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:

• 

  dodge stratus 2001 - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By jbreach - May 30 - 10:00 am

  competent performer for its tier - main complaint is poor rear visibility and uncomfortable front seats even with power seats - not a car to take on the road for a long trip

• 

  Dodge Stratus R/T - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By krazymon22 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I had was when I first purchased the car. Made way too much road noise especially on cold start. After being at the dealerships service dept. for about 4 or 5 days they found out my engine mounts were loose.

• 

  Dodge Stratus First and Last !!!!! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By firemedic - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Resale value sucks. Owned since new (3 years), financed for 6 years. Currently owe $5000 more than resale value. This should not be!

• 

  A whole lot of a car for little money! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Fuzz - May 17 - 2:00 am

  If you want the features and performance of a $30,000 car for $20,000 this is the way to go. I travel approx. 30,000 miles a year (all city) and have a total of 107,000 miles on the car with no problems at all to date. The only bicker I have with the car is a lot of rattling comming from the cabin. But I quess that is expected from a 100,000 mile car. The gas mileage could be a little better. Have the 4-speed Auto and still shifts and performs like I just drove it off the lot.

• 

  It kind of works, but keeps breaking dow - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By FIrstnicecar - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought it in 98 with 24,000 miles. Its been fairly reliable, except weve had to replace the Steering Rack 3 times, yes 3 times. And everytime we do that, you need a new Steering Pump, as well as Ti-rods. Car has now about 120,000 miles and we just put the 3rd Steering rack in February, and its started making a funny noise that may be the struts or the steering. Just waiting for something major to happen, and this car is done for.

• 

  Excellent car - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By mcmusic - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. The 200 horsepower and 205 ft-lbs of torque make it particularly fun to drive. Nice thing about the engine and transmission is that you dont have to wait for the power to kick in like other vehicles.

• 

  great car - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By xasan - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I believe dodge stratus is one of the most valualbe american cars. its nice and comfortable car, i love it

• 

  my stratus - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By KateK - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I havent had one problem with my 99 stratus in four years!

• 

  overall, a good car - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By 1995statusES - April 7 - 2:00 am

  bought car with 89 grand on the odo it is a perfect car to hang out with 4 or 5 friends in. it has almost 120K now. very comfortable, heater works fast a/c is promising. i was 16 when i bought it so i punished the 2.5 bad. 1st gear is surprisingly quick for a heavy sedan, but its not that sporty otherwise. people need to realize that cars dont last forever especially if u treat them bad.my h20 pump was replaced at 105K, which is understandable. rotors up front replaced too. just got new torque converter and 1st gear replaced(i wonder why, maybe it was the frequent redlined rpms) overall ive enjoyed my strat, but ive punished it so its punishing me.

• 

  Reliable and Fun to drive - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Elaine3 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car over 2 years. It has been a very reliable car and has had no mechanical problems. Squeaky brake problems are usually a concern for Stratus cars but mine has had no problems. I have enjoyed driving it.