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:

• 

  2nd review for this car - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Case Anarchy - January 23 - 2:24 am

  Ive had the car for over 2 years now and put on almost 50000 miles. Only had to do maintaince repairs, brake pads, tire, no major components replacements. Oil must absolutly be changed after 3000 miles. Car is now five years old but still not showing any rust and the engine and transmission still work just like when I bought it. The drivers door lock switch stopped working but everything else is still in good shape. The car has averaged 30 mile per gallon in the time ive had it. Handles good on winter roads too.

• 

  Great Starter - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By benstewart - January 22 - 4:08 pm

  Got it for high school graduation with 74,000 miles on it and couldnt be happier. I dont know what the previous owner replaced, but I have spent only 200 dollars replacing oxygen sensors. The Stratus is unusually peppy for its price and size while it gets 30 MPG on the highway. To many of the complaint reviews here: The longevity of the car can reflect the way you drive it. The back right window no longer works. Complaining about gas mileage? This gets 21 MPG city, which isnt good or bad, but keep in mind - you are reviewing it in 2004 or so, compare to cars of the same year, technology progresses! I have to admit, the gauges look cool at night.

• 

  Very Nice and Fun to Drive - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By James - January 8 - 6:29 pm

  The driving experince in this Stratus was fun. I know when I get in this car I would really enjoying crusing in this car. It is such a pleasure passing by car doing 70 without an effort. The performance overall has really satisfied me. I am in college right now and I am young in need for speed. I have put some money in this car and it never cease to amaze me.

• 

  Stratus RT 2dr coupe - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Gregory Pappas - January 8 - 6:04 pm

  After the 36,000 mile warranty expired it had 10 problems including motor mount, air pressure engine sensor, trottle position sensor, starter motor, cam belt tensioner, 3 gear syncro, 5th gear synchro, A/C, battery, electric rear view mirror (twice), before reaching 66,000 miles. The front brake pads and clutch ($1,400) were replaced due to wear. I am 59 years old and drive mostly highway miles. This car has had more problems than the combined problems of the previous 6 Chrysler product cars I have owned over a 24 year period.

• 

  Own it, but dont care for it - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By car - January 4 - 7:32 pm

  The Dodge Stratus is a nice car, but when it comes to it being the all around vehicle I wouldnt own another one. And trust me its no fun climbing out of your own vehicle anymore. I should have bought a truck.

• 

  Like riding on Air..... - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Sherry - December 31 - 12:47 pm

  This car is so comfortable. Not only is it great to drive, but Ive found that it is a nice family car. The only word that I can say is "Comfortable". Very smooth and so far no mechanical problems. I am loving the smooth ride and decent stereo. I think I will have the car for a long time.

• 

  Great car for the money - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By runninwild - December 26 - 5:57 pm

  I bought this car with only 200 miles on it, i love it. It hits high speeds and handles like you would not believe. The only problem I found was that it stalled but that was fixed buy replacing the sparkplug wires and replacing the plugs with platinum plugs. Also use semi-synthetic oil. Otherwise it works great.

• 

  Mistake - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By luvleia - December 21 - 8:30 pm

  After it was one year old, things started going down hill. Were now getting electronic and mechanical work done on it before the "new" warranty runs out, then we plan on trading it in before its too late. It could just be my car, but theres definetly problems with it and I think a recall needs to be made on the rear barrings, etc. Im about to bring it to the dealership for the 4th time and they still cant fix the problem. Next time well visit Honda or Toyota.

• 

  Good "First" New Car - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By Mike - December 20 - 3:56 pm

  This is a great car if youre new to the "new car" market. Easy to drive, has what you need, and nice safety features as well. Back seat is spacious and the flip down seat is nice as well. Overall, the Stratus is a good sturdy car for the just-out-of- college buyer (like me).

• 

  Gotta go with the R/T - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Tony K - December 15 - 3:37 pm

  Ive had my Stratus R/T now for 6 months. Plenty of horsepower and still get 30 mpg on the highway. I got mine fully loaded w/ auto-stick, moonroof, leather, infinity sound, chrome wheels. I get a lot of nice car compliments. Dodge did a great job with this car.