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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  Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By JennW - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Excellent choice of vehicle. Great for any family....very spacious backseat and trunk area.

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  OK but too pricey - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Tom Clark - August 28 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Ford SHO for 10 years, this was about the only American car with stick shift. Its a bit of a disappointment--engine weak with poor acceleration, stick is smooth, interior appointments, even with leather, not first class, but rattle- free after 13,000 miles. For the $26K, its overpriced, and the headroom is the pits. Im only 57", but cant wear a baseball cap without dragging on the ceiling. Overall, an average performer in a dog-eat-dog world. I want American, but the options for real quality in the mid- 20s is seriously lacking across all brands.

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  All this under $20,000 WOW! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Jeanette007 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  They only problem Ive had with my car is the alignment, which was fixed by the dealer at no charge.

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  Got my moneys worth - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Steve Pavkov - August 16 - 2:59 pm

  For the low price of just over $13k, I feel the car performed well over the years. There were numerous "little" problems with it, such as electronic issues. I also had a fuel injection problem with it costing me $1K. When the car reached seven years, interior stuff like seats and plastics started to fall apart.

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  Stratus R/T - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Steven - August 14 - 10:36 pm

  I bought the Stratus R/T 5sp and loved it from the day I saw it. Very quick, fun to drive. Lost it in a accident and I cant wait to get another one same year

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  Dodge OK if under warranty - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By dennis lang - July 29 - 6:25 pm

  Stratus works well untill the factory warranty expires. Tranny went out at 45K, fuel pump failure at 50K, electric mirror switch at 60K, heater fan blower resistor went out 4 times in the last 3 years. Save money and headaches and purchase a Honda. Chrysler should spend more money to develope a transmission that lasts longer than 45K and less on TV ads.

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  Loved it at first - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Not a happy camper - July 27 - 5:13 am

  When I bought my car it was great the first three months. Since that time I have had the car in the shop 6 times. The engine has been replaced, the seat belts have been replaced and I am wondering what is going to go wrong with it next! I replaced a 10 year old Chevy with 150,000 miles on it with this Stratus and it has been in the shop more times in the 11 months I have owned it than my Chevy was the entire 10 years I had it. I have written Chrysler and they say it doesnt qualify for the lemon law even though it was in the shop 3 times in 3 months for the same problem. I guess since they replaced the engine they figure that fixes everything. I want to trade again but cant afford to.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Eddie - July 23 - 4:23 am

  I am very impressed. The coupe has such a more sporty feel and kick to it. i finally feel like I have a car I enjoy driving, and look forward to being "The driver". With tints and the great silver paint job this car just gleams at night.

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  Dodge Stratus r/t - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By joe - July 3 - 12:18 am

  Very good performance. Better than expeted gas mileage, (about 26 mph city). Car is admired by young people. Have not had it back to the dealer except for one minor issue. Lots of room in trunk. I like the automatic stick shift.

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  Id buy another - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Ray Bank - July 2 - 1:19 pm

  This has been a fine car in nearly all respects. The only gripes I have is the difficulty of replacing the air filter and the battery. Otherwise, the car has everything I want: looks, performance, handling, comfort and economy. I have the 2.7 V-6. Maintenance costs have been minimal and I have 77,400 miles on it. Ive been looking at other cars, but I guess Ill just wait until they come out with the re-styled Stratus and Sebring sedans.