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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  Awesome - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Mollie - August 8 - 3:31 am

  When I purchased my Stratus I was worried about gas mileage, but it turns out that gas mileage was no problem at all. I would recommend this car to anyone. It is very comfortable and the stereo is awesome. I just love the way the outside looks too.

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  Dodge 2003 Stratus Sedan - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Ed Eberl - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Attractive car, but Chrysler still cannot seem to get it together 100% like my Mazda and former Honda. Her is some excamples. Windshield wipers not designed to set down they set up about 2inches on the glass on the passenger side. Rear seat cushions not properly fabric fitted, buldges. Power windows go up to far. Electronic issues, apparently still being developed, like the idle control and automated gear shifts.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By KAB - July 22 - 9:20 pm

  I have the Stratus SXT Coupe. I purchased it 1.5 years ago and I love it! I have the ocean blue color. I am always getting comments on how "pretty" my car is! My only complaint is that it is very small. I definitely do not recommend it for someone who has children. Car sits a little too low to the ground. The trunk is huge and mine came with a 4 disc CD player which is very nice.

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  2004 Stratus sold for Taurus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By dhermesc - July 22 - 4:43 pm

  I posted on how well I liked the Stratus last December when I bought it. Times have changed. Transmission failed at 19,880 miles, despite the granny driving habits of my wife. 6 trips to the dealer later (and two car payments with little or no driving) they finally got it running well enough that I could dump it. Traded for a 2004 Taurus SES. This was my first Dodge in 15 years, I think Ill wait another 15 before I try again.

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  SXT sedan review - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Robbie May - July 17 - 10:17 pm

  I bought a Stratus SXT sedan (4 cyl), and I have liked it from the start. The handling is great. I get about 27.5 mpg from the car, so thats pretty good too. I love the styling of the car, both exterior and interior. I get complimented all the tme about the car. And now, the aftermarket scene is starting to pick up.

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  Wonderful car - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Steve McKnelly - July 14 - 11:01 am

  I have the SXT Special Edition and I love it! Quiet on the inside with a nice, deep exhaust note on the outside. The only problem Ive run into with this car involves the O2 sensors. One of them died in the first 12,000 miles. When they replaced it at the dealership, it wasnt until I returned with the same problem that they learned there was a misprint in the service manual. If you have work done on this problem and it doesnt go away after service, have the dealership verify the part number with Dodge.

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  Awesome looks - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By mike - July 3 - 3:20 am

  I previously drove a 2003 Honda Accord coupe with a 4 cylinder. While the Dodges acceleration is not quite as good as the Hondas, its handling is far superior, and it has a lot less body roll. The tires are too eager to squeal on the Accord on turns. The interior of the Accord is nicer, but the Dodge looks a lot better on the outside. For as long as I have had this car, nothing has gone wrong. This car is an overall good buy and very sporty, if thats what your looking for.

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  Hot Red R/T by Tom in TN - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By TVBAR - July 2 - 2:36 am

  I bought my R/T new 16 months ago with 87 miles on the car. I now have a total of 50,000 miles on it. I have not had any repair issues with the car. I change the oil every 3000 miles and follow the required maintinance schedule. I just changed my first set of tires at 48,000 miles. The car runs great, and has a dependable 3.0 ltr engine. This is my 2nd Stratus. I had a 2000 stratus and put over 150,000 miles on it, and it ran great.

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  Great car - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Dean - June 29 - 6:13 pm

  I now have 90k miles on my Stratus and have had only one problem so far, and thats the head gasket leaking oil, which seems to be the norm for this car. Its fun to drive and looks good. I love this car, and am thinking about getting a new one.

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  dodge stratus coupe - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By mike - June 27 - 2:42 am

  I have owned this car for a few months now, and I have had no problems so far. It has great handling, good acceleration, and is fairly comfortable on long trips.