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:

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By tgrbtr - April 12 - 12:18 pm

  I was going to just pass this car by when I was looking, Im glad I didnt. I needed a car to go back and forth to work in and this car fits that job to a T. Its no rocket but compared to my old 99 Neon it feels like one. I really am glad I found an R/T as there dont seem to be a lot around here. Ive added a few things to help out the fun factor (Brembo rotors w/ new pads, K&N filter, Tornado air foil) Cant argue with build quality as it is a Chrysler so Ill forgive some of it, but as a work car or just for running around town its great!

• 

  Great Bang for the Buck - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By A.Smith - April 6 - 2:38 pm

  This is totally fun car to drive. After a few months and changing to performance tires with my 2006 SXT, there have been no problems of any kind. The power of the 4cyl engine is great, and it comes off the line as spirited as a 6cyl engine. The interior and trunk room is outstanding, and the ride is firm and comfortable. My wife loved it so much after a few trips behind the wheel, she threatened not to let me have it back. Its a good, solid and fun car for the price. Great second car!

• 

  I Love this Car! - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By M Phillips - April 5 - 8:29 pm

  My husband and I bought this car about a month ago. We were looking for something roomy enough to fit our 1 year old car seat comfortably as well as me who is 61. Well, we found it. This car is awesome. My husband loves the fact of how sporty the car looks even thought it is a mid-size 4 door. The compartments are great and the car gets awesome gas milegage. Roomy and just a nice overall interior. Could not ask for a better car.

• 

  Dont waste your money! - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Melissa - April 3 - 12:55 pm

  I bought the car because I loved the look, and it seemed great durning the test drive Its had issues since I bought it! The steering wheel mysteriously locks up, then releases its self, the brakes and rotors have been changed many times, by different people, so the constant squeaking and grinding I know has to be a problem with the car. The dash board rattles, the road noise is horrible, the windshield wipers are a joke (not the blades, the bolt holding them on, the part that squirts the cleaner, etc) And now the trannys going out. Theres so much more to complain about but Ill just leave it as Ill never buy another and highly suggest no one else does either!

• 

  Underpowered version - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Mac - March 28 - 1:43 pm

  I like the looks and style of the car but the engine is underpowered without getting great gas mileage. Have had some mechanical issues also. A good car but dont get the SXT underpowered model.

• 

  A Good Car with no problems - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Sue - March 26 - 8:58 pm

  Bought my ES used from original owner. It is the top of the line for the year and the only problem I had is with brakes, changed twice in 3 months one year, but it was due to defective brakes. Engine has 151,000 miles. The car handles well and runs soundly. Never had an engine problem or anything major happen. Starts up every time, doesnt leak a single drop of oil, still gets 26 mpg highway. I have always had good luck with Dodge and my next car (picking up tomorrow) is the 2008 Avenger SXT, which is replacing the Stratus. The Stratus is a well made vehicle, at least mine is, anyway!

• 

  Best value for the money, stylish, and unique - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By RT in NJ - March 24 - 6:40 pm

  The car will provide you the best value for your dollars. The car is so stylish and head turner. People will ask if its really a Dodge. A lot of power and fun to drive, either. This car is awesome!

• 

  Reliable car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Flo - March 18 - 5:19 pm

  Purchased my Stratus R/T in 2002 w/about 2K miles. Its now 3/2007 and I have 214K miles on it. So far, Ive had no problems with the car. The only repairs that were done to it were those necessary due to wear and tear. Thank God it has a Mitsubitshi engine...if it were a Dodge/Chrysler engine, I dont think the car would have lasted this long.

• 

  Sweet Car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Tanya - March 16 - 8:44 am

  I commute about 100 miles a day and have been very happy with this car.I have had the same front end problem with the shaking and also had to have my inner tie rods replaced but with as many miles as I have put on it I have to expect some maintenance. When its really hot and I have the ac on it tends to want to stall when I come to a stop light but has never died. Great gas mileage, love the 4 disc CD changer, and love the style of the car. I upgraded the wheels and rims and it makes it look extra sharp. The trunk is huge and great for groceries. It is kind of low for my parents to get in but I like it because it adds to the sporty look. Overall a great, sporty, reliable and economical car

• 

  Satisfied - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By BML - March 14 - 11:22 pm

  I just purchased this car about 3 weeks ago and so far so good. We went from a 2000 Cougar which we loved to this. Although the Cougar was more sporty and smaller this still allows us to have the fun factor while felling safer with our child in the car. I was suprised that this 4cyl pushed out 150 hp and seems to be getting decent mpg. My daughter loves the fact she now can sit in the middle and see everything where with the cougar the bucket seats did not allow that. On the outside it seems as though its a avg mid size car but inside there is more room then my first apt. I like the stock stereo and all the little compartments. I have managed to pop a tire already but cant figure out how.