car are awful. Ive had to bring it in the shop because my check engine light wont stay off. Ive had many parts replaced and now I cant pass my inspection. I will never buy anything but a Toyota, Honda or Nissan again. My old Nissan and Toyota, I bought older and with higher mileage and had no problems. Im stuck now cause Ive dumped so much money it.

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  I Loved my STRATUS! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By emille772 - June 23 - 12:13 pm

  My 04 stratus was my baby. I bought her from a dealer that was a close family friend as my first real car. My stratus held up amazingly well! I really enjoyed driving it, and all of the room in the car and trunk area! I thought it got really good gas mileage usually 22/25, however when driving on the turnpike I got 32 mpg! I only had a few problems with it. One being that at around 100,000 miles I had to replace the transmission pan and my transmission fluid would leak. My car also stalled out on me once. I was in an accident and hit by a drink driver on the drivers side. I have to say this car held up wonderfully! I wasnt hurt, however my car was totaled!