Dodge Stratus Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.17/5 Average
783 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 191 through 200 of 783.00
  • Whats up with the Brakes - 2005 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    I hate my Stratus. The interior is dark. Should be overhead lights or lighting on the shift. And the brakes. Ha - mine squeal so bad Im embarrassed to stop beside someone. The dealership claims there is nothing wrong. I read that if you reverse the calibers it was suppose to help, but my mechanic doesnt understand what that would do. The sound is worse then a dump truck. I hate this car and if I wasnt so upside down on it,I would trade it in today, Calling Dodge or Chrysler doesnt help.

  • Crank Shaft/Crank seal out at 43,000 mil - 2006 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    I bought this car 8 months ago and at 43,000 miles we are needing to replace a crank shaft and crank seal to the tune of $2,400 with the possibility that the short block will also need to be replaced which will add another $2,000. When we spoke to Chrysler they said too bad it is out of the 3yr/3,600 mile warranty. I have always owned Dodge cars but this will be my last!

  • Disappointed - 2005 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    We bought this car with 18 miles. It was our first New car. The second day we owned it the engine light came on. We had to have the emissions system replaced. Since then the drivers power window has had to be fixed, I have taken it to the dealer 3 times about the brakes and transmission and they say everything is okay. Now that its just out of warranty (we hit 40,000 last month) I am told the front wheel bearings both need to be replaced! I know the transmission still slips and is very jerky or slow to shift into gear. The brakes have been loud for months. Trade in is 8,000 and I have the V6 engine! Very disappointed, nothing but problems from the start!

  • I love this car! - 2005 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    I owned my stratus for 2 years, the ONLY reason I traded it is because my husband wanted a Charger, only because he would have done it for me, did I do this for him. I did absolutely love this car though, it was sharp looking, comfortable, and just "fit ME" like it was made for me. I highly recommend this car for reliability, comfort, looks, etc.

  • Mopars pre-Challenger performance coupe - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    FAST! Keeping my Stratus R/T stock for 4 years, this thing has been a rocket. My Indy Red R/T has seen top speeds of 135, and great braking and handling characteristics. Its an aerodynamic shape, with a great coupe design. Its interior needs more pizazz in its design, but still useful, and spacious. I have 55,000 miles on it now, and plan to drive it until I reach 100,000! Go Mopar!

  • mycarreview - 1998 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    The dodge stratus has been a car that I have always admired. When it first came out I said that is a car I wouldnt mind having. When it was time to get a new (new to me) car, I was able to find the stratus I have now. I have had very few problems with my car & hope to have it for many more years.

  • A/C nightmare - 2002 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    Ive had my Stratus R/T for 2.5 years and 3 dealership have not been able to fix the A/C. The last dealer to attempt to fix it told me they were on the phone with the engineers in Detroit. Apparently they dont know how to fix the A/c either. Ive also had the wiring harness for the automatic rear view dimmer and map lights replaced. They still only work half the time. Other than that the car isnt all that bad.

  • Best car ever - 2004 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    I got my stratus as a graduation gift. It was my very first car and I loved it. A great choice I must say. I have never had any problems with this car except for people staring as I drive by! It is amazing on gas, great to drive and looks awesome. I have had it for 2 years and still love it. Im going to upgrade to an 05 or 06 model of the same vehicle because I love it so much.

  • Jerking needs to stop - 2006 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    I have problems with car. It wants to jerk when engaging gears. Other then that car is reliable and great to drive

  • Well? - 2001 Dodge Stratus
    By -

    Well I purchase my car used in 2005 at 97,000 miles. One year after buying my car, I had to replace my transmission computer which cost around 450 including labor at a Dodge dealership. No huge problems since. Currently, I have a trans leak coming from shift shaft Im going to get fixed) also problems sometimes with rear defrost and Windows. Now car has 178,000 miles and running ok. I get my tunes ups and oil changes every 3-4000 miles. Im driving this car till the wheels fall off- cant afford another car payments! Body in good shape. All yeah, gas meter jumping up and down? Whats that about when I keep my car on full all the time?

Dodge Stratus Reviews By Year:
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