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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  Me & My Dodge - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By plegal_101 - March 31 - 6:23 pm

  I was going to write a review weeks after I got my car, but decided that wouldnt be the right thing to do because I hadnt "broken it in" by then. So now I write almost 3 months later and I am SO glad I waited! Car was fine until about a month ago. I started hearing weird things with the brakes and took it in (better safe than sorry) and got the "nothings wrong, these are brand new brakes" ordeal. Thats fine, but why do they squeak like they are old as dirt? I dont like how my seat belt (the little clicker part) is all the way down on the floor and I have to reach in a really ackward way to get to it. The interior is also cheap looking but I needed a car badly!

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  Inferior Engineering - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Unsatisfied consumer - March 28 - 2:01 am

  Time and time again Chrysler proves to the American public that they dont care a great deal about building a reliable automobile. My 1998 Stratus WAS just like any other Dodge car- a pile of junk. Head gasket, radiator, transmission,and internal engine problems all before 70,000 miles. My advice to anybody is to stay away from the Stratus. Yes, you can get into one a bit cheaper and they are comfortable to ride, but you will pay for it in repairs. Chrysler should be ashamed of themselves for building a disposable piece of junk. My contacts lasted longer than my 1998 Stratus. It depreciated faster than a share of stock in Enron

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  Nice car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Andy - March 24 - 3:34 pm

  Very nice looking car. Even with the 4cyl car has good power. For a small car is very comfortable on a trip.

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  Not your daddys old Dodge - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By budnelson - March 20 - 7:25 pm

  Had this car 15 months....15,000 mile - no problems...lots of compliments on the looks....pearl white color looks sharp when washed....fun to drive

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  Very Good - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By MaryPaige Anderson - March 19 - 11:49 am

  This is my 2nd Stratus and I love it as does everyone who has rode in it. Its sporty looking and great on gas. Would I buy another one? Perhaps. But Im looking for something a bit larger now as in the new Dodge Charger. Although I love my Stratus. Dodge builds great vehicles I have 5 Dodge vehicles now that includes the Stratus and 4 trucks. You cant go wrong with a Dodge built vehicle they last forever!

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  Love It So Far ... - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By argus - March 10 - 10:00 pm

  Bought an auto. Wouldve likely bought a 5spd had I found one. Transmission shifts just fine though-- Im impressed and overall extremely happy. Deep Red color is really beautiful--this car gets plenty of looks. It has more power than I need and not so much that Id get myself in trouble. Good job, Dodge

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  Good price, good value - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Randy - February 19 - 11:14 am

  Excellent gas mileage and dependability. I think it has a nice sharp sedan look and it rides very well with great acceleration. I was impressed with its road handling for an inexpensive car.

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  Quality Car - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Gary85741 - February 19 - 11:10 am

  This was my first new car in eighteen years. I researched my desired factors and options on the internet and arrived at a Dodge Stratus. I rather like having a car in which you dont see yourself coming and going on the highway (eg., not half the people are driving one.)

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  Love this car - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Paulamoore8 - February 12 - 5:37 pm

  I love it. For the price I paid I think I got a lot of fun car for the money. If anyone is looking for peppy little car, try this one. I have teenage boys that love it too. The biggest gripe I have is it is somewhat difficult to get in and out of, but once I am in its a blast. I get a lot of second looks

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  My Stratus experience - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By DG64 - February 7 - 3:53 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 1999, it has been a very car. We have taken it on several long distance trips. It is very comfortable for long distances and we averaged 360 miles per tank on our trips. My only complaints are that 2 days after purchase, it had to be returned to the dealer for replacement of the computer control panel that controls all dashboard features, and they had it for 58 days. The other problem was that we had to replace the fuel pump last spring. When we removed the old one, we found that the wires going into it were scorched- I researched this and found that it is a fairly common problem although no recalls have been issued for it.