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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  My Wonderful Green Machine - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Dave Perry - June 20 - 6:53 pm

  I purchased the car new with about 12,000 miles on it. I believe a salesperson from the dealership used it, however, the car drive and looked like brand new when I purchased it. My wife fell in love with it. She worked about 75 miles from our home and drive it 5 days a week which equated to about 150 miles per day and more than 36,000 mile a year. She now has another car (for the sake of a new one) and I now drive it. It has close to 220,000 miles on it and is still running strong. The biggest cost was the head gasket replacement once it passed 55,000 miles at my expense ($1250.00). Other than that, repairs were only routine as with any reliable car. I love this car!! Its part of me.

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  Fun but a lot of problems - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Cargurl - June 19 - 7:09 pm

  I bought the car new and had nothing but problems.They did not give me a new car. They rewired the whole thing and it just wouldnt run.

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  Dodge needs some work - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By collegemike1 - June 15 - 11:58 pm

  I bought this car 05/2006 and when I test drove the car it was flawless. I fell in love! But months down the road, one thing after another happened. First it was the awful windshield complications, then the noisy dashboard which in actuality cracked somehow, the brake rotors I have to constantly get replaced, the rear view mirror wiring is really awful I have to rig it everyday just to get light in my car at night, my radio completely went out had to completely buy a new radio system, motor mount, dont even get me started on engine complications. Too much to detail. Couldnt pay me enough to buy another Dodge. Wouldnt recommend Dodge. Period.

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  Still Going At 122,000 - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Scourge - June 9 - 9:41 am

  Purchased new 09/1999 and have reviewed it once before on this site. Has been a good car. Other than the fact that the front disc brakes warp over time, I have no complaints on this car. Ive spent ~$2400 over the last 1.5 years to completely revamp the A/C from the core to the compressor, but thats the first money Ive had to spend. I had a very difficult to diagnose EGR valve problem. The engine would "hiccup". I finally figured out that the EGR valve was sticking open. I disconnected it and everything works fine. You have to reconnect it to pass emissions tests in LA, but thats only once/yr to get a new inspection sticker.

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  my first dodge - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By miguel - June 4 - 11:08 pm

  Very quiet, with new rotor-and brakes, I know I am good for the next 40,000 miles, next challenge what about oil, will burn more?

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  Good car for the money - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By alexander_clinger - June 1 - 12:29 pm

  My wife and I have had this car for about three and a half years now, and weve really had no major problems with it. It gets good gas mileage for a V6 and gets you where you want to go in a hurry. The only problem that weve had has been the air conditioning, but hey, the windows roll down with no trouble at all. Also the drivers side door courtesy light switch stopped working, but thats also a cheap fix (about 7 dollars for parts). My wifes been in a couple accidents in it, and after being fixed it is still just as reliable as when we first got it. Its a great car, but Im ready for something a little bigger, because the family is growing.

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  Shabby - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Shabby - May 22 - 10:41 pm

  I bought this car from a friend and in a few months I had transmission problems. also idles rather loud. This car is about 4 years old it should not be having these problems. A few more repairs and my bill was over $1,200. So I wont be buying another dodge stratus anytime soon.

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  Repairs - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Veronica - May 21 - 12:52 pm

  Bought this as first family car. A few months after purchase the car would just stall while driving. It will do this every few months and no reason has been found why. The car was 3 years old when it needed a new starter. A few months later the brakes just stopped working. It seems that after the car was 3 years old, every few months it has needed repairs. For a car that we have always kept up with routine maintenance should be more reliable. Getting ready to trade in and not buy another dodge product.

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  Best Coupe 4 the money - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Sals Dodge - May 12 - 9:50 am

  Bought this car new. Great fuel economy:32HWY, 24CITY. Still has original battery and rear brakes. This car is fully equipped with sunroof, power drivers seat, great CD player and all other expected options. Im getting ready to buy a new coupe, but havent found any car that could compare to this Stratus in ANY price range, Only draw back is not 4 wheel disc brakes. Still the best bargain for under $18000 (out the door). If dodge can come up with a new FWD coupe, Im a buyer. No need to shop around. What a WINNER !!

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  Love It! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By tnelly2001 - May 8 - 4:02 pm

  I bought my car in 4/03 had 24,000 miles on it at the time it has 99,000 miles now. Have had a good time. Only thing took it into the dealer under warranty at 56,000 for transmission issues. Sticky but since seems still New!! Thank goodness!!