Overview & Reviews

Subtle styling revisions are the most obvious change to the Stratus for 1997. Sound systems have been improved, rear seat heat ducts benefit from improved flow, and the optional 2.4-liter engine runs quieter. New colors and a revised console round out changes.

• Huge interior, great handling, excellent value, good looks

• Rear visibility, no manual transmission with V-6 engine

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 41.00

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  Dynamo Dodge - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By peteram360 - September 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has been our family work horse for 6 years and 240,000 miles. Other than routine maint. can only recall having to replace a couple fuel pumps, oxygen sensor and valve seals. Not too much to ask for a car I feel looks and drives better than anything else in its class. All I can say is thank you Dodge, youve had some great products! And God Bless America!

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  even some great cars have flaws - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By dodgeguy - September 14 - 2:00 am

  My 1997 Dodge Stratus with a 2.4L engine with DOHC runs pretty well. The problems were it idles too high and the head gasket that everyone has a problem with. The interior is the most comfortable than any car leather or not. The sound system is the best out of the dealership. Acceleration is not bad considering that it is a 4 cylinder. The body durabilty is amazing and safe. I recently hit a deer going about 55 mph and hit it on the front left corner. Looking at the aftermath the car I was shocked to see that all that was wrong was a broken headlight and the fender and hood were bent a little bit.

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  bob - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By bob998877 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  good car, no major problems, had some work done, but reliable and am impressed with the american car

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  Great, Dependable car - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Mopar4Life - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I got this car from my dads job at a dodge dealership at a great price and Ive been nothing but happy with it. The 2.4L in the car is probably the peppiest 4 cyl. in its class. I had the head gasket changed before I got the car (All 95-99 stratus needed the new metallic head gasket). I plan on using this car throughout college without it having a bit of trouble. Im extremely happy with this car, especially with the money i paid for it. GET IT!

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  Satisfied - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Vitis - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been an OK car except for the notorious head-gasket for the 4-cyliner engine. But, as a poor graduate student I have no room to complain when I can make it New Orleans from Carbondale on a tank of gas.

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  Great little car - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By DualStratuses - July 30 - 2:00 am

  In my family, we now have two Stratuses, both 97s, both 2.0L and five-speed stick. Mine is Forest Green Metallic and my fathers is Light Silver Fern Clearcoat. They are great little cars, cheap, peppy and safe. My father has 230,000 miles on his, and hes only replaced the infamous head gasket, the rear main seal (and consequently the clutch), and a left wheel bearing assembly. His car still gets 35-37 MPG on the highway. I just bought mine today, well see if mine turns out as well as his has.

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  1997 Dodge Stratus 4 cylinder manual - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Dan in Maine - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a good basic car. The fuel mileage has been great as I get an average of 37 MPG in summer and 31 MPG in winter with my 4 cylinder standard. I had to replace a head gasket at 90,000.

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  Up in smoke - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By vanishpoint - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 1996 and we loved driving it. Great interior. Liked everything about it. Then the problems started. Water pump & head gasket (at only 50,000 miles!). Yesterday the fiancee and I met with the florist for wedding flowers someone asked if that was our silver car with the steam coming out. Yep. Except it was smoke. Two firetrucks later and a completely burned out front end, were waiting on the insurance. Still, it looks great from behind and the interior remains beautiful -- at least the firewall works.

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  Stratus ES - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By pitt1991 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been great. No major problems. Needs more head room and better location for cup holders.

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  big mistake - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By matt - April 16 - 2:00 am

  the more people i come across the more i see the same problems with this car head gasket front end parts and the head i have spent over 3500 just to keep it running the first year and a half i had it and i did find out other people had the same problem