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:

• 

  Pleasently Surprised - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Rob Watkins - June 24 - 2:17 pm

  I bought this about a year ago. Ive had no trouble with it. Ride and drive is really good and better than I expected. 4 cylinder is quite athletic when the air is off, a bit boggy when its on from a stop. A/C is ice cold. Overall quality is much better than my last Chrysler product, a 96 Sebring conv. People comment on how handsome this car looks and I agree. I know some people have had trouble with their coupes but I must have gotten a good one. I like the dash and door panels a lot. My car has the Special Edition package, which is 2 tone leather seats and a couple other goodies thrown in. Inside, with the blk/gray leather seats is nearly luxurious. Gas mileage is good. Love this car!

• 

  Very fun and fast mid size car! - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By BLAIZE - June 20 - 7:44 pm

  This car is by far the best sports car Ive driven. With 200hp and 205lb torque, you cant go wrong. Taking off each time is like cake walk. Put the car in 3rd gear, and at 1500rpm, it takes off easy! Again the torque is amazing. The tires are very sticky. Suspension is perfect. I recommend the 5 speed manual trans. The inside is like a cockpit of a plane. Its also very low to the ground, but thats the whole point. This cars power band is 100% perfect as well, as there is no lag whatsoever. Overall, its worth it if you like to go fast. Its not as small as a Honda Civic, but it kicks the crap out of it! I recommend that you buy this car!

• 

  I Love My Stratus! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Chris - June 16 - 1:59 am

  I will admit, when I bought my Stratus, I was not pleased at the fact that I was going from a V-6 1997 Toyota Avalon to this four cylinder car, but after about a month of ownership, I fell in love. With the gas prices the way they are, my Stratus sips on gas and has adequate enough power to roll with the big boys! Its quite fun to drive, it has double wishbone suspension, so its nice on curvy roads. It has a humungous trunk, 6 x 9 speakers in the front and the rear (no need to put twelves in the trunk). And its pretty to look at, too.

• 

  Petes Stratus - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Pete - June 9 - 9:00 pm

  Very reliable car.150,000 miles and still going strong. Handles decent, great fuel economy. Its a good car car if you want the basics plus a few extras like AC, power windows and locks.

• 

  Engine Blown - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Jerry - May 30 - 2:46 pm

  Engine problems and more engine problems. At first it seemed great but at 55-56K it started to decline. I serviced every 3K and all regular maintenance. At around 90K, I needed my main gasket replaced. Then last week I was informed my engine was shot. Also, had some electrical problems with my windows and especially my radio/CD player. I purchased new with every upgrade, even smokers package (I later learned, even though I have never smoked for xtra $20). Car still looks great, interior & exterior still looks new. This is the second Dodge that this has happened, I owned a Jeep before this and I was to dumb to learn. Never again! I am buying a Toyota! Do your homework, dont buy Dodge

• 

  Awsome and Inexpensive - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Hope - May 28 - 8:26 pm

  When we first got the car I wasnt so into it. Now I love it. The sound system is great, its comfortable and has a sleek design. We couldnt have asked for a better car at the price we payed.

• 

  Classy Ride - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Carolyn - May 21 - 4:06 am

  My Dodge Stratus is a very classy looking car. I like the body style and the way it handles. Im very happy with it.

• 

  Loving it - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Jennifer - May 17 - 12:40 am

  I got my car an year ago and I love it so much. I only had one problem with it. Thats when my tranmission went out in it. But I didnt have to pay an cent to get it fixed. Its so much fun to drive and anyone who rides with me loves it as much as me.

• 

  Great car for the money! - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By nightram - May 16 - 3:57 pm

  I have owned this car for about a month now, and it is great! I have really no complaints about it. I have had many cars in my day, but this one take the cake so far. It is a smooth ride, handles nice, and lloks good. Even the SXT looks sporty, and it is very nicely equipped for the money you pay. The only gripe I have is the weird shift it has every once in a while, but no car is ever perfect.

• 

  A good & reliable car - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Annie - May 6 - 12:10 am

  This is a great car whether you drive in the city or highway. It is a good and sturdy car. It does great on gas mileage. I am disappointed at the comfort of the interior. The seats are uncomfortable for long trips. But if you intend to drive this car daily to work and around the city, it is the right size and the right car for you.