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 so far - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By watcher7 - March 9 - 6:56 pm

  Purchased used with 26,000 miles have 36,000 now with no problems mine is a 2.7l flex fuel. Very comfortable and quiet ride. Transmission seems to lose fluid slowly over a long period of time but find no leaks had a few rough gear changes but other wise flawless . Plan to keep and have no regrets so far.

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  Not too bad! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Justin - March 5 - 6:27 am

  So I bought this car with 228 000km on it and it has about 236,000. It has been back to Nb a couple of times. I only have had to replace the front brake pads! The engine makes unusual noises but then again i drive it pretty hard. It was kinda last minute decision to buy this car. Pick it up sick for a v6 but like i said its older and underpowered. Shakes on the highway and just in generally very poorly constructed. Transmission is so unreliable its a sin but still Im attached to it. It isnt bad for first car owners

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  i love my little sports car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By courtney - February 25 - 4:55 am

  i love my little sports car. I fell in love with it the first time that I drove it and knew I had to have it. It has the perfect amount of get up and go and can get you in lots of trouble if youre not careful. Knock on wood that I have not had any trouble since I bought it. Now that I have gotten married I need a bigger car but I just can not stand the thought of someone else getting my baby. If I could I would keep it as my little run around car. Also I was told that I would not get better than 25 mpg on the highway. Well my little silver sports car fooled them. I get 31 mpg. I am very satisfied.

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  Stratus R/T 5 Speed - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By JackV - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt necessarily looking for a car this big when I started, but when it was all said and done the bang-for-the-buck of the Stratus R/T was really hard to pass up. It shifts smoothly and everything feels "tight", its very responsive and fun to drive. Initially I hadnt planned on getting one of the factory radios (had planned on putting in my own), but I listened to the Inifinty speakers and decided that the bass and clarity they deliver was more than sufficient for the relatively- little extra they cost.

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  I love my Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Billie - February 11 - 8:35 pm

  I bought my Stratus in June of 2005. I bought it used and it has been a wonderful car for me. At first it took a while to get used to, because my previous car was a roomy 4 doors Grand Prix. I love the sporty design.

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  Dont buy - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Skidawg79 - February 7 - 7:46 pm

  Upon hitting 40,000 miles my Stratus has been breaking down approximately every 3 months. In the past 20,000 this is a list of things that have happened. A car slammed its brakes in front of me, I went to hit mine..didnt have any! My master cylinder broke and needed replaced. Then about 3 months later my compressor went and I didnt have any air conditioning while I was stuck in traffic on a 90 degree day. Also my water pump went, Ive had the valve gaskets replaced twice, upper and lower radiator hoses and the thermostat, also my clutch needed replaced due to a manafacturing defect. Only good I can say is that its good on gas. I will never buy another Chrysler product again!

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  Dodge Stratus #1 - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Bill - February 6 - 4:59 pm

  The car is a pleasure to drive, it handles very well, it feels light and nimble. It getts good fuel mileage. I have been getting 28mpg week in and week out. I am happy with the performance, it is a 150 hp 4 cylinder and it feels very strong off the line.

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  Anyone ever see/read "Christine"? - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Jason - February 4 - 9:39 am

  Yes thats correct, I think I love my car a little too much. I dont know what I like best about my Stratus R/T but a few of my favorite things are the handling, the ability to accelerate in traffic, the feeling of being "attatched" to the road via the low profile tires and stiff suspension, the leather seats and the stock "Infinity" 4 disc changer. Love the looks of the car and the way Ive seen people stop and take a gander at it. What can I say, Im in love.

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  Solid Build Great Car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By travelin man - February 2 - 4:57 pm

  I am a cross country sales rep and drive an average of 30-40k a year. I recently sold my 02 Dodge Stratus with 194,550 miles with no problems whatsoever. I change the oil every 3- 5k and it gets me where i want to go. Solid car. My 2006 SXT has 55k on it already and has been just as reliable. How can someone buy a Camry for 4-6k more? I havent yet figured that out. I owned an Accord before my Stratus and lost the vtec engine at 100k. Pretty bad Id say. For the price and reliability you cant beat a used domestic.

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  Great car, bad tranny. - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Tim - January 31 - 6:11 am

  After 5 years and over 100,000 miles this has proven to be a surprisingly comfortable and reliable car in general, and it has even aged very well. Ive replaced niggling stuff like the wiper arms and washer nozzle, but everything else has held up. Its very easy on brakes and tires (each replaced only once in 100,000 miles), and the engine has always been smooth and quiet and required no unscheduled maintenance at all. The scary part is the most expensive part of the car. The transmission has been the leakiest Ive ever seen in my life! It has leaked from day one and after replacing $1000 worth of hydrolic hoses and modules it has a bad leak again!