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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  Mixed emotions - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By 01 Stratus SE Sedan - October 21 - 10:12 pm

  My Status was a company lease with high highway miles. Im not quite sure what the deal was, but I had so many problem with the car. Luckily I had the factory and the extended warranty that I chose to purchase. I am currently on my third A/C & heating control module. The chrome lettering on the sides, "SE", "DOGDE", "STRATUS" peeled off. I t has very low head room, especially in the back seat. I was very surprised by the power it has for a 4 cylinder, but very disapointed in the gas mileage. I had the same mileage in my old Lumina 6 cylinder. I had a theory about first model year vehicles and a recent issue of Consumer Reports saying that they have more problems.

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  Always a mechanical problem - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By dodgeowner - October 19 - 12:20 am

  Weve had this car for 5 years and there has always been some mechanical problem that just wont go away or is easy to fix: faulty fuel pump (was replaced under warranty and still faulty) CV joint broken blown head gasket in 2004not as quiet to road noise as before some interior light features broken power lock doors from key entry never worked speaker system wires faulty radio control panel difficult size to replace with new system for home repairs, the parts are all not easily accessible at all.

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  A 7 - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By terry - October 10 - 2:16 pm

  It is a good car for a Dodge but there are several minor things that you would expect with a Dodge. The interior cup holders stink. It does handle and perform fair. But for the money there are a lot of nice things. I would definitely have gone with the Ford Fusion if it was out 2 months ago.

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  How it handled in an accident. - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Al - October 5 - 1:39 am

  I was in an accident last week in my 2003 Stratus SE because a fool on a four-lane highway decided to turn left from the right lane, and while I was traveling in that left lane. (He said I was in his blind spot. Guess he never took drivers ed.!) He nearly t-boned me, but I have lived to tell the story. The car was totalled. Both airbags went off, the windshield broke, the front right side sustained much damage, but I was able to get it stopped in a field, not tip over, and pretty much got control as soon as possible. His car was about the size of mine, which helped, but I now have enough faith in the car to buy a 2005 version, which we did just tonight.

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  OK for a starter - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By speechie - October 3 - 9:07 pm

  I bought this car for graduate school and it had already been in the shop to replace the head gasket. Since that time, Ive replaced the brakes, O2 sensor, CV axles, among other things. I guess Dodge either makes a reliable vehicle or a lemon. It now has 92000 miles and Im trading it in for something else. Im not in love with this car and Im looking forward to something else, especially with better gas mileage.

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  Never Again - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By notagain - October 3 - 10:56 am

  This car is the least reliable of any I have owned. At less than 40,000 miles a rear wheel bearing had to be replaced. At 69500 miles the transmission suddenly failed with no prior warning, leaving me and my family stranded 300 miles from home. I had to leave the car at a dealership 300 miles from home for two weeks to get it repaired. The Chrysler dealership- rebuilt tranny failed within one mile of leaving the dealership. Now the check engine light comes on once every couple of weeks, each time for a different problem. Responses to my complaints to Daimler-Chrysler indicate that they are unconcerned.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By curvy roads - September 26 - 1:53 pm

  This is my second Stratus. This time I took all the options. The car is a reliable car, it is comfortable, the sound system is great, and it is so fun to drive with the V6 and the 17" wheels. It is pretty spacious inside, and the trunk space is generous (particularly with the fold down rear seat). Its not a Mercedes or BMW, but its a good car for the $19K +/- I paid ($26K sticker).

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  Dodge Staratus 2004 - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Beth0004 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my one year old Honda Civic for a 2004 Stratus. I have made the right decision. It is more spacious, more comfortable and it has sharp lines.

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  I like it! - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Csadie8 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I really like my new 04 Stratus SXT Coupe. Its fun to drive and has pretty good fuel economy compared to other models that are similar. I really like the chrome accents...I just want more of the nice exterior on the interior. Its nice but not great. Im waiting for more customization products to come out for this one... Such as accents for the interior.

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  The best car in town - 2006 Dodge Stratus
  By dana - September 13 - 1:48 am

  This car is nice and sporty, also it is very roomy in the back and has lots of power. I would recommend this car. It has everything that any other car has except for heated seats and navigation system, but thats ok because who needs all that. I just want the speed and the look because its a sporty car and fast. It is a womans car for sure.