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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  Not Best Quality, But Best Value - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Kingglim - August 1 - 2:00 am

  -Superior bang for the buck -Low used prices (sorry for the first owners), even cheaper than 1 year- older, baseline Civic and Corolla -Youthful and energetic exterior & interior -Lot of room, more than I paid for. -Plenty of features -Very harsh suspension unpaved roads and road cracks. -Front end began rattling over unpaved roads and road cracks in 2001. -Wind noise and road noise are loud -Soft brake and it wears out fast -Poor rust-proofing, hood rusted out in 2002, but replaced by dealer free. -During slowdown, downshift from 4th to 3rd at 30 mph by the auto tranny produces strong jerk. Engine RPM is too low for the downshift.

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  great car for the money - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By yaacko2 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  this is my first time buying a dodge and so far im very impressed.i traded in my 2001 nissan altima gxe and i must say that this car is much more spacious ,and much more fun to drive.ive gone a tad over 100 miles and i figured id check the fuel effiency and it tok but 3 gallons to fill back up as where my altima would be on 1/2 tank by this time.fit and finsh not up to standards of camry or accord but its also thousands of dollars less expensive.have to wait and see on the reliability but everyone ive talked to whos had one didnt complain .peppy lil 4 banger does fine pulling my 6ft5 300 lb self around with no complaints and i live in a hilly area.

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  Great little car - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By DualStratuses - July 30 - 2:00 am

  In my family, we now have two Stratuses, both 97s, both 2.0L and five-speed stick. Mine is Forest Green Metallic and my fathers is Light Silver Fern Clearcoat. They are great little cars, cheap, peppy and safe. My father has 230,000 miles on his, and hes only replaced the infamous head gasket, the rear main seal (and consequently the clutch), and a left wheel bearing assembly. His car still gets 35-37 MPG on the highway. I just bought mine today, well see if mine turns out as well as his has.

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  Aging - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By DTrain - July 22 - 2:00 am

  The first years of my ownership were great. No problems were encountered, that came out of pocket, except the Catalytic convertor. Gas mileage was terrific, friends love the roomy backseat. My car has 130k miles,the last 20k miles have been terrible. Brakes are eaten like candy (especially front ones) and Dodge wouldnt fix them although there was a recall. Head gasket replaced and the oil has leaked for the past 60k miles. To many other problems to mention. I would not buy another Chrysler or Dodge, unless it was a truck. Where is the battery placed, terrible ideal..

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  A solid Car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Dodge Driver - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Good car - had to replace head gasket at about 80k, but no major issues

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  crap!!!! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By mcujiu - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had my stratus for only one year. All i drive is highway miles, the easiest miles on your car. Well, now that my warenty is almost up i have had to replace the tourq converter, and the front tie rods. What else is going to break once my warrenty is up? All i have been hearing now is how cheap dodge has been making their cars. I am starting to beleive it. I wont buy another chystler product.

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  Good Car! - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By adam_gomez - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had my stratus for close to three years. In those three years I have had to change the front brakes three times, but not the back as of yet. I had a trasmission leak at 57,000 mile but it was fully covered under warranty. The car has never not performed, snow, rain, or shine. I would say without a doubt that thus far it has been 100% rliable.

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  Good till 75k! - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Jay-Dub - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 50k. It was purchased to make a daily trip of about 125 miles for one year until college grad. That year went well. The car was smooth and fit us well. Im 63" and this was the only small car that I fit comfortably in. There is something bad wrong with the electrical system. For a while the radio wouldnt work one day, then another day work fine, now it doesnt ever work. The check engine light has been on over a year, dealer cant find anything. Brake wear is horrible, at least once a year replacment. Rear end squeaks. The rpm gauge has quit working. Transmission started slipping at 85k. Cant wait to sell!

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  steps review - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By stephan - June 13 - 2:00 am

  excellent quality for price excellent choice for people looking for sports look with some of the performance without the price

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  I love my Stratus - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By ladycook - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Stratus. It is beautiful! I get compliments on it almost daily. And it is one of the most fun to drive cars Ive ever had.