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:

• 

  meh - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By hoeun - March 25 - 2:00 am

  got it brand new back in 96. ive been driving this car for 4 years. my mom had it before me. before i started driving, it was taken goodcare of and was driven very softly (never over 3000 rpm). when i took over, i abused the 2.4lt engine. i put it throught alot of tests and trials. i do give it regualr oil changes, but my average peak rpm when im accelerating is 4500. i get bad gas milage only due to my driving style. we had to replace the head gasket, transmission twice, and whole lot of brake jobs. but considering my driving style, it was reasonable. right now it has little ove 150000miles, and its still going strong.

• 

  We like it! - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Susan Kirton - March 17 - 2:00 am

  We just bought it and paid 10,000 for it. I didnt want a sedan initially, but I am very happy with the styling and solidity of the car.It could use a few more amonites, but other than that we are happy wih our purchase.

• 

  Great ideas & design- build quality? - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Parryprime - March 11 - 2:00 am

  I really liked this car when I bought it. I thought I really got a great value for the money. Powerful V6, good handling. Unfortunately at 30K the brakes went out so I had to get them repaired. The service man at the dealership had a distinctly ominous tone in his voice when he told me my transmission needed the powerflush. Yikes! Im selling it and then Im turning Japanese! I cant afford not to at this point. Lets face it, you might save 2k at purchase but youll make up the difference through precipitous loss of value and major repairs. A good car for 2 years then, buyer beware!

• 

  couriers car - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By jthull - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car in 96 and rarely used it until 98 when I started to use it for work. I have the 2.0 sohc base model 5 speed manual. At 65000 it did need a new headgasket. The only other major expenses have been the front bearings or hub assembly. (part is a lot). replaced alternator once. fixed ac unit once but after 52000 miles it started to leak again THIS CAR HAS THE ORIGINAL ENGINE AND THE ORIGINAL CLUTCH!!!! LAST FRIDAY 2/27/04 MY STRATUS TURNED OVER 300000 MILES AND STILL GETS 31 MILES TO THE GALLON. I DRIVE ABOUT 200 MILES A DAY AROUND 52000 MILES A YEAR. THE SIZE OF THE CAR IN CONNECTION WITH THE MPG,LOVE IT

• 

  2002 4dr- sedan Stratus - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By SkyyBlueGirl - February 29 - 2:00 am

  I had a 96 Stratus before so naturally I went for the 2002 when it became time for a new car. I love the pretty color (sky blue) and the body style. I think the interior is an improvement from the older models. But I have to say I am REALLY disappointed that my car is leaking transmission fluid all over the place for no reason...the older version was (I have a feeling) way more reliable than the 2002. Other than the whole "transmission" problem (which is like, probably pretty bad for the outcome of my car over the years), the car is lovely. Hopefully you all have better luck...maybe I just got a bad seed.

• 

  My airport car - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By canad - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had mine for about a year. It needed brakes when I bought it, and the A/C was not working after the second week (a dealership issue not a car issue.) Its peppy, handles well in all conditions including rain and snow (autostick.)

• 

  Good, economical car - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Shewinked - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car with 50K miles on it. Ive had to replace the oxygen sensor 3 times (engine light stays on), and the electical system goes out where the radio, heat/ac and lights dont work. If I stop and turn the car off and then back on, its restored. Otherwise, its been a great car. It was cheap and great in-between car. It looks great, people always think its newer than it actually is.

• 

  Been a good car for us. - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Udslash - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car after we returned home from overseas/ARMY. Paid 8K for it used with 33k miles. It has been a great reliable car! At about 50k miles the main rear seal/head gasket had to be replaced. It was under warranty though..so no big deal. While living in L.A. I replaced the brake pads 6 or 7 times from freeway driving plus I had to have my rotors respun twice & then replaced. HORRIBLE brakes obviously. You definately need to buy high performance/carbon metallic to keep pads on this car for any length of time. Car has been from Miami to L.A. & back. + towed a U-haul trailer from Dallas to Miami. 130,000 miles to date...still going!!!

• 

  More Auto-Stick Please - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By chrisr - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought my ES with 25K miles, now has 71K miles. Wont blow hot air at all now, dealer says $500 to tear out dash and get to heater box. Blows cold fine, at all settings, too bad its January....am gonna trade it in for an Intrepid as I cant find a newer Stratus with Auto- Stick......where are they, I want a used one. I like my Stratus but dont want to put a $1000 into it(needs brakes now too as I put off getting pads replaced)

• 

  GOOD CAR - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By markmu - January 13 - 2:00 am

  this car has been a good car, have had some of the same problems reported in the other reviews. Both power window motors on rear have had to be replaced under warranty. Brake line, rotors have been troublesome, DODGE very UNCOOPERATIVE when trying to rectify the brake line problem.some tire problems and A/C heat regulator problem, but motor and transmission battery and alternator and the like have been very reliable. over 80000 miles and no major problems. GOOD CAR BAD CAR MAKER due to the them not being cooperative with the brake problem and trying to pass buck on to some after market work that has never been done