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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  You get what you pay for : ) - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Phat Strat - November 18 - 2:00 am

  My 99 Strat has 73,000 miles on it. Ive replaced the 02 sensor and transmission seal... thats it ($500 total). All in all, its been a trouble- free car that is plenty reliable. This car has great looks and will age well. All in all its a good car for the price. Hard to bash on a car that that was built/priced for the entry-level consumer.

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  New Stratus R/T - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By dodgeboy11 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive only put on a couple hundred miles, but here is my first impressions: Fun to drive w/ excellent handling. Good feel of brakes. Steering a little over sensitive, but responsive. Horsepower OK...nothing to write home about. I have noticed a couple squeaks and rattles inside...typical Dodge. Overall, about the most fun you can have in a car that is still practical.

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  A mere 8 - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By JCal - October 16 - 2:00 am

  The stratus coupe handles nicely, yet its missing something, it tends to hestitate when you kick it down. It handles great around corners and is very quite inside. The four disk CD stero has anice sound system.

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  overall a good car - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By masterflash - September 26 - 2:00 am

  This car worths its price. Its strong built, comfortable to drive and pretty powerful. But most of all its very good looking, reliable and good performance for its class. I compared it to Altima and Civic from the same year and betas them easily. It has minor inconveniences, but, hey, I paid just $15,000 on it brand new!

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  Watch for odd intermittant problems - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By casey - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Problems with loose electrical connections. Odd braking noises in hot weather and stop & go traffic. Occassional rattles in the dash as well. Wheel caps keep falling off as well. Otherwise I nice little overpriced car. Do NOT buy one at New Car prices.

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  Excellent Vehicle for commuting - 1996 Dodge Stratus
  By ltpwf - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has over 136000 original miles on it and it is still going strong. I have made sure proper preventitive maintenance has been performed and other than replacing the rear brakes this year I have had no problems with the car. I would definently by another one when the time comes.

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  Pretty reliable! - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Kevin S - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, Ive had no proplems except for the Catalytic convertor. Im at almost 200k kms and it runs beautifully. The only bad thing I have to say would be the front brakes, this car loves to eat brakes every 3-5 months so go to Midas and get the lifetime warrenty.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By FSUcutie00 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car. Its so much fun to drive and the speakers handle awesome. Its a fun and easy to drive car !

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  02 Stratus - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By CA94080 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought the V6 2.7L 2002 Stratus SE. Love its powerful engine and acceleration. Its AT is not as smooth as my GM car. The paint job is poor. The plastic interior looks cheap. The battery is at a very odd position (not viewable under the hood). The work room under the hood is very tight, which makes many maintenance job more difficult. The headroom for the front folks is too small, regarding the size of this vehicle. It has a huge blind spot at the drive side. Have to be very careful when change lanes. Fuel economy is about 21-22 mpg for mostly highway driving. The trunk is narrow, but quite deep. Reliability: after 8000 miles, no any problem so far.

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  1999 Dodge Stratus STD 4 Dr Sedan - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By purplerose_22603 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I have been overall very satisfied with my Stratus. A few things that need improvement are seats need to be more comfortable, more head room, and get rid of the motor tap. I love having the power options of windows, doors and mirrors. It has great pick up for a little motor.