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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  Love It!! - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Carla - August 31 - 6:08 pm

  I have 168,000 miles and Im still getting 28 mpg. First 80,000 miles were city commute but last 88,000 have been all highway. I commute 140 miles to work (M-F). I have kept up on my preventative maintenance (not religiously) which has helped. I love the way it handles in any weather. I am concerned about the miles and how much longer my car will last.

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  2001 Stratus - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By Skeeter - August 30 - 4:30 pm

  I love this car! It has excellent mileage for a mid size car, even around town. I trust it not to let me down on long trips too. Also get a lot of compliments on it.

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  Nice car - 1995 Dodge Stratus
  By Josh - August 28 - 11:25 pm

  I drive a 95 Stratus with the 168hp 2.5L 24valve V6 under the hood. The car currently has 162k miles on it! Purrs nicely still. Transmission slips a little(what do u expect after 162k) Only things I have replaced(semi major) Wheel bearings, ball joints, all the way around as do many others.. water pump bearings are starting to go, a little valve lash on hot days..so what! It sure beats a monthly car payment to take care of the issues on your car.

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  Many small problems - 2000 Dodge Stratus
  By FuzzyDolly - August 28 - 11:22 am

  When I bought this car in 2000, I was upgrading from a 95 base Neon. At the time I thought I was making a smart decision, guess I was wrong. Although there have not been any major problems with the car, there have been many small ongoing problems. In 5 years, Ive put 39k miles on it, and am on my 4th set of brakes and rotors. In the last year, my hood has rusted through, and the bushings AND bearings have gone. In 5 years, Ive also had to replace the engine mounts TWICE. With the cruise set at 65, I get 20 MPG. In suburb driving, I get 16-17. Expected better mileage. Dealer said this is all normal wear. Funny, never had these problems with any other car. Wish it had Intrepids reliability.

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  Poorly designed - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By joseph - August 27 - 3:21 am

  This vehicle looks nice and is fun to drive. The problem with the vehicle is that Dodge designed it to fall apart and then be so difficult to fix that you would be required to bring it to a dealership so they can make more money. For example the battery is not accessible from engine compartment, must remove tire to access it, drain plug for radiator inside of bumper, brake caliper made out of plastic so it fails every 2-3 brake changes. everything requires special tools to repair it. not an easy car to fix despite many problems with it, gaskets failing, etc. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Very pleased with my Stratus - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Deb - August 26 - 6:11 pm

  My Stratus rides extremely smoothly, is very comfortable and extremely quiet. The 4-cylinder engine has excellent pick-up and I get great gas mileage.

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  Good fun for the buck. - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By anthjaco - August 18 - 5:06 am

  Dodge hit a triple with this car! Good road feel and lots of get up! Good spacious interior and great sport look.

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  Great Car - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By George Noble - August 17 - 4:05 pm

  I have owned Chryslers in the past and just traded my 2000 Stratus for a 2005. The price was surpisingly good, the looks and performance are great. I have owned Chrysler products in the past and have never been sorry. Dependable and fun to drive. I would not want another brand of car.

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  2002 Stratus SXT a good value - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By cdf - August 16 - 9:09 pm

  This is my 2nd Stratus, and for the money it is a great deal. I had only one minor electrical problem with the A/C unit and the dealer fixed it promptly. The car should come standard with window guards as the roofline will leak the water in without them. The seating is very comfy as well as the ride. The sound system is more than adequate for a base vehicle. Fuel economy is reasonable at 25 city/30 highway. its a nice vehicle for the money. Chrysler cars will be parked in my driveway for a long time if they keep this price/value relationship

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  Satisfied so far - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By sabrina - August 13 - 7:20 pm

  I bought my 98 Dodge Stratus 3 years ago and have had slim to no problems with it. I have had to have the fan belt tightened, and at around 90k miles I had to have new spark plugs and wires, thats it. It is good on gas and is a smooth ride. I will probabaly get another Dodge.