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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  It will make you bankrupt - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By J. Gomes - January 28 - 5:37 am

  I bought a 98 Stratus ES for $6,000 in 2002 @ 79K miles. I drive about 18K miles/year. In 2003 I spent about $1,000 for fixing tie rods and stabilizer links and brakes and rotors. In the summer of 2004, I spent $3600 for fixing valves of three cylinders and changing the head gasket, distributor, timing belt, rotor, water pump etc etc etc..Now it is January of 2005 and the cars engine shakes and check engine light is on. The delearship thinks it is either two of the fuel injectors or valves again. Either way it will cost about $1,500. I am completely broke and frustrated, and in credit card debt.

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  Okay car for the price - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By Rob - January 18 - 1:25 am

  Bought this car in Oct ober, 2004 for $12k w/12k miles. I find the sedan fun to drive and comfortable, acceleration adequate with the 6 cylinder. Have already put about 6K miles on car. Kids complain on longer trips that the back seat is flat but I think the impressive crash tests override that. However, I have had problems with clicking and clunking sounds from the brakes and suspension. Dealership mechanics can never find it and I have heard the "We couldnt hear it" to "its not a problem" excuses although they have changed the rack and pinion steering. Also had a stalling issue that was corrected by a service bulletin. I feel these inconveniences are the price I pay for the lower sale price.

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  What is wrong with this car? - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By towerman78 - January 15 - 12:00 am

  At first I thought this might be a good car for the price but, then problems. As they say there is never a good deal, you get what you pay for. I have a stalling and acceleration problem that Bartow Dodge and Fort Myers Dodge cant seem to fix. I even have the full warranty extended to 72/72,000 but what good is it if they cant fix the car huh! This is my second Stratus and one Intrepid and Im done with Dodge...PERIOD.

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  Favorite Car - 1997 Dodge Stratus
  By MBV - January 12 - 1:19 pm

  I have never ben more satisfied with any other car. Never had to take the car to the shop for any reason other then a tune up or to fix something I did to it. Has 132k miles on it and hopefully will last another 100K. Ideal car for small people though. Could use more leg/head room for driver. Very comfortable on long trips too.

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  Awesome Dodge Stratus SXT - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By Carmen19 - January 12 - 1:01 pm

  I got into an accident where the impact was on the drivers side. The Stratus side crushed, but I was not injured at all thanks to the unique saftey design of the doors. It is an amazing car. If you want to turn heads, this is the car for it. It is very reliable, does well on long trips, and the sound system is great. The interior could be a little more sporty, but otherwise, I love this vehicle.

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  Excellent for the money - 2005 Dodge Stratus
  By William - January 11 - 2:22 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in november of 2004 and I love it. Dodge is building their vehicles much better then they used to. I recently found out that they partnered with Mitsubishi and merged with Mercedez Benz. I have the four cylinder and it gets 25 mpg between both city/highway driving, yay! Horsepower is decent. It wont win a race, but its enough, and the interior design is sweet.

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  1999 Dodge Stratus-150HP DOHC - 1999 Dodge Stratus
  By Mike- IL - January 7 - 12:01 am

  Overall not a bad car. Lets face it, the car is not a Mercedes but nice nonetheless. Power is adequate, cabin noise is average creature comforts are a little sparse but one can get by. I have 96,000 miles on mine and plan to get something else only because I am ready for a change..cant kill this thing..( I have not tried, and I have maintained it very well) Besides routine maintenance I have had only 1 problem and that was my drivers side window motor needed to be replaced at about 60K. I replaced my timing belt by choice at 90K and the waterpump as well.. I saw the belt the mechanic pulled..did not look too bad..could have let that go but wanted to make it through the cold Chicago winter.

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  One of the best - 1998 Dodge Stratus
  By Michael - January 5 - 1:07 pm

  Without question, the best car I ever owned. This would include: Toyota, Mitshubishi, Ford, Saturn. The car handles superbly and the V6 has plenty of punch while delivering a very nice MPG. Reliability has been excellent and with 90,000 miles, no problems. A tremendous value!

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  Black R/T - 2002 Dodge Stratus
  By Polo - January 4 - 3:02 pm

  Bought the car as a primary, but quickly picked up a winter beater because I couldnt stand to see my baby in the salt and snow. Have had minor problems (tire bulge from previous owner, rearview mirror lights not working all time) but the good far out- weigh the bad. You cant get a better looking car for the money. It will turn heads...even when its parked!

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  so far so good........ - 2004 Dodge Stratus
  By lovemystratus03/04 - January 2 - 10:24 pm

  So far so good. I bought my Stratus in March 2004 and I love it. It is fun to drive and has great handling. The V6 engine has a lot of get up and go. It is also pretty good on gas. The interior is spacious and the rear can hold my three kids (2 that are in booster seats) comfortably. The only thing that I would change is the console design and storage. Everything else I love!