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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  Status Coupe - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Begle1 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  We like the color and the look of the car. It has a good feel for the road and handling.

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  Nice - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Jason - October 10 - 7:34 pm

  I bought this car with 100,000 miles on it, and its still going strong. I have had numerous compliments on my car. And 9 times out of 10, its because of how fast it is. This is the most reliable car I have ever owned, and its never been to the shop for anything besides tune ups, and oil changes, and brakes. Drives well in snow. Vehicle also looks very sporty, and drives like a sports car.

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  Sad - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By KSD - September 30 - 9:43 am

  The 96 was much more enjoyable. The transmission has had trouble since day 1 in the 2003 model, and Ive had nothing but trouble dealing with the Dodge dealerships to fix it. Even though the transmission was replaced 6 months after I bought it, it has had problems the whole time of ownership. Ive had the car for 3 years. It has left me stranded on more than one occassion. Ive never been so disappointed in a car in all my life. I know one thing, my next car wont be a Dodge of any kind, ever again.

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  I would recommend this to anybody! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By DodgeMan - September 22 - 3:44 pm

  I Bought my 2001 Stratus SE Coupe last year at 100,000 miles for $7,000. It runs still to this day with no problems. Sure there are oil changes every 3,000 miles, but nothing else! Runs beautiful still to this day, and now has 203,000 miles Wow!

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  Disappointed - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Annie - September 16 - 1:40 am

  Ive had this car for 11 months and it is currently at the dealership because I need a new engine at 20,000 miles. I am very disapointed since this is the first American car I have bought. I owned a 2003 Honda Civic prior to this, and I regret that I ever got rid of it to buy an American car. I wasnt even given a rental by the dealer. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone. The worst part of it all, I am already upside down on my loan after 1 year. The depreciation of the value is astronomical. I just checked online and my 2003 Civic is worth more today than my 05 Stratus per Kelly Blue Book, go figure.

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  Dont let bad apples ruin your taste - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By kelcan - September 14 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my Stratus in the summer of 2004. It was a fleet vehicle. Which meant to me that it was basically a rental and we all know what people do to rentals. Nevertheless, I got it for a great deal. Although the car is a base model with a few add-ons, its quickly become one of my favorite places to hang out. Ive heard people complain about bad trannies in these cars, and there is some truth to the statment in that Dodge in general has unrealiable trannies, not specific to the Stratus. Furthurmore, if you buy from the dealer, the car comes with a great powertrain warranty. In every car company there are lemons, but my Dodge is a peach.

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  Great Car - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Dublin89 - September 13 - 5:37 pm

  I bought my Stratus SE 4cy a little over a month ago, and so far Im very pleased. Im getting about 28mpg, and thats with mixed driving from highway and city. The only things I have had troubles with so far is about a week after I bought the car, the engine light came on and they cant find the problem. The car still runs great.

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  Ho Hum - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Dave - September 12 - 12:53 pm

  Previously owned an 01 RT Coupe. It was a much superior ride. The 04 RT Sedan 5 speed manual is extremely noisy. The transmission sounds like a sewing machine, and even at 70 mph on the highway it is still prevalent. The 2.7 Magnum is efficient, but nothing to excite an enthusiast. This would be a good soccer mom car. Cant wait to be rid of it.

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  My 2004 Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By rob - September 7 - 3:12 am

  I bought my car to save on gas, and I really do. Its fun to drive and reliable, So far I am extremely happy the only thing that has failed was the resistor for the blower motor, and it was only $10 at a local salvage yard, and took 10 mins to fix as well.

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  Suprising Good Car - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By tarfman - September 6 - 10:03 pm

  Very cheap to buy. I bought for $4000 under NADA retail 4 years ago. The 2.5 V6 is far better then the 4 cyl. No major problems and very reliable. I have made no repairs to engine or transmission in 60k miles. Although the side cover on the tranny has leaked the entire time and required about a quart every year. I have replaced the outer tie-rod ends twice. I enjoy driving the car and the fuel economy is OK. The leather seats are falling apart. I apply conditioner regularly but they are cracked and tearing. Overall I am very happy. I bought it cheap and it has been very reliable. I did not expect to be so happy with a Dodge.