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 Car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Pbdb - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for about a year and I have had no problems at all. It would be nice to have better cup holders in the car.

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  First car I paid for - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By kurtural - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This was the most expensive car i could afford on a graduate stipend and it turned out to be the most reliable car I have ever owned. I will keep it for a long while. I wish the interior design was a bit more flashy

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  2001 Dodge Stratus RT - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By porkchop89 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, slick and good looking. Lots of features standard and the stereo sounds great. The only problem is some clutch chatter when cold on chilly days and sporatic rattles. Controls are well laid out and logical. The only thing I would change is the cruise control needs lighting for night use. Would look better if it came with wider tires and not so much gap between the fender wells and the tires.

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  average car - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By MidnightRT - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my RT for 6 months, never any problems. I purchased a large aluminum spoiler, to hold the car down at fast speeds, and a Tenzo exhaust, sounds great. Turns a lot of heads, speakers are incredible. Back seat actually fits an average sized adult! still a bit tight though. If you want a car that will turn heads, pass with no problem, and do highway driving, its great. Long trips get cramped and tired easy. Gas is terrible in the city. Very good in snow, never a problem and I am in new england! Tons of standard features, and great value for the money. BUT the resale value is the worst in the industry, so be careful if you want to sell it in the future you may loose a lot of cash.

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  dodge stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By natcheew - April 6 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car new (68 miles)it drives and handles good.some vibration in steering wheel,car has 11000 miles on it.uses some oil 1/2 quart in 1500 ml.gas milage 22 1/2 mpg,gets about 26 on interstate,cruise works good as all power equipment.the seat gets "Hard"after about 100 miles,on a scale of 0-10 i rate the car at 7.5

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  Get the most - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Christina - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I love being able to get the engine to respond when I need to move quickly or just show off what an R/T is all about, but youve gotta get the manual, that auto-stick thing is a joke. I was considering an Eclipse as well, but once I realized all my friend actually HAVE legs, I thought itd be nicer to get the extra 4" in the back. Plus, being a young adult, I researched car insurance and found that the rates are much higher for the Eclipse.

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  I really like this car! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By okcKev - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 22 cars so far, this one has been my favorite. Its looks are deceiving, it has a lot more room than youd expect. The car has been very reliable. I still have no leaks, squeaks or rattles. I avg. 23mpg combined city/hwy and 32mpg hwy driving (2.4L 4cyl). I will probably buy another Stratus when its time to replace this one. I presently have 60K miles on it and only routine maintenance has been required to date.

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  Pretty good Car - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Billaaf - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Just wanted to give a rating, not go into details

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  Help, They cannot fix it - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Ronda - March 19 - 2:00 am

  First, let me say I love this car with two exceptions. My first problem is a very high pitched squeaking noise when accelerating and it goes away immediately when letting off the accelerator. The car has been in the shop 3 times with 3 different answers. Shop #1 told me that they know about this but cannot fix it. Shop #2 told me it was the steering pump and they replaced it, but that didnt work. Shop #3 told me there was a recall and they replaced the power steering fluid, of course that didnt correct the problem either. My other concern is the huge drop in value of this car. I have every option on my car and it has dropped half its value in 6 months, that seems a bit excessive.

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  97 ES - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By jc - March 18 - 12:07 am

  Great bang for the buck. Large interior is very comfortable.