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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  new RT 2003 - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By chuckdog - January 13 - 2:00 am

  love the car. i drove a 92 chevy corsica for 10 years...so this is great. Ive only had the car for about a month, but ive had a lot of compliments. I have never seen another 4 dr R/T on the road though. Not as quick as Id though it would be, but it handles better than I thought. One complaint is that there are only 4 color options

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  Stratus has been a good car for me - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By itprof20012002 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1997 (2.4, auto), have 160,000 miles on it right now and still running strong. Had a few repairs along the way but nothing that has ever left me stranded. Had to have head gasket replaced at about 110,000 and front wheel bearings and tie rods at 150,000. My next car purchase will have a better than 90% chance of being another Stratus.

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  FRobyne - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By FRobyne - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I am the first registered owner of this vehicle. I have been very pleased with the ride and styling. I expected better gas mileage. At 50000 the head gasket began leaking on the 2.4 ltr engine. I know of four other owners who have experienced this same problem with the same size engine. The other vehicles were 1998, 1999, and 2000.

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  Thats a Dodge? - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By deeceedan - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This car has lively excelleration and a 5 speed manual transmission. lots of fun to drive. The rear seat has ample room, but it can be a chore to get in and out of. Its very pretty to look at, and the handling and steering make long trips fun. People ask me "Is that a Dodge?"

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  98 Stratus - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By 98stratus - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle when I turned 17, its a good reliable car to drive, the handling is decent. I have so far replaced the brakes, the headgasket (under warranty), and the tires... around 70K miles... the car now has 95000.. I now plan on trading it in soon for an Eddie Bauer Explorer. All and all its a good reliable car!

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  Please Fix The Gasket Problem - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By paulf - December 22 - 2:00 am

  I have 107,511 miles on my 1998 Stratus. I bought it before it even had the chance to even hit the lot and have put every mile on it. I havent had any mechanical problems at all except for the oil mixing with the antifreeze. All Ive had done to it, besides routine maintenance was change the timing belt at 100,000 miles. I must admit that even with the head gasket problem, It has not been a bad car. I would recomend it. Plus it looks great.

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  Satisfied - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By EBacuyag - December 18 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I am very pleased with this vehicle.

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  Mr - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By Junglejim - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as a lease return in 1998. Since trhen I have had only 1 problem - head gasket failure which was a common thing for this era of Chrysler cars. In spite of being out of warranty Time wise, it was repaired for only a deductible charge to me. It has been very reliable, and the finish is still spectacular. It has been an excellent car for me.

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  My Dodge - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By RyanL - November 25 - 2:00 am

  I am a commute to college and work, so I rely heavily on dependable transportation. I love having the power of a V6 along with outstanding fuel economy. The cars rides smoothly and comfortably. My only gripe are the brakes. Ive had to turn down the rotors at 25,000 miles and later replace the front brake pads and rotors at 40,000 miles. I also think the front springs may be on their way out at 48,000 miles. Other than that, I change the oil every 4000 miles and the car runs great.

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  Pretty good car for the buck! - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Dwayne G. - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Stratus for a year now and I have gotten fairly good service from it during this time. I bought it with 12,000 miles and now have 45,000 on it. Only a few minor problems with it which the dealership took car of after a few visits.