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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  Great Car - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Great Car - December 5 - 7:56 am

  This is a great car. I have owned lots of cars and I think this is about my favorite. I think they should put better tires on though, as mine has 18,000 miles and look like racing slicks. Goodyear Eagle LS was not a wise choice. Brakes had to be replaced at 11,000 miles. But other than that I love this car. Sometimes i find myself taking the long way home because i just enjoy driving this car. Oh yeah.... when new... be ready to pay for some gas till it has about 5,000 miles.... felt like I was trying to keep gas in a V8 instead of a 4cyl.

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  I love my car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By I love this Car - December 3 - 9:55 am

  Ive had this car 18 months. Its fun to drive and beautiful. Mine is red and got me two tickets shortly after purchase. Since the warranty expired I have noticed quite a bit of wobbling in the front end, and during a traffic jam it over heated. Not sure its going to be economical in the long run. But maaaaaaaaan I love this car.

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  Not a bad little sedan - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By Paul - November 27 - 1:15 am

  Bought my 2000 ES V6 in 2000 while I was shopping for used Audi A-4s. This is 3/4 the car for about 1/2 the price. Only complaints are that the Left side speaker quite working at about 60k and the Premium sound just isnt the same with one side only. Plenty of get up and go with that V-6 and the interior has held together well. No major problems, but it does go through brakes and tires a little faster than you would expect - of course, one tends to take the turns & twisties pretty fast in this thing.

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  Stratus V6 sedan - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By chuck diggs - November 17 - 4:24 pm

  Have some brake issues such as warped rotors and a little shakey on stops. Other than that the car has been a good car with no other problems.

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  Love this car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Mia - November 7 - 9:18 pm

  I bought this car 6 years ago with 20K miles on it. 3 cross country trips later with over 130k miles and its still in great condition with only routine checkups and TLC needed. I bought another car 2 years ago but we still use this one. I will miss it when we eventually sell it.

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  Good but whiny - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Joe Lewis - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Dodge I have ever had. I like the looks of the car and it is comfortable for long trips. I have been spoiled by some of the GM features Im used to so it is hard to get used to not having those features on this car. My only complaints are the whining noise that changes volume and pitch with the reving engine, the vibrating rear view mirror, and the rattling seat belt buckle. Also, the spoiler hits the radio antenna when opening and closing the trunk. While I like the looks and comfort, these complaints will keep me from buying another Dodge product.

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  I Love My Stratus!!! - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Becky - October 30 - 3:43 pm

  I had a Dodge Stratus back in 99 that held me through 250,000 miles....I never had a problem with that car and only had to replace the norms (brakes, etc)...I only traded it in because of the miles and only had problems with other brands until I purchased another vehicle made by Chrysler/Dodge. Now I have a 2003 Sebring and my new baby, my 2005 Stratus. I love this car in the way that it handles, the look, and the gas mileage isnt too shabby either.

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  Cant trust the power windows - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Magic Dragon - October 30 - 9:44 am

  I bought the car when it was a year old. Two years later, the drivers power window went bad and Ive had that same window fixed a total of 5 times in the last year. I can no longer use the window because I dont trust it to operate correctly.

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  A lucky find or a total bomb - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Allen - October 28 - 11:27 pm

  Dodge isnt consistent in this model. Some people get lucky and have no engine problems and some people dont. If your considering a stratus that has minor engine problems DONT GET IT PERIOD! Bought mine with a small oil leak. Ended up replacing the OEM headgasket ($1500 no biggie considering what I paid for it at the time--it was a common problem) fixed that and in a week the rear main oil seal went out. I knew I had problems and tried to sell it but now the transaxle quit and the engine is missfiring. After $3000.00 into it I cant sell it for a cent!

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  Stay away - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Travlnmn41 - October 27 - 1:27 pm

  Do not buy this car. My AC went out after 3 years and it was no minor problem -- it was a $2,700 problem. Also had to completely replace my brakes and one part unique to the coupe was hard to find. The shop had to special order it and I was without a car for a week.