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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  Great sleeper car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Komomo - January 29 - 10:16 am

  Bought this car with 35K miles on it in a great-looking rare steel blue color. The car looks great, sounds just as good, has a quick, well-placed shifter and is much quicker than youd expect given the specs. My only significant complaint is that it is unforgivable for a car like this not to have ABS standard. Also a trip computer would be nice (rented a much cheaper PT Cruiser once that had a very good trip computer. Go figure.). Still, the overall driving experience is unparralled at the price, and it is the only American vehicle in this class (coupe versions of Grand Am/G6, Alero, Accord and Camry, but Mustang is a different type of car) to offer a manual with a V6. Shame on GM, bravo Dodge!

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  Stratus RT Coupe 2003 - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Karlie - January 22 - 5:43 pm

  I liked the features that came with this car from day one. I have had it just over a year now and have never had it into the mechanic shop for anything more than routine maintainance.

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  Run of the mill sedan - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Dave - January 21 - 9:32 am

  Very frusturating car to own. Ive experienced steering and electrical problems from day one. Blower fan not working on all speeds, radio turning on/off by itself, rear defroster problems. Had to replace the rack and pinion at 42,000 miles. Transmission pan to low to ground making it easy to bottom out resulting in leaks.

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  I loved it, just a couple minor issues. - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Chris Jensen - January 19 - 11:48 am

  I bought one of the first cars available. I loved the muscle car look. I buy my cars probably 75% on appearance first and go from there. The Dodge Stratus R/T has been fun to drive and still is. As far as problems in my fourth year as a Florida resident (heat) my dash started cracking in 3 spots and continues to worse all the time. The turning radius is awful with all the U-turns required in Florida. Front bumper catches on parking curbs constantly almost ripping it up. Other than these minor issues the rest of the car has been awesome and at that time in my life would do over again.

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  Great Family car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By luckieleah - January 19 - 11:42 am

  We have owned this car for a few months and absolutly love it! We had been looking for a toyota or Honda, but decided on the 06 Stratus instead because of the space and price. Since we were buying a used car, it was an added bonus that the car still had a factory warranty! We have a 2 year old boy and the car is big enough that we can haul all his stuff around and still have plenty of room for the three of us and a guest or two. My husband and I are both above average build and the front seats are very comfortable for us as well. The longest trip weve taken was a four hour drive through Kansas and the car handled well and we had no spacial complants as well. Great car!

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  In love with my Stratus - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Meg - December 29 - 4:16 pm

  I searched all over the Sacramento area to find my 4 door 2.7L V6 Stratus in the midnight blue. I drove it home and instantly fell in love. Wonderfully reliable, a nice aggresive acceleration, and so roomy inside. My husband was reluctant to buy it since he has a mustang but after about 2 weeks was totally smitten!

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  Back to my youth by CB - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By CB - December 29 - 10:13 am

  I origianally wanted to purchase a 2003 R/T, but wanted to wait till 2006 to buy it and by then it was gone. The wife mentioned to me that the local dealer had another one, but it was a 2004 and we checked it out and drove it home. It has all the options you can get, including a 6 CD changer. Ive not been sorry and not problems to date. The drive takes me back to my youth when I could hot rod around and I call this car my hot rod. For an old timer, I really love it.

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  Love my Stratus. - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By W Earp - December 27 - 6:49 am

  I bought my Status off the line. Great car! Have had very little trouble in over 62k miles. Only had a tire rod break on front right tire. It was under warranty. And now my blower 1-3 is out. Not too bad for over 3 years of owership. Just bad at Christmas.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By JOVANNA - December 20 - 2:14 pm

  This is the best car I have driven when it comes to speed and curves. Had a little trouble with the clutch after 36,000 miles. Got it repossesed, regret that and cant wait to get another one.

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  What a Versitile Vehicle - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Lisa Greene - December 18 - 5:53 am

  I have the larger edition of this vehicle. I can say as a single Mom with family over 2800 miles one way to visit each summer, this car is a champ! Less than $150 in gas from OK to FL in the midst of summer w/ a family of 5. Hail to Dodge. Please, make more like this!