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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  Dont buy one - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By cdc2272 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Dodge Stratus in the shop more times than I had my old beater in the shop. The heat has broken, my radio went out, the speaker wires were messed up, and now my brake light keeps coming on. This car is more of a hassel than it is worth. If anyone asked me before they purchased one, I would try and talk them out if it. And to top it off Chrysler Financial is a bear to deal with. I will never, ever purchase or lease a Dodge again! And refuse to ever deal with Chrysler financial in future endeavors.

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  TRANSMISSION WOES - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By puella - June 27 - 2:00 am

  my stratus has an automatic transmission...has a HARD downshift :( dodge says that the computer will learn my driving habits and the hard downshift will disappear by 6000 miles...hmmm the dealership service shop personnel drove all the strati on the lot and they all have the same problem...

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  1998 Dodge Stratus - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By godomino - June 24 - 8:42 am

  I purchased this car used with about 10,000 miles to start. Since my purchase in 1998 I have not had any problems with this car. I have just done routine maintenace on it. Have not had any components fail. Very good car!

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  Worth the purchase! - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By Sarah B - June 11 - 3:16 pm

  We were in the market last August for a car, and came to Edmunds.com. Of all the cars we looked up that we were considering, the 2003 Dodge Stratus R/T coupe had the best review. So we made the purchase and have not been let down! I would tend to agree with the other reviews regarding the emergency brake placement, but other than that we cant complain! Definitely worth the purchase!

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  2005 stratus - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By terry - June 11 - 10:23 am

  For the money, it seems to be a good car. We like the leather, and the sporty appearance of the chrome package. The fuel mileage was poor at first (19 Hwy) but seems to be improving.

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  Good car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Jo2knight - May 27 - 2:47 pm

  Ive had this car for approximately for 2 months. This car has been absolutely wonderful. I paid an excellent price for the car. If you look at the inside of the car, you can tell the materials that its made with are very sturdy and look like they will last a while. The performance of the engine is superb. The car is front wheel drive so you have to be careful to not accelerate too fast and turn at the same time. Overall Im very happy with the car.

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  Why I like my Stratus - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By KAL246 - May 19 - 2:45 pm

  It is better then my old truck. I bought it because my truck was costing me an arm and leg. I am happy with it thus far. I like the way it drives. Its very comfortable and easy to drive. I could get in my car and drive for hours and still be comfortable in it.

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  Good Value - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Ken - May 18 - 8:56 pm

  Overall, its a really good value. I always wanted something sporty, but also practical. It has plenty space at the back seats and trunk. Handling is amazing. I do not feel the speed at all and its very confident at high speeds.

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  Dodge Stratus R/T Coupe - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Terrimy - May 16 - 9:25 pm

  Ive been a little disappointed at the gas mileage. Initially it was 20 miles per gal city, 26 highway. Now city miles are about 15 miles per gallon. Turbo with automatic transmission helps me merge onto the freeway with ease. If I lived in the country or in the desert, I would entertain ordering a 5-speed manual transmission.

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  4 years later... - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By rtlady - May 12 - 4:10 pm

  ...and I still love this car. Only flaws so far-Im still having to replace or turn rotors every 7,000 miles or so, and they squeak inbetween the whole time. Definitely a bummer given that the car is such a head- turner. Also, my EGR valve went shortly after the 3 year factory warranty was up, and extended warranty doesnt cover any vehicle emissions equipment. Cosmetically, the paint has held up great (but then I really baby it) except the door handles look faded and the chrome-like finish is peeling off some of the letters. I also started hearing a "sproing" like noise around 20,000 miles when I first start the car and put it in drive and dealer cant find source of problem.