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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  Good car and easy on the buget - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Hayden - April 6 - 3:41 pm

  i got this car as a credit builder. now that my credit is much better, im considering a newer vehicle, however Im not gonna trade my stratus, i really like this car and Im gonna keep it.

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  Ok but I wouldnt write home about it - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By ironman2008 - April 4 - 9:53 am

  She is a good road car, I am a person who likes to travel and she does very well with highway driving. But now as she gets older when you step on the gas its like she is going faster than it really is. And the pedals always have been low. You will think you need new brakes when you really dont.

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  Not very happy with this car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By jg - March 31 - 12:18 pm

  I bought this car used in August of 2006, it had 14,000 miles on it then. I am having to replace the head gasket now. When they were removing the parts to redo the head gasket, the front motor mount broke in half, we found that it was made from very thin aluminum instead of steel. We also discovered that this wasnt the first time that this vehicle has had Major work done on it, had to have been before it reached 14,000 miles. I am kind of leary of this vehicle now, and think that I will soon be looking for a new one.

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  Love the car, but a few complaints. - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Lana - March 30 - 5:36 pm

  Since I got my stratus in March of 2006 Ive put about 20,000 miles on it, so far it has caused me no problems. Its a lot of fun to drive, but sometimes it feels like the transmission slips when I accelerate. When I bought my car the dealership sold it to us telling us it had ABS, after about 6 months of driving it I noticed it actually had no ABS. The car actually handles really nice in the snow... Surprising for a sports car!

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  good car while on a budget W/ warrenty! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Raymond - March 24 - 4:23 pm

  i purchased this strats ES used with 92,000 on it. Its been a fairly reliable car as i have driven it to Danville,VA from Jamestown, NY. I feel safe to travel in this car but the battery gave me very little warning that it was about to die. then to my surprise the batt. is located in front driver side bumper. you have to remove the wheel to get too it. the same goes for the Chrysler cirrus and plymouth breeze. sneaky of chrysler to do this. i now have 140,000 miles on the car and my check engine light keeps popping on. i took it to the shop and i find out that its the transmission and im not replaceing it. i would buy another stratus but make sure you get a warranty with the car.

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  Dodge Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By christyc33 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my stratus. It has an awesome body style, comfort and drive.

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  Bah huumbug - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Mehhh - March 21 - 6:38 pm

  Ive had to replace the transmission sensors about 3 times in 4 years, replaced brakes, and the alternator. The rear windows are no longer working. Just hit 60k. People have said it vibrates a little too much, and the mechanics say its just the car.

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  What a piece of absolute garbage!!! - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Jessi - March 21 - 3:10 am

  Well, my husband already had the car when we got married in 09-06.It was under factory until 36,000 Miles. At about 38,000 Miles, the crank seal went out because of play in the crank. It was $400 to fix the seal, and $2000 if we wanted to fix the crank. Since we didnt fix the crank, the seal went out like 2 days later and we have to put like 5 quarts of oil in it a week because it just pours out. Also, around the same time, the transmission has begun to jerk when its put into gear. We took good care of the car (oil changes, scheduled maintenance, etc.) and it is still falling apart at 38,000 Miles. Its such a freaking piece of crap. Were stuck with it though because we still owe $10, 000 on it.

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  transmission - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By south carolina - March 20 - 8:43 am

  I bought the 4 dr 02 sedan Dodge Stratus just a little over a month ago. Now, the transmission has gone out. You all were right when posting about the transmission in this car. Glad I got to the two year warranty, Dont have to pay a dime. The car runs great, other than the transmission, everything is good.

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  Will never buy a Dodge Again - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By tarheel - March 18 - 8:47 am

  I bought this car in 2000, its a 1998 the oil light stayed on when I turned key on but dealer finds nothing wrong, after about 50,000 the head gasket blows, before that the fuel pump went bad,now the engine shakes needs motor mounts on the front, brakes wear down fast im disappointed in dodge/chrysler cars i will not purchase or suggest anyone buy one, dodge wont change until someone gets seriously hurt driving one of there products, i thought about getting a chrysler town and country but after reading reviews and all the complaints no way, i might go to hyundai for a nice ride now.