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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  Excellent middle of the road car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By sac86738 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Realize that this is not a performance car, so performance gets an "average." Comfort-wise, the seats are cushy, and the steering wheel feels good--not cheap. Fun to drive? Not particularly. Interior is well thought out, very simple. The styling of the exterior is pleasing to my eye, especially the shorter windows. It has a kind of "meaner" look to it than its predecessor. As for reliability, it always starts up as soon as the key is turned--no delays. Ive never had a problem with my 1999 Stratus, and I sure dont expect to have too many problems with this one.

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  whine in drive train - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By janjohn - September 15 - 2:00 am

  has a disturbing high pitched drive train whine between 60 -70 mph. Have to turn on radio or open window to drown it out. Took it to dealer and they said all the 4sp od do it. Not satisfied with that and am going to pursue it.

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  Nats Stratus - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By NATALYEANNE - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy my Stratus b/c it has a lot of get up and go. There is a slight delay when you are taking off but once you do...look out. The 6 disk cd changer in the dash with the oontrols behind the steering wheel is very convenient. I like it much better than having the controls in the front. It could stand to have a litte more leg room in the back though!

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  My Baby Stratus - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By bigbear69 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car....Its very reliable over the last 1 1/2 years. Great power, great look, great performance!! There are only 2 drawbacks to this car.....really only one MAJOR gripe! The front rims become FILTHY.....after any kind of trip. The brake dust is just disgusting....I love to keep my car in PRISTINe shape, but the front rims are the only downfall.

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  best cheap sedan available - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By nski - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Solid, well made, reliable and pretty fun to drive

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  bob - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By bob998877 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  good car, no major problems, had some work done, but reliable and am impressed with the american car

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  Nice car, but milage stinks - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By redpony - September 1 - 2:00 am

  The fuel milage is awful. We started out getting 22.7 in town, but the milage has fallen with each suceeding fill up to 16.5. We can only get 25 on the highway. Also on days with a temps over 115 the idle is erratic. The car will almost stall coming a stop. On one very hot 126 degree day the idle jumped to 2000 rpms causing the car to lurch forward almost causing an accident. The dealer can find nothing wrong and says that the Chrysler Eng. Dept. claims this is normal for all Chrysler 4 cyl. engines in hot weather. Chrysler Corp. wont help so I have filed a complaint with the NTSA regarding the sudden engine acceleration problem.

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  Great Starter Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Haley - August 25 - 4:07 am

  I bought this car after my 98 Plymouth Neon was totaled. She had been through 2 or 3 owners, she has a salvage title, and she had lived in Upstate New York all her life. I paid $2,250, 72,000 miles on the odometer. The frame is still in good condition, unfortunately all the parts are just about rusted to nothing. Ive put a decent amount of work into this car, replacing the entirety of the suspension and steering system which piece by piece has started failing, all after putting about 60,000 miles on her. The only parts I have not replaced yet are the control arms which are still holding up well. The engine runs extremely well and for being a four cylinder it has some decent get up and go, especially in comparison to my last car. The steering is smooth, the seating is comfortable, and overall I have found her to be a reliable car. Ive driven her back and forth from Texas to New York 3 times now, and plan on driving her to Arizona from Texas next month. The dash is pushed up and not on properly, which Im not sure if it is due to the heat or the previous damage she took. Its comfortable for me and easy to get into, although she sits low. Plenty of space in front and in back, friends have told me its a spacious coupe that gives more leg room than their cars. Perfect engine and perfect transmission, its a sporty looking little cruiser that makes a great first car.

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  Good 4 the money - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By MikeI - August 13 - 2:00 am

  its my first car and of course I will always love it, but it had its flaws: replaced brake tubes that go into calipers, replaced transmission sensor and recently replaced brake disks and calipers. Other than that, I like everything, especially when I paid 15300 for it brand new! Its also very solid car! For this price I recommend it anytime.

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  Satisfied - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Vitis - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been an OK car except for the notorious head-gasket for the 4-cyliner engine. But, as a poor graduate student I have no room to complain when I can make it New Orleans from Carbondale on a tank of gas.