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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  SO FAR SO GOOD - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By CAUTIOUSLY OPTMSTX - January 13 - 2:00 am

  THE ASSISTED BRAKING FEATURE TAKES A LITTLE WHILE TO GET USE TO. I AM NOT CRAZY ABOUT. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE CAR IS JERKING. I CANT TELL IF I AM DOING IT OR NOT. THE GAS MILEAGE IS NOT BAD AT ALL. IT MAKES AN UNUSAL HUMMING NOISE WHEN ENGINE IS COLD. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IT ONLY HAD 10 MILES ON IT NOW WITH 9800 MILES IT STILL RIDES THE SAME JUST ABOUT.

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  2001 Dodge Stratus SE - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Bridget - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car. It has a sleek style and it is fun to drive. I feel safe driving in it and very comfortable. Even though it isnt exactly a family sedan it offers extra safety features for car seats and individual cup holders and reading lamps. The power mirrors and cd and cassette feature is very nice!

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  Why such a bad Head Gasket - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Ziggy99 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I have been happy with the car except for the engine work required. Head Gasket failure at 80K was rediculous even with reqular maintenance. (Major failure came after coolant and oil change at the dealer.) Did they cover it under a recall no because i had more than 50k on the car. If it wasnt for the big ticket repair bills i would be very happy with the car. Nice interior (best in its class if you ask me)

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  Classy, Snappy Performer - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By 2Evil4U - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Love the car so far. No problems at all. Plenty of power and 30MPG to boot. Stock, Ive gotten a 15.178 @ 89.99 mph at the drags. Fun to drive.

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  Its an OK car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Rob - December 6 - 10:48 am

  I had the car two years and it was a OK car for what i gave for it. It sits low so its a bit odd to get in and out of. I have a thermostat housing crack (made of plastic) and it was under and back side of the engine so it was very hard to change out. Then the timing chain went out and they replaced two of them but they had to pull the cam shaft pulleys to get to it ($1,300). so if you have to work on it it sucks. It was quick and great gas mileage. Bottom line is dont pay a lot for the car. someone hit me and i got more for the car than i payed so it worked out for me.

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  02 Stratus SE V6 - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By moparenthusiast - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Stratus SE V6 in Jan. of this year with 18,--- miles on it. Performance is definately more then most people expect it to be, so its fun getting on the gas. After about a month of owning the car, my interior brake light kept comming on and my brakes made a moaning noise. Took it to the dealership and they said "nothing was wrong". Recently took it back to the dealership and they determined that my rotors needed to be replaced. Also, now my transmission leaks. I still have about 6,000 miles left on my warranty so Im sure the Dodge dealership will tell me my transmission doesnt leak for another 6,001 miles. Wont buy another used dodge.

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  Safest car on the market - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Elliebean - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Well I dont really know if its the safest but when I got in an accident with my dodge stratus, it saved my life. The car took the impact in all the right places and the driver and I walked away just fine. If you could see the picturesof the accident, youd be amazed. Im buying another one.

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  2003 Stratus R/T Coupe - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By bilmato - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Handles great, smooth and quiet. Could use another 25 - 50 HP, but the performance is adaquate for most drivers. Im a bit disappointed in braking performance, but after driving an IROC Daytona for ten years it would be hard to find a car that stopped as well as that one.

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  Pleasantly Pleased - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Nik @ Nights - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car as a demo, with 12000 miles on it. We didnt have any problems with it until we hit 80,000, (of course the month before our last car payment!) we had a $1500 bill for the head gasket..which seems to be a common problem. We now have a problem with a vaccum seal leak. Hopefully that will not cost an arm & a leg. Overall it has been a good little car.

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  2001 Dodge Stratus ES, My 39000 View - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By BelvilleTJ - October 20 - 2:00 am

  The handling and performance reminds me of my 91 Maxima. A bit more power and better gas mileage. I was afraid of the Dodge reliability but no problems except a rattle that has developed in the last 500 miles, I think it is a heat shield. The auto-stick is fun, with a bit more torque from the motor everything would really work smoother, I was used tho the Buick 3.8 before this car. Bang for the buck and the looks of the Stratus pulled me to at least try the Dodge.