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:

• 

  Can be fun, but... - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By sad stratus owner - May 1 - 2:11 pm

  I like how this car looks and how it handles, especially in slippery conditions, but Ive had to bring it to a dealer for warranty repairs about every 3 months since Ive owned it. The front suspension, interior wiring, pretty much every interior switch, radio, heater, transmission components, and other things have been replaced, some multiple times. Its also leaked transmission fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid. Now I need a steering rod replaced. Once the warranty on this car expires, Im done with it.

• 

  My Second Dodge - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By steve - April 30 - 8:27 pm

  The car is very dependable even in the coldest, wettest weather in the northeast, especially when very cold temps. Starts up without a problem even at 15 degrees. The car handles very well in blizzard conditions.

• 

  Love it - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By mikey - April 30 - 7:38 am

  I love the look of this car. I love the pickup it has and everything. I wish they would have made the interior a little sharper and the brake dust has got to go!

• 

  Problems! - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Danny - April 26 - 3:03 pm

  So many problems with it. Dashboard randomly went out and none of the gauges worked for a period of time. All four tie rods went bad at 83,000. Has not been generally reliable

• 

  Gas mileage champ - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By CEB - April 18 - 2:31 pm

  I purchased this car with 150K on it. Had to do some minor repairs to it. I have the 2.5v-6 in it. I cant believe the mileage I"m getting 31-32MPG for the power & acceleration it has. Only major repair was a $300 fuel pump. Has been real reliable. Comfortable & sporty looking. Will get another one when this one dies. Has a 190K now and still going strong!

• 

  Give it a chance - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Naomi - April 12 - 3:57 pm

  I just got this car and it is a very nice car, fun to drive and everyone I know really likes it. In fact 2 of my friends are getting one. It is under $20,000 unlike most cars with the same options. I feel it is a good car with lots of room in the back. My friend is 62 and fit in it w/o hitting his knees on my seat. Overall I give it a 10. My reason I got it is because a friend of mine has had theirs for 3 years and loves it and has been very reliable for her.

• 

  Happy driver - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By deano - April 11 - 3:34 pm

  Has been a very good car, 65,000 so far. Will buy another one. Its fun, good fuel economy, reasonably fast, looks good, been reliable. Is holding its looks well. Has been much more fun with a set of Contis on it versus the OEM tires. Great in the MI snow.

• 

  Disappointed - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By Thomas Palmer - April 3 - 2:39 pm

  A/C drive shaft broke at 60,000 miles. $758 repair. Timing gears, bellt and tensioner broke at 79,321. Head gasket blown at 79,321 miles. Transmission kaput at 79,321 miles. Cranshaft oil seals leaaking at 60,000 miles. Est $4200 to repair. Will junk this car because Blue Book is only $1200. Very, very disappointed with the drivetrain of this lemon.

• 

  Dodges = Fun to Look at... Bad to Own - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By cwy - March 30 - 5:57 pm

  Love Dodge styling overall and have owned several Dodges over the years. Had a 6cyl 2001 Stratus ES for almost a year but experienced constant overheating problem, steering problems, and ball joint replacements. This was a "certified" used car from a Dodge dealership. Had a 98 ES also with almost no problems in aver 75K miles but this one was a bust. Also had two Caravans which experienced ATX problems and various brake and lesser interior fit and finish issues... going to Toyota and Honda... mmmm...but must resist Dodge nice styling and innovative features (Charger/Magnum/300...etc)

• 

  Fantastic Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Impressed - March 28 - 12:39 pm

  This is the 2nd Stratus SXT Coupe Ive owned. Both trouble free, an excellent car in every respect. Fun to drive, dependable, economical and stylish. The 4 cylinder motor has adequate power and Ive averged 25 mpg in the 2004 with an automatic trans. The 2001 I owned was a stick shift and consistently got over 30 mpg. The 2001 had 90K miles on it when I sold it and never gave me any problems. The 2004 has been equally as impressive. Great sound system, comfortable seating. A terrific value!