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 in the city - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By todd recker - June 11 - 2:00 am

  ive had this car for a year and have not had one problem. i am the second owner and i bought it w/ 65,000 miles and have 78,000 on it now. the paint quality is awesome with no rust spots. the car still has the original battery after 7yrs. the car is beautiful inside and outside. the 1st owner only had regular maintence plus a new A/C UNIT put on it and a steering pump. NO HEAD GASKET PROBLEM AND NO TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AT ALL!!!!! the only two problems i have is that the door rattles everytime i hit a bump and the tires stink too.

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  Great car for the money - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By bfulmer - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Stratus ES for almost 4 years now and I absolutely love it. Even though I had to put a new tranny in it at 115K, its been extremely reliable. I put at least 25K on it a year driving from MD to Cape Cod several times a year plus to clients as far as 150 mi. per day. Its strong, great in the snow and the Auto Shift is awesome. Very spacious inside, room enough for 5. I have 171K on it now and its still going.

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  Sportster - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By bakerstalder - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I like the car...husband should have thought twice before getting it, we have two young toddlers. No room!

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  Up in smoke - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By vanishpoint - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 1996 and we loved driving it. Great interior. Liked everything about it. Then the problems started. Water pump & head gasket (at only 50,000 miles!). Yesterday the fiancee and I met with the florist for wedding flowers someone asked if that was our silver car with the steam coming out. Yep. Except it was smoke. Two firetrucks later and a completely burned out front end, were waiting on the insurance. Still, it looks great from behind and the interior remains beautiful -- at least the firewall works.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By bdscoach - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new and have been very satisfied! Sexy styling and eye catching color (inferno red) is just the beginning! Rides great, quiet, comfortable and enough accessories to satisfy creature comforts. So far (2500 miles), no problems or rattles. Fold down rear seats are a hidden value. Good basic trasportation makes this vehicle a good car for the money.

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  Stratus ES - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By pitt1991 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been great. No major problems. Needs more head room and better location for cup holders.

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  black stratus - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By redrpb - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Exactly what it is an affordable sporty car.

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  Good Car Overall - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Dodgefam - May 4 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Stratus for about 4 years. I has been a great car with lots of room. However, the passenger side window control does not work. It must be rolled up by the driver and the left rear window control on the drivers console does not allow the window to role up the window. The window must be rolled up from the back control. The truck release seems to stick. On the most part I am very pleased with our car--Lots of pep and a very smooth ride.

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  hmmmmm - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Ka0sZombie - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Good car but the cup holders are in a bad place.

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  Solid used vehicle... - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By billwfriend - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Picked up used in 8/01 w/ 42K miles. Now at 67K and running good. Did recently have to replace power brake booster $230 and repaced factory warped rotors with new aftermarket $100. Had car in for 60K service $150. Only other issue is with sub-zero cold starts in Wisconsin winters. Car needs a little gas and a couple of minutes to get the shivers worked out. But thats to be expected with a 6 yr. old vehicle.